Page 32 of Worth the Risk
“Messy and in need of some work?”
“I was going to say warm and beautiful.” My face heats. “You’ve done a great job with renovations.” I wasn’t expecting that.
“Thank you. I still have a ways to go, but it’s getting there.”
“Why don’t you go sit on the couch and I’ll get you something to eat.”
“You don’t have to do that. I’m not that hungry.”
“Fine. Let’s just sit on the couch and I’ll find us something to watch while you rest.” He plops onto my couch and grabs the TV remote from the arm.
“You want to stay?”
“Yes, if that’s alright.”
“I guess so…but why do you want to stay?”
“Is it so hard to believe that I want to spend time with you?”
“No, I’m charming and incredibly funny—” He smiles at that. “—but right now my head feels like there's something inside of it, pulsing before it finally explodes.” His brows pull together and he starts studying me.
“Winnie, you look exhausted—just come sit by me and rest for a bit.” I am exhausted. I’m barely staying upright so I relent.
“Fine.” I take the few steps until I’m standing in front of him and he pats the seat next to him and smiles.
“I won’t bite Winnie…not unless you ask nicely.” He throws me a wink and I snort at that, then wince at the painful action, but sit next to him. He immediately puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me into him so I’m tucked into his side, head resting on his chest. I instantly relax into him.
“Dragonfly? Playboy Bunny? Angel wings?”
“What?”
“The cover up.” Is all he says. I try not to laugh because the pain in my head is already too intense.
“Nope. None of those.”
“I’ll figure it out. Now, what should I watch?” I have been here before with him many times, Rhett is an amazing cuddler—I feel safe with him. That’s kind of the problem.
“You can always watch a cooking show, or catch up on The Bachelor first hand.” I smile knowing he’s pretty caught up because of our conversation the other night.
“You can pick whatever you want, though. I have all the hockey channels.”
“Why do you have all of those?” There’s teasing in his tone. He knows why. Because I’ve watched every single one of his games. Even when I was heartbroken after having gone to see him that last time. I decide to tease him back.
“Maybe I have a thing for hockey players. Some of those guys are unbelievably hot, Rhett.” I talk as quietly as I can. I want to talk to him, but the pounding in my head won’t subside.
“Which guys?” I smile because he sounds jealous again.
“Oh there’s the defensemen that plays for San Francisco…the center for Vancouver…oh and the goalie for Dallas…I have a list…”
“A list, huh? And how long is this thing?”
“Oh, last time I checked there was maybe 30, 35 names on it…? That’s just a ballpark.” He runs his hand over my arm in soothing circles, his fingers trailing up and down. He moves up to my neck and gently massages. I’m melting.
“Yeah? That many? And where am I on this list?” I know what he’s doing.
“Who says you’re on it, Holloway?” I barely get it out without moaning when the pressure he applies to either side of my neck increases.
“Ouch.” He stops massaging me and grabs at his chest in mock pain. “You’re telling me not only did I not make top 5 but I didn’t even make the list at all?”
