Page 14 of Deceptive Desires

He brightens at the nickname.

I couldn’t help myself. It’s too fitting for him. He saved me. He is my hero.

“Well, my phone never rang with a call from my sunshine. I had to come by and make sure you were okay.”

“I haven’t been on my phone. You’re supposed to avoid screens after a concussion,” I explain to him.

“So, you haven’t been on any screens? You’ve been taking care of yourself?”

“Yes. I’ve been just lying on the couch the past few days in total darkness. Abiding by Dr. Roman’s orders. I’ve taken up podcasts.” I wink at him.

“Good girl.” Shivers shoot down my spine. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m great. I’ve been healing rather nicely. I think by tomorrow I’ll be back to normal.”

“Great! What podcasts are you listening to?” His interest surprises me. Not many men actually care about that sort of thing.

“I’ve been listening to a few. I’ve rotated between ones about yoga, meditation, gardening, and cooking.” I love my passions any way I can get them. Since I can’t physically do them at the moment, I at least wanted to listen and see if there was anything I could learn.

“Any good ones you’d recommend to me?”

“Do you do yoga? Or meditate? Those are my favorites!” I get excited at the idea I can share this with him.

“I’ve never done either, but I’d be willing to try. What about the other ones?”

“Those two are in Spanish. I’d probably need to translate them for you if you wanted to listen to them,” I offer, not wanting him to feel bad about not speaking my language.

“That’s okay, sunshine. But I wouldn’t mind learning from you? If that’s something you’d be open to?” He seems almost apprehensive.

“I’d love to teach you! What do you want to learn? Yoga? Meditation? Cooking? Gardening? Spanish?” I’d do anything with him, just to be around him. I can’t explain the pull I have towards this gentle giant.

“Anything you’d like. You seem so passionate about it all.”

“It’s a date!” I say, returning his grin with one of my own. My excitement has me practically jumping off the couch.

Before I realize what I’ve said, that I’ve demanded a date from him, he agrees. “Perfect. When you feel better, text me, and we’ll set it up.”

I blush at my forwardness. I didn’t mean to be, but it seemed to work out.

“We can start now if you’d like? I can show you some basic yoga poses,” I offer, excited to be around him.

“No, you don’t!” shouts Gracie from the island. “No yoga for you until you’re completely healed.”

She effectively crushes my dream while also reminding me of her presence.

“You heard the boss, no yoga today. I need to leave anyway. I have something I need to do for work. I just wanted to stop by and check on you.”

I can’t help the rush of disappointment I feel at his words. “Oh, okay. I really appreciate you stopping by. And for helping me the other day. I’m not sure I would’ve made it home without you, héroe.”

My eyes start to droop, the remnant exhaustion from the concussion catching up to me after our interaction. I can’t hold back my yawn either.

“Anytime, sunshine.” He makes his way over to me and brushes my hair out of my face. He leans down, as if to hug me, and I get a waft of him.

“Mmm. You smell like lemons,” I tell him.

He tenses and a dark gleam takes over his eyes, but it’s gone in a blink. “It’s the soap at work. I had an eventful morning.” He looks me over again and smiles sweetly. “Lie down, Celia. It’s time for a nap.”

“Yes, sir,” I say with a wink.