Page 114 of His North Star
“Agreed. I haven’t showered in days,” Ty grumbled. “These sponge baths are crap. I’m not sure how I’ll accomplish it, but it’s first on my list.” His lower lip jutted out like an adorable three-year-old pouting.
“I know who could help,” Charlie said with a grin, staring at me.
Fire flashed across my chest and up my face. Showering with Ty would be. . . a second wave of heat slammed into me. I slid my cool fingers along the side of my hot neck.
Ty’s spoon paused midair.
“Charlie Fitzgerald Montgomery, don’t you dare tease them,” Denise threatened with narrowed eyes. She glanced at me. “I’m sure the nurses will show Tyler the best way to accomplish that on his own.”
I slowly nodded.That nurse better be a guy.
Ty looked at Charlie. “They said I need some clothes to go home in since they had to cut me out of the ones I arrived in. Mind getting me gym shorts and a T-shirt?”
“Trying to get rid of me?” he asked with a wicked grin.
“I’ll go with.” Denise stood, waving Charlie out of the room with her.
After they left, Ty set his spoon down.
I took the chair next to his bed, repositioning it to be as close to Ty as possible. “Anything I can do to help you get ready to go home?”
His eyelids fluttered closed. “Home has never sounded so good. I can’t wait to get out of here.”
“How’s your pain level?”
He updated me on how he felt, what the doctors said rehab would be like, how limited his movements would be while he healed, and that he’d have to take the next four weeks (at least) off work.
“So what’s our plan to keep you entertained while you’re stuck at home?” I asked.
“Don’t you have to work?”
“Of course. But since we just hired someone and you live three houses away, I can dedicate quite a bit of time to you.” We should just kiss the time away.
He lifted his lips into a smile. It didn’t quite meet his eyes.
“What’s the problem?” I asked.
His good hand massaged the bridge of his nose. “I don’t know. I feel scrambled.”
“With work? The house? Your body? Us?”
“Most of the updates are done at home, but the kitchen is still unusable. And this will sound stupid, but my sheets are dirty. I’m so grimy right now. I want to feel clean and go home to a clean bed. Plus, I’m so frustrated I missed out on the meeting today. Maybe I’m not ready for the next level.”
“Hey, look at me.” I smiled softly. “I’ll wash your sheets. I can’t do much about the kitchen, but I’ll bring you food from my house. As for work, I get that you’re frustrated you missed out, but don’t let this accident shake your self-esteem. You’re an amazing real estate agent, Ty. This is a momentary setback. It’ll all work out, okay?”
“Thank you for taking care of my bed.” He leaned his head back on his pillows. “I feel so defeated right now. I bared my soul to you and now we’re stuck rather than going out on dates.”
“Ty, don’t.” I took his hand in mind. “Our focus is on healing you. I’m not going anywhere.” There was one thing that would leave his brain without any doubts about my dedication to him. Was it selfish of me to act on it? Absolutely. Would I beg his forgiveness rather than seek permission? Also absolutely.
I stood. His green eyes widened as I slowly moved toward him, hovering over him. This was not how our first kiss was meant to happen. With Ty’s body wrapped, poked, and weak. But it wasn’t about perfect settings. It was about me showing Ty I was his. And he was mine. I meant it when I said I wanted him. All of him. The whole, freakishly strong Ty, and the frail, down-for-the-count man before me.
“Mare?” he whispered. “What are you doing?”
Our mouths were centimeters apart. “Proving to you I want you. And that you’re stuck with me for the rest of our lives. I’m here, no matter what. I love you.” Our breaths mingled, Ty’s with a hint of basil from his soup. I slid my hand to his jaw, my thumb gently caressing his rough stubble.
My lips brushed softly against his. They were plump and perfect, exactly how I imagined they’d feel. Ty slowly moved his mouth against mine. My heart exploded like a supernova. Why had I allowed fear to let me miss out on years of this? This sweetness, this tenderness? I pressed firmer against his mouth. His lips parted, and I took the invitation to intensify the kiss. Heat seared my body and soul. My nerves sang in delight that finally my dreams were coming true.
His right hand wound itself around my waist, pulling me closer. I could stay here for a very, very long time. In fact, whoever needed us in our day-to-day life had to take a raincheck. We would be busy doing this for the foreseeable future. Could the doctor prescribe making out every hour on the hour as part of Ty’s rehab?
