33. Veronica
33
Veronica
“ T hank you so much for bringing it,” I say, reaching across the doorway to give Blair a grateful hug.
“Of course. Plus, we all know Miles would freak out and throw a little temper tantrum if his car wasn’t home by the time he started feeling better,” she jokes. “The man is a drama queen when it comes to his babies.”
“And here’s the soup,” Ford tacks on, handing over the giant to-go carton from The Starlight Diner, filled with the chicken noodle soup I requested.
“So he’s currently getting some much-needed rest, but I’m sure he’d be okay if you wanted to check on him,” I offer as I take a step back and motion toward his bedroom.
Blair wrinkles her nose. “Nah, I’d rather let him sleep. Plus, if I’m being honest, I’m not looking to catch whatever germs he has going on, so just send him my love instead.”
“Will do,” I say, leaning forward one more time and giving them each one last quick hug goodbye.
After waving them off, I set the soup down in the kitchen and tiptoe toward Miles’s room, easing the door open to peek inside. Bubba lifts his head from where he’s curled up beside his owner, giving me a look that feels as relieved as I am that Miles has finally found his way back home. Not that I gave him much of a choice in the matter.
I had already marched into his office with a plan, but after walking in and realizing how sick he was, there was no way I was going to let him continue whatever annoying game he was playing.
I lean against the doorway, watching him sleep. With his mouth ajar and his messy blond locks falling haphazardly into his face, he looks a little silly, but somehow, even like this, he’s still one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous men I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I was never blind. Miles has always been attractive, and even from a young age, I recognized that my best friend’s older brother was a smoke show. But I never once thought about doing anything about my attraction to the older male.
Then again, with the way he’s been actively avoiding me, maybe it would’ve been smarter to stay away. But I suppose knowing something and acting on that knowledge are two separate issues. I know my reputation precedes me and that I’m well-known for my horrible decision-making, but even with things the way they are now, I’m not ready to be done with him or us.
I get that spending more time around him is only going to make my feelings grow, and that eventually, my heart is going to end up even more shattered and broken, but I can’t help myself. I’m the moth, and he’s my flame, and right now, I’m more than willing to let this attraction kill me.
He begins to stir, a soft exhale leaving his lips as his eyes flutter open. He flips the hair out of his eyes before they land on me. I should be embarrassed that he caught me watching him sleep, but as he shoots me one of those elusive smiles, I have no fucks to give.
“How are you feeling?” I ask, giving myself permission to enter as I move to sit on the edge of his bed.
With another soft groan, he attempts to sit up. “Better, I think,” he grumbles, but given his tired, exhausted eyes, and how much effort it took him to make that small bit of movement, I’m not entirely convinced.
“Let me see.”
Despite being sick, he still manages enough willpower to roll his eyes. “I’m fine, Vee. Don’t worry about it.”
I refuse to listen. Scooting closer, I lift the back of my hand and hold it to his forehead. He isn’t thrilled, but at least he’s no longer fighting me on it.
“You’re still a bit warmer than I’d prefer,” I mull it over, tilting my lips to the side as I figure out our next move.
“Veronica.” He huffs, saying my full name in what I can only assume is his attempt to show just how serious he is, but I ignore it. “I’m fine. I’ve been taking care of myself for 31 years. I can deal with a little fever all on my own.”
I frown, fully aware of the history he and Blair share—absent parents and a grandmother who couldn’t be bothered. Yet another unfortunate moment where I’m forced to confront just how profoundly different his childhood was from mine.
Growing up, whenever I got sick, my parents went above and beyond to make sure I was as comfortable as possible. While they couldn’t take away the pain or discomfort, they more than made up for it with their love and attention. Whether it was cuddling with me in bed or playing my favorite Disney movies on repeat, they had a way of turning even the worst days into something that felt safe, and like everything was going to be okay.
“I’m aware that you can take care of yourself, but why should you have to? Please, just let me do this,” I practically beg.
He shakes his head. “I’ve never let anyone take care of me—not even Blair.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed,” I grumble with a less-than-amused chuckle. “But I’m sure you’ve also noticed that I’m not someone who takes no for an answer, so you might as well just get used to it,” I add. What we have going on may not be permanent, but while I’m here, he’s just going to have to deal with a boundary-crossing wife.
“Yeah, I think I’m starting to realize that.” He sighs with another shake of his head. “But I really don’t see the point. It’s a fever. I’m not sure there’s much more you can really do.”
“Oh, believe me, there is plenty more I can do, starting with a cool shower, some soup, and settling in while we watch your favorite movie,” I say with a decisive nod.
“Soup? I thought you hated cooking.”
“I do, which is why I asked Blair and Ford to stop at the Starlight Diner and grab some soup while also picking up your car,” I casually explain, a proud smile lighting up my face.
“Really?”
“Really.” I nod, my head tilting to the side, not really sure why he seems so confused.
“You got all that taken care of while I was sleeping?” he asks, his eyes softening.
