Rae of Sunshine (Light in the Dark 1)

Dammit. I was going to have to get out of my cozy nest and that was so not cool.

I figured it was probably the RA, wondering why it sounded like someone was dying in here.

I rolled out of bed and pulled on a sweatshirt, trying to tame my wild mane of hair when the person knocked again.

I swung it open and wouldn’t you know, there was Cade. Apparently he’d gotten the memo and he wasn’t afraid of what I wanted to do to him. I might feel like shit right now and too weak to do anything, but the minute I felt better he was going to suffer for this.

“Thea said you were sick.”

“No,” I held up a hand, “not sick. I have food poisoning.”

He winced. “Shit.”

“Yeah,” I leaned against the doorway for support. “So, if you wouldn’t mind, I’m going back to bed now.” I started to close the door but he pushed his way inside. “God you’re fucking annoying,” I groaned, “can’t you just go away? I’m not in the mood, Cade.”

“You’re sick. It’s my fault,” he put his hands on his hips, nodding at his words, “so I’m going to do the right thing and take care of you.”

“No, the right thing would be to get out of my fucking room and leave me alone.”

He chuckled. “I’m glad to know that even when you’re sick you’re still the same, Rae.”

“Get out,” I pleaded.

“No, I’m staying.”

I sighed heavily. I was never going to win this argument. Cade was too stubborn for his own good.

“Fine,” I climbed into bed once more. “Then be a good lad and fetch me a Sprite.”

He snorted. “Did you just use the words lad and fetch in one sentence?”

“I did,” I declared.

“I feel used.”

“Hey,” I scolded, cracking an eye open, “you’re the one that said you weren’t going to leave. Now make yourself useful.”

His lips turned up into a smirk. “I’ll be right back.”

By the time he got back I had already dozed off and he had to wake me. “Here,” he slid a straw into the can and held it to my lips, “drink. I’m sure you’re dehydrated.”

“That’s why I asked for the Sprite.”

“Such a smart ass,” he chuckled. “Now drink.”

I did and the cool liquid soothed my parched throat. “That’s enough,” I told him, when I’d had my fill. He sat the can on the table beside my bed.

“Scoot over,” he demanded.

“What? You’re not getting in bed with me,” I guffawed.

“Yes, I am,” he pushed gently at my body, trying to coax me over. “I need to be close in case you need anything.”

“Thea’s bed is plenty close!” I squeaked.

“Yeah, but if there’s an emergency I think it’s imperative that I be within touching distance,” he argued.

“Where do you come up with this stuff?” I gaped. Before he could answer, I said, “Listen, I don’t even want you here, so don’t push your luck. Be a good boy and sit on Thea’s bed. I’m going to take a nap. Frankly, I’m exhausted and don’t feel like dealing with any bullshit.”