Page 82 of Cloudless
She shrugs like it’s not a battle I’ve fought every day for the past few years. “She asked for it. Said Mace’s cooking isn’t gross.”
“What about their homework? They have a math test tomorrow.”
A smile lights Kam’s eyes as he leans his elbows on his knees. “Dax and Wyatt are taking care of it. Don’t worry.”
I blow out a relieved breath that takes all the tension in my shoulders with it. “Thank you guys so much. I really don’t know what I would do without all of you.”
Ellie squeezes my shoulder as she stands. “You’ll never have to find out.” A smile pulls at her lips. “I’m going to go put the leftovers in the fridge and let the twins know you're awake. They’ve been worried sick, so prepare for lots of cuddles.”
My eyes roam over Kam’s exhausted face as she leaves the room. “How did you know I was sick?”
He slips his hands in mine as a crease forms between his brows. “Jasper called me this morning when he couldn’t wake you. He nearly scared me half to death.” His eyes turn pleading. “Neverdo this to me again.”
I nod as I tighten my fingers around his. “I’ll do better.” My arm feels like lead as I try to lift it to his messy curls. A sharp pull on my arm halts my movements. I look down and follow the clear tube attached to my arm to an IV set up next to my bed.“How in the world did you get an IV set up without taking me to the hospital?”
A blush crawls up his cheeks as he rubs his thumb over the back of my hand. “Coach’s wife is a nurse. She came right over when I called this morning.”
“Lulu! You’re awake!” A splitting smile blooms on my face as my brother and sister race into the room. Jasper’s voice still holds a hint of fear I will regret putting there for the rest of my life. “We were so worried when you wouldn’t wake up.”
They crawl onto my bed with a gentleness I’ve never seen from them before as I pull them close. “I’m sorry I worried you. I’m going to take much better care of myself from now on.”
My eyes find Kam’s as they settle against my chest like they did when they were only a few months old, and Mom and Dad would put on a movie for us all to watch.
The smile on his face can’t hide the dark circles under his eyes that weren't there last night.
I’m realizing that if I want to take care of the people I care about, I need to take care of myself first.
I mouththank youto Kam as I snuggle back into the blankets. His answering wink ignites butterflies in my belly that I’m not sure will ever go away when I’m around this man.
I’m not sure I want them to.
CHAPTER 38
THE BEAUTIES AND THE BEASTS GROUP CHAT
KAM
THE BEAUTIES AND THE BEASTS GROUP CHAT
Ellie has added you and four others to the group.
Dax
Yo! New group chat for the win!
Mace
I did not consent to being added to this group chat.
Ellie has removed Mace from the group.
Wyatt has added Mace to the group.
Mace
THAT WAS A JOKE
Ellie