“Sure did. I even checked in with Sam, and just like I knew he would, not only did he finish up with the last car, but he also took care of closing up for the day. He also agreed to work the next two shifts so you can take the next few days off to recover without having to worry or stress about it.”
I can tell he doesn’t look all that pleased to know that I’m shutting him out of his own business, but despite trying to hide it, I can also see a noticeable sense of relief.
“Oh, well, thank you, I guess,” he manages.
I let out a small laugh. “That took a lot out of you to say, huh?”
“It really did. I’ve never been all that good at letting go of control.”
“Believe me, I’ve been besties with Blair since we were five. I get how you Bennetts are, but just like I often have to tell her, I’m here, so stop acting like you have to do it all by yourself. And speaking of not doing everything by yourself, let’s get you in that shower.”
“I don’t need a shower. I’m not even sure I have the energy to take one,” he protests.
Even from my sitting position, I place my hands on my hips. “What did I just tell you? I’m here, and I’m going to help. But I promise, it will feel good and will hopefully be what finally breaks that fever of yours.”
A sound halfway between a laugh and a scoff escape his lips. “I’m not a child. I don’t need help getting in the shower.”
“Maybe you don’t, but I’m going to help either way, so you might as well just give in now.”
It’s obvious he isn’t pleased to still have me bossing him around, but I think it’s finally sinking in that I’m not backing down as he lets out a defeated sigh.
“Just give me a few minutes, and I’ll have your shower ready,” I say, standing and heading toward the ensuite bathroom. I turn on the water, carefully adjusting the temperature—warm enough to be comfortable, but not so hot that it won’t help bring down the fever.
Once everything is ready, I head back to the room, helping him up as I lead him toward the bathroom. I reach for his shirt, and he once again tries to swat my hand away, but I swat his hand right back.
“Vee,” he warns, his tone serious.
“Miles,” I say, my tone just as stern.
“I can undress myself.”
“We’ve already established that you can do lots of things by yourself, but today, I’m taking care of you, so I think it’s time you stop fighting and just let go once and for all.”
His lips form a tight, straight line, but the fight seems to vanish as he lifts his arms above his head.
“Good boy,” I tease, my fingers reaching for the bottom of his T-shirt as I lift it over his head, doing my best not to get distracted by the abs that are still as toned and sexy as ever.
“You’re ridiculous,” he says, the newly formed smile betraying his act of annoyance.
“And you’re stubborn as hell. We both have our issues, but since I put up with you, it looks like it’s your turn to put up with me.”
Thankfully, that seems to shut him up, at least for now, as I bend down to take care of his gym shorts and boxers. Of course, my horny-ass brain needs to take a moment to appreciate how good he looks as my mind also drifts back to the other night, but I shove those thoughts aside as I remind myself why I’m here and what I’m supposed to be doing.
He’s just about to take a step toward the shower when I reach down and lift my shirt over my head.
His mouth drops open. “Whoa, wait. What are you doing?” he says, his eyes blinking rapidly, his gaze falling to my bralette-covered chest before his eyes find mine.
“I’m showering with you.”
He seems to stutter for a moment as he does his best to put together a complete sentence. “I-I don’t understand,” he finally manages.
“This way, you can just relax and stand under the water, and I can take care of all the rest.”
He tilts his head to the side, but I shake my head, knowing exactly what he’s going to do—tell me he doesn’t need my help. But once again, I don’t care.
“Just get in. You already know I’m going to do this anyway, so stop using what little energy you have trying to fight me on this.”
His lips form another tight line, but finally, he releases a large exhale before moving to stand under the water.
I take this as my sign to finish undressing before he can stop me and climb in after him.
The water is cooler than I’d like, but I can tell it feels amazing on his overheated skin as he closes his eyes, doing exactly what I wanted him to do as he finally lets go and relaxes.
I use this as an opportunity to grab his bar of soap, working it into a foamy lather in my hands before running them down his arms.
He opens his eyes as he watches my movements, our gazes meeting for a moment before I finally avert mine. I can’t get distracted. As good as it feels to run my fingers across his slick skin, and as much as my body has a completely normal reaction to this intimate act, I don’t let it stop me from completing my mission.
A soft moan of appreciation crosses his lips as he closes his eyes. Glancing down, I can see his body is also reacting, and as much as I’d like to fuck him with either my hand or my mouth, I know now isn’t the time. That will be for when I get him back to his healthy self, but right now, making him feel better in a different way is my mission.
I already feel like we’ve crossed off a major milestone here. Letting someone else take care of him doesn’t come easy, but feeling his body relax under my touch tells me I’m making a difference. The real challenge, though, will be seeing if he allows this to continue. Sure, I expect him to push back—he’s Miles Bennett, after all—but I’m determined not to let that stop me. I’m fully committed to nursing him back to full health, even if it takes everything I’ve got. Because the truth is, just like with his sister, I’m realizing I’d do just about anything for this man.