Page 253 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus
Following Melody’s heat, I wake up feeling clearer and more coherent than I have in two or three years.
I spend a few hours fixing code that’s been annoying the hell out of me. It’s like a fog has slowly started to dissipate. Things I could do before, that have been harder since I got my diagnosis, are now surprisingly easy again.
It’s close to ten-thirty when the red, glowing numbers on the clock catch my attention. I only planned to spend an hour or two finishing up some work before the others got up.
Pushing the chair back from my desk, I aim to find Mel.
The nest is empty.
I check both living rooms and am on the verge of texting someone, but I aim for Miller’s bedroom first.
Melody is knocked out on his chest. A giddy warmth fills mine.
She didn’t bolt following her heat.
Well, at least not yet.
If she does that’s fine, I’m flexible on living locations. Texas is hotter than the world’s armpit, but I’ll survive if she’s fond of it.
I grimace.
I’m not one of those people who handle heat or sweat well, but I can always stay indoors and make sure we’ve got the best air conditioning money can buy.
Miller is awake and typing something out on his phone.
“She’s not feeling well,” he whispers, running his free hand over her back. “But she said my scent settled her stomach...” He quietly goes through the events of the morning. “I’ve got to check in with the shit show downstairs. Will you stay with her?”
“Of course,” I agree, “are you going to move her to my room or?”
“I don’t want to risk waking her, but once she wakes up you can ask her what she wants to do.” He nods for me to come over. It’s a slow process as he carefully removes himself from under her, rolling her to face the middle.
I climb into the spot he vacated. He gives a wave and heads out without another word.
Melody rolls over and blinks, rubbing at her eyes when she notices I’m not Miller.
“Morning,” she mumbles, rubbing her face against my chest.
“Miller has some work he’s got to get done, but I’m here. Get some more sleep if you need to.” I kiss her forehead.
“Am I keeping you from working?”
“No, I caught up on everything I needed to for the day. How about you?” I snuggle closer to her. My system doesn’t like any space between us, and I’m strangely okay with that.
“I’ve got a deadline in two weeks and...” Her eyes widen almost comically. “Holy crap, I lost five or six days of that. Oh no.”
I frown.
I understand that feeling of pressure to meet performance deadlines, but she’s still recovering from her heat and possibly an illness or something more.
“Is there any way I can help?” I have to at least offer.
“You’re good with computers?” she asks, rubbing her hand over my heart.
“Yeah, it’s kind of my thing.” I shrug because I don’t want to sound cocky, but I’m sure I can do whatever she needs done.
“Do you think if I dictated a couple of scenes that you could type it out for me?” she asks. Her eyes clench closed, and I frown even harder. “I’m a little afraid to stare at my computer screen when even keeping my eyes open is tough.”
“I can definitely do that.” My chest puffs up.
