I’ve wasted too much time staring at this miniature version of her the same way the mini-me is doing.
A sound on the stairs breaks the spell. Leaving my phone, I hurry into the living room in time to meet Rose, who’s gripping the banister at the bottom of the stairs. I force my eyes to skate over her barely-there pajama set and focus on her face.
Not all heroes wear capes.
“I would have helped you.” Not my best work as far as good morning greetings go.
Her smile is weak but real. “I’m feeling a little better.”
Her color’s still high, but her eyes aren’t as glassy. I gently press my palm to her forehead, appreciating the way she closes her eyes and leans into my touch.
“You still feel warm. Are you hungry?”
She nods. “But I don’t want to stand anymore.”
I scoop her into my arms and carry her into the dining room. It’s selfish, and maybe my Neanderthal side is showing, butholding her is addictive. Now that I’ve done it once, I’m ready to carry her everywhere.
She pats my chest with a little laugh. “This isn’t what I meant.”
“Seemed the best solution to me.” I guide her onto a chair. “What can I make for you?”
Her mouth drops open automatically, but her gaze finds mine. She closes her mouth and seems to consider. “How about oatmeal?”
“Good.” I turn around to look for the oats in the pantry.
“With strawberries,” she adds. “And the vanilla honey.”
I smile to myself. “Perfect.”
“I should probably call in sick today,” she says while I cook the instant oats on the stove. Her teasing’s a good sign, even if her sarcasm is weak.
“Probably smart.”
“Think my boss will be okay with it?”
“Your boss wants you to take as much time as you need.” Reminding myself she’s my employee has snakes twisting in my gut. One of the reasons I told myself I couldn’t be with her, and I ignored it the minute the opportunity came up.
I never wanted to be anybody’s boss in the first place, let alone have that kind of power over someone I’m dating. Perk Me Up is arguably a casual small business, but that doesn’t mean things couldn’t get complicated. Of course it could—everything in there has been.
Harry, what the hell were you thinking?
I dish up a bowl of oatmeal for her and add sliced strawberries. Oatmeal’s not my first choice, but I serve myself some, too, and take the seat across from her.
“Was Jovie upset about canceling game night?” She drizzles a golden thread of honey over her oatmeal. “I forgot to ask last night.”
“You weren’t yourself.” And yes, I loved every time she said something she didn’t mean to. I want all the glimpses into what’sgoing on in her head. “She understands. Said it gives her more time to plan the perfect night.”
Rose’s soft smile crawls between my ribs and gets cozy. “She’s amazing. It’s sweet how close you are. You’re a good uncle.”
“She’s a fun kid. But don’t be deceived—she will destroy you at game night if she can.”
“Maybe it’s good I’m resting up now.”
When we’re done eating, I rinse the bowls and put them in the dishwasher. Relishing my role as overprotective nurse, I help Rose onto the couch and grab her a blanket and pillow from upstairs.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay today?” She’s more alert than she was last night and her fever’s mild, but I still hate to leave her alone. I hate to leave her, period.
She gestures at the TV. “I’m going to sleep through sappy movies all day.”