Page 25 of This Time I'm Keeping You
“I’m sorry I left the hospital without letting you know,” Poppy said when the silence settled around them.
“Okay, you’re forgiven,” Nick said.
“Yeah, it’s not like we don’t mess up constantly,” Emma said.
Nick raised his mug to that.
“So is there any chance I can get more of your books signed, Poppy?I lost those copies you did for me yesterday when I was saving you.”
Poppy rolled her eyes.“You did not save me, but you did look after me—I’ll give you that much.”
“Heartless woman,” Nick said.
“I’ve got some copies upstairs.I’ll get them now.”
“I can get them.You’re injured.Just tell me where they are,” Em said.
She tried to get out of her chair, but Nick held her down.“Let Em get them.You’re hurting and tired.”
“I don’t take orders from you,” Poppy said.
“Not sure why you’d be different when we all have to,” Emma said, getting out of her seat.“Where are they?”
“The copies are on my desk upstairs in my room.”
She opened her mouth to tell him what she thought about his bossy attitude after Emma had gone, but he kissed her again.
“Stop that.”She pushed him away.
“I enjoy kissing you.”
“Look, Nick.This?—”
“Is new, and something, but neither of us know what yet,” he said, cutting her off.“Stop overthinking it.”
“I overthink everything.It’s how I’ve survived.”
“Survived what?”He frowned.
“Nothing.Just a figure of speech,” Poppy said quickly.
“Found them.”Emma thankfully returned, and Poppy got a pen and signed the books.
“Got plans for the weekend, Poppy?”Nick asked when she was finished.
“Not much.I’m going to rest and write.”
“How are you writing with that?”Nick pointed to her sling.
“My fingers are not broken.”
“Just take it easy.”
“I’m not one of your siblings, Nick.You don’t have to worry about me.”
“He worries about everyone.Eldest child,” Emma said.“He takes the position seriously.”
“I’ve saved your neck a few times.”Nick shot his sister a pissed-off look.
