Chapter 1 #3
“If the pain doesn’t go away or it looks worse, go to urgent care.”
“I will.” I said nothing else as he tended to me. He was patient and kind unlike some of the medical professionals I’d dealt with in the past.
August smiled, showing off the dimple in his chin. He snapped his gloves off, donning a new pair in seconds with practiced skill. “Where did you hit your head, Hamp?” He called Reed by a shortened version of his last name.
“The top of it.”
Reed edged forward on the cushion. August palpated around his head, assessing him and did a quick round of vitals while making a few notes.
“And you’re sure you didn’t lose consciousness?”
“No, Rowe. Just startled me more than anything.”
August disposed of the garbage and washed his hands in the kitchen sink while Reed looked on.
“I think you’re okay. There’s no signs of a concussion.
Still, I’d feel better if you had someone who could keep you awake for another eight hours.
If your headache gets worse, or you feel sleepier than usual, call an ambulance. ”
“Yeah, yeah, fine,” Reed dismissed him.
“I mean it, Hamp,” August said sternly. He obviously was used to Reed pushing back. “The chances are low, but we don’t mess around with head injuries.”
“I hear you, man. I will if it’s warranted.”
“Promise me or I’ll drop you at Harmony Grove emergency department myself and let Kendall babysit you.”
Kendall was a good friend of ours who worked as a nurse there.
She wouldn’t mess around with a suspected concussion either.
Reed glared daggers in August’s direction.
Clearly his best friend knew more about him not taking enough care of himself than I did.
Maybe we had something in common after all.
“Okay,” Reed relented. “I’ll find someone. No hospital needed tonight. What are you doing?”
“I’m going out to dinner. A new place called Sizzle. Like a hibachi experience but with different cuisine. Anyway, it’s near Logan’s shop. He’s been talking about it nonstop. We’re taking Karsyn but I can cancel if you need me.”
Logan was August and Karsyn’s shared boyfriend. That was where she was going!
Reed glanced at me, shifting in the cushions as if he were nervous. “Do you have plans tonight, Eli?”
“I was supposed to work obviously, but now I have the night off. However, without a car I’m stranded.”
August lifted his bag and slung it over his shoulder. “I can bring you home if you need a lift. Unless you’re going to stay here and babysit.” He winked at Reed.
“Very funny, but I don’t have many options,” Reed said, still looking at me.
“No, it’s okay. My house is in the opposite direction of yours. Besides, if Reed can tolerate me, I don’t mind staying.” I gave Reed the opportunity to come up with another solution, but he looked visibly relieved.
“Thanks, Eli. I appreciate it.”
“Do either of you need anything else before I leave?” August asked as Reed stood up.
“Nope. Thanks for checking us over. I appreciate you,” Reed stated sincerely as he walked him to the front door.
“You’re welcome, man. Have a good night, Eli.”
“Night, August. Thank you!” I called as they left the room.
A few minutes later, Reed returned with two bottles of water and something in a white bottle.
“Ibuprofen,” he explained, handing both a water and the bottle to me.
“Thanks,” I said quickly downing the entire bottle of water and swallowing two of the pain relievers.
“I’ll order dinner. It’s the least I can do for the inconvenience. How about Chinese? Lotus Blossom Palace delivers here.”
“They have the best lo mein. Oh, and their sweet and sour chicken is my favorite.”
“I’ll add crab rangoons and an order of beef and broccoli. Anything else?”
“No, that’s good. Thank you.” Watching him order through an app on his phone, I waited until he leaned back against the couch. Steeling my nerves, I cleared my throat. “There’s something else I need to say to you.”
“You’ve got my undivided attention for however long we can last without arguing or winding up in bed.”
My brat would never settle if he kept talking and low-key flirting with me. “You wish! I wouldn’t sleep with you if you were the last man on earth!”
“A few dozen orgasms might help you relax.”
“A few dozen…” The nerve! “Listen here, buddy–”
A cocky smirk played on his lips adding to the smugness of his overall personality. “I’m trying and apparently failing to ease those worry lines. You know the ones drilled into your forehead? I really wish you’d let yourself get some rest tonight. Orgasms are optional.”
“I’ve been hurt way more times than I can count. Okay? A relationship isn’t on my horizon. Not now. Maybe not ever.”
“A relationship, hm? Nobody said anything about that. I mentioned giving you orgasms as an alternative to whatever the hell is spinning through your brain. Are you sure you aren’t looking for a relationship, Eli?”
It was a good question, one I didn’t have an immediate answer to. The sexual tension between us simmered. Once it reached a boiling point it would be even more difficult to put the lid back on. “I don’t know,” I finally said. “I’m uncomfortable. My hand hurts. I want to be home on my couch.”
“One–I can get you some sweats and a t-shirt. Two–I can find someone to drive you home. Three–King might be able to leave work early so that I’m not alone. If not, I’ll find another solution. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“No, no. I said I’ll stay and I will. But thank you, something comfy to sleep in sounds like a good start.”