“And I am?” I asked.
He cupped my face. “You are the best thing for me, Red. I love your feistiness and your stubbornness. The way you talk back to me. Challenge me. Defy me.” His voice softened. “Insist on doing all those little things to take care of me. You show your love for me in a hundred and one ways.”
“I thought I drove you crazy.”
“You do. In the very best way possible. I adore everything about you, Red. Your sass, your funny little sayings, the way you flutter around like a bird when you get nervous or upset. I even love all the little dots on your skin. I want to trace them all with my tongue and see what they spell out.”
I wrapped my hands around his wrists. “You really love me?”
He pressed his mouth to mine in a gentle, soft kiss, then rested his forehead to mine. “Yes, I really do.”
“Me too.”
I felt his smile. “I know. I was blind for too long, but my eyes are finally open. I see what everyone else already knew. You are perfect for me.”
“Yes, I am,” I replied tartly, then grimaced as the pain flared.
He stood with a frown. “Enough sentiment. You need more pills and rest.”
“Will you stay?”
He indicated the chair beside the bed as he shook out some pills. “I’ll be right there.”
“I want you to lie beside me.”
“I have to check on you every two hours.”
“Set your alarm.”
“Stop arguing, woman,” he growled. “For god’s sake, do what I tell you for once.”
I took the pills and swallowed them, looking up at him. He was glowering and intense. Just the way I liked him.
“Whew,” I sighed.
“What?”
“I was worried if you loved me, you’d start being all nice and sweet. I don’t want that. I like you all growly.”
He smirked and shook his head. “You don’t have to worry, Red. I plan on being especially growly when it comes to you.”
“Thank goodness. I will reward you amply for that.”
He snorted, then lay down beside me, letting me rest on his chest. He wrapped his arm around me, holding me close. “Go to sleep, Red. I’ll wake you in two hours.”
There was silence for a few moments, and I felt the emotions of the day catching up with me and a few tears slip down my cheeks.
“Maxx?” I whispered.
“If you’re talking, you’re not sleeping,” he pointed out dryly.
“Thank you for saving me.”
He tightened his arm. “I always will.”
More tears followed, and he pressed a tissue into my hand. “Come along, sweetheart. I got you,” he crooned and rocked me. “Let the day go. Just let it go.”
After a few moments, the tears eased and I relaxed. I slid my hand on his shirt and found purchase in the fabric. It hurt to hold it, but I bunched it loosely in my fingers.
“Maxx?” I whispered again.
He pressed a kiss to my head, his voice a gentle hum in the dark. “Right here, Red. I’m right here. Sleep, baby. I got you.” He paused. “Love you.”
Sometimes, not growly was nice too.
“I know,” I replied.
With a sigh, I let the darkness wash over me.I woke in the bright light of midday, the bed empty. Maxx had finally stopped waking me up every two hours early in the morning, allowing me to sleep. Gingerly, I sat up and swung my legs off the mattress. My body was sore, bruises scattered everywhere, cuts and abrasions littering my skin. I stared at my strapped ankle then at the crutches that were across the room. I stood, checking my balance, then began to hop. I made it to the end of the bed, wondering how I was possibly going to get clear across the room when the sound of heavy footsteps met my ears and a frowning Maxx appeared in the doorway.
“What the hell are you doing?”
“I have to pee.”
He glowered. “You could have called.” He strode over and lifted me in his arms, his gentle embrace at direct odds with his frowning face and terse words. He carried me to the bathroom and set me on my feet, then crossed his arms.
“Um—privacy please.”
“Not sure I can trust you alone.”
“I am not peeing with you in the room.”
“I’ll be right outside, then.”
“No. You need to go to the hall. Otherwise, I’ll have performance anxiety and won’t be able to go.”
He lifted one eyebrow, a grin playing on his lips. “Performance anxiety?”
“Just go,” I demanded, pointing to the door.
He walked out, and I heard him cross the room, muttering about stubborn redheads.
I quickly went about my business, then hopped to the sink, washed my face, and brushed my teeth. I wanted a shower but was pretty sure I’d be vetoed on that. The door opened, and Maxx glared at me.
“You never listen.”
“Would you have me any other way?”
His face softened, and he pressed a kiss to my head. “No.”