Lib Novel Page 140
“Don’t be so dramatic! I’m taking you back to where you belong.”
Moments later, he settles me onto his bed beneath the soft silk covers. His face is mere inches from mine.
“Promise me you’ll never leave this room after an argument. If something bothers you, talk to me. I don’t want us to be the kind of couple who can’t resolve issues through talking.”
Oh, Charles!
“Are you the same guy who has branded himself an anti-conversationalist?”
His lips twitch and his blue eyes crinkle. “Not when it comes to my dear wife. For her, I can be a chatterbox.”
“If I wasn’t feeling so sick, I’d pounce on you right now.”
How can he be this freaking sweet?
“Easy there, tiger.” He grins and leans closer, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead. “You’ll have plenty of opportunities to pounce on me later. For now, please just rest.”
He hands me two white pills and a glass of water, and I take them without question.
Sometime later, when I blink my eyes open, the medicine has started to show its effect. My headache has dulled slightly, but unfortunately, my throat still throbs just the same. Adjusting the pillows, I attempt to sit up as the door swings open and Charles steps in, phone pressed to his ear.
“That sounds good, Doc.” He’s once again impeccably dressed in a crisp white shirt and a silk tie, though today, he’s missing a matching pocket square. Worry lines crease his forehead as he settles beside me. “How are you feeling now?”
“Much better.” I place my hand on his cheek, my heart fluttering as he leans in and, without caring about the germs, places a quick kiss on my fevered lips.
Isn’t he the same man who had the cleaning staff sanitize his entire office floor after Jimmy once went into a coughing fit?
“The doctor will be here in fifteen minutes.” Charles glances down at his watch. “I’ll wait until he arrives.”
I grab his wrist and look down at the time. Even disoriented, my practiced brain remembers his schedule by heart.
“Charles, you have a meeting with Vincent Beaumont in person in an hour. I’m perfectly capable of talking to the doctor myself.”
He makes no move to get up, but his gentle fingers tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.
I must look horrible, with a red nose, puffy eyes, and sweaty hair plastered to my forehead, yet he gazes at me as if I’m the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.
“You certainly know how to make a girl feel special, my dear husband.” I touch his freshly trimmed jaw, and he playfully boops my nose in response.
“You are no ordinary girl, my dear wife.” A smile finally graces his lips.
“Please go to the meeting. I’ll text you as soon as the doctor leaves.”
Silence hangs between us, and I watch various emotions flicker across his face before he reluctantly nods. “Okay. But if you forget to text me—”
“I won’t,” I reply fast, pushing the covers aside.
“Whoa. Where do you think you’re going?” Charles grabs my waist, putting me back in place. “You stay right in this bed until the doctor says you’re perfectly fine.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m sure you’d prefer that I meet the doctor wearing more than just a bathrobe.” I nod toward my body, and Charles’ gaze follows.
His eyes flare before he quickly shakes his head.
“Definitely!” His response is clipped while I bite my lip to stop my grin. Charles slowly rises up. “But just stay here.” A second later, he returns with a pair of my underwear and a pajama set that has cupcakes all over them. “Change here.”
“I’m not changing in front of you, Charles. I don’t look sexy at all right now.”
He grabs my shoulders, locking eyes with me.