Page 26 of My Knight Before Christmas
He frowned. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
No, I wasn’t. But this was not the place to discuss his other girlfriend. “We’ll talk tonight. I need to get back to work.”Chicken.
He frowned before placing a quick kiss on the top of my head. “I look forward to it.”
I did not.
I was late getting home from work and barely managed a quick shower before Liam showed up at the exact same time as Spencer for our game night. My goal to dress up in order to break Liam’s heart died on impact. Guess my wet messy bun that looked like a drowned rat matched how my heart felt. Seemed fitting.
My friends and their significant others took over the conversation from the moment the men arrived. Which I was totally okay with since tonight would be the last time I ever saw Liam. There was no need for me to engage more than what was strictly necessary. Liam kept shooting me worried glances and asking if I was okay. I’d shrug and just say I was tired, which was mostly true. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally tired from work and the games Liam played with my heart.
An hour into our first game, a severe migraine hit me. Halo-spots danced in my vision and I grew nauseous. The only thing to do was take meds and sleep in a dark, quiet room. But what about Liam? We really needed to talk.
“Liam?” I stood, gesturing for him to follow me. If I could get this over with now, I’d be able to sleep soon.
He pushed his chair back from the table. “What’s wrong?”
“We need to—“ A strong wave of pain rippled through me like someone was squishing and pounding my brain at the same time. I held my head in both hands, wincing through the nausea.
Liam and Amy’s voices were soft. “Avery, what do you need?” Amy asked at the same time Liam said, “How can I help?”
“Pain meds and sleep.” I kept my eyes closed against the bright lights in the kitchen.
“I’ll bring in some water,” Anna volunteered.
“Come on,” Amy said to me, leading me toward my bedroom with a hand on my back.
“Can I get you anything?” Liam asked.
I moaned. “No.” There was no way we could have our talk now. Liam and Amy helped me climb into bed.
“I’ll go grab some medicine. Be right back,” Amy said.
Liam sat next to me, his fingers rubbing up and down my arm. “I’m worried about you. You’re working too much.”
“Be fine."
“Would you like your hair tie removed?” he whispered.
“Yes, please,” I croaked. It was probably a good idea. Although, I was not sure how someone so sweet could be so cruel.
His fingers worked swiftly, removing my scrunchie. The released pressure helped my tightened scalp. When my hair was loose, he ran his hands across the top of my head, massaging as he went.Oh, that feels good.
“You need to sit up so you can take these,” Amy said.
Liam slid his hand under my back, guiding me into a sitting position. I cracked one eye open so I could grab the pills Amy held out to me. Anna stood behind Amy with a proffered glass of water. I swallowed and handed the cup back to Anna.
“Get feeling better, Avs,” Anna said before leaving my room.
Liam gently laid me back down and readjusted my blankets.
“I’m sorry I ruined everyone’s plans,” I apologized to Amy and Liam.
“You haven’t,” Amy patted my hand. “But I am worried about how many hours you’re working.”
“I told her the same thing,” Liam said.
I rolled over in bed, laying on my left side, hunching into the fetal position. “Meg will be back soon enough.”
