Page 95 of Fire

Or did you just hope this little cherub would ensure you never forgot?

Because I didn’t. I never forgot.

“I mean,” he replies, gently running his hand through my hair. “I texted my family and told them you were sick and that we couldn’t make it.” I open my mouth to respond, but no words come out. “Did you really think I would just leave you here?”

Yes.Kind of, I want to say.

“I’m not used to being taken care of. Well, not anymore,” I amend. “Growing up, my parents were the perfect duo. She was the panicker, always jumping to the worst possible conclusion. I couldn’t even sneeze without her rushing me to the doctor. But my dad was the practical one, stepping in when shit went sideways and someone needed to keep it together. They took care of us, and I always felt protected.”

“But you didn’t with Tanner?” It’s not a question. Not really.

“The first time I got sick when we were dating, I texted him to let him know I wasn’t feeling well, and his response was something like, ‘Well, good thing you’re a med student. Let meknow when you’re feeling better so I can get those notes you took.’”

“Jesus, Zara. That’s cruel.”

“At the time, I thought he was just being practical. Iwasa med student. Ididknow how to take care of myself. After we got married, I continued with that same belief. Now I was a doctor. I didn’t need the help of my husband, my parents, or anyone else to take care of me when I could do it myself.”

“Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should have to,” he utters, confirming the words I’ve been too afraid to say aloud for far too long. “Everyone deserves to be taken care of. Will you let me?”

Even after all that, I hesitate. “But your family…”

“Will still be there tomorrow. And the next day. They’re not going anywhere, Cupid.”

“But won’t they be mad?”

“At who? At you for being sick?” He scoffs, shifting to fluff the pillows behind me. Then, he gently eases me back down on the bed and runs a sly hand across my forehead, clearly checking my temperature.

He’s not fooling anyone.

“Or at me for staying here to care for my sick girlfriend?” As soon as the words are out of his mouth, his eyes go wide. “Not that you’re my girlfriend. It’s just that they accidentally called you that a few times and—” He sucks in a huge gulp of air, and I can’t help but laugh.

“You gonna survive that slip-up?” I tease.

“Probably not. I think I just died a little.”

“I actually think I might be okay with you calling me your girlfriend. That is, if you want to?”

Those blue eyes go all round and soft, and then he breaks into a heart-stopping grin. He bends down to kiss me, but my palmshoots out and stops him before he can reach my face. “Oh no, you don’t. You’re lucky I’m even letting you stay in this room.”

“What? Why?”

“I’m not sure if anyone ever told you how germs spread, but kissing is a pretty good way to do it.”

“So, you mean, like all that kissing we did last night? Not to mention all the other stuff…”

“Shit. Yeah. Oh my god, what if I get you sick, Hen? What if you miss a concert because of me?”

His face softens, and his hand brushes away an errant piece of hair from my face. “Then I miss a concert.” He shrugs. “Tommy from the opening band can fill in for me, and my doctor girlfriend can help nurse me back to health.” My insides instantly melt at his use of the word girlfriend. I hadn’t planned on making it official with Hendrix, but after spending the evening with his family and seeing how he cared for me this morning, it just felt right. Now that it’s decided, I’m definitely on board.

“Okay.” I relent.

“Great.” His face lights up, just as a light knock can be heard at the door. He grabs the remote from the nightstand and hands it to me. “Pick a movie, Cupid. Because after we eat and I give you a very thorough washing in the shower, we’re going to have our first movie marathon as boyfriend and girlfriend.”

I feel like absolute shit, but I can’t help but grin.

It turns out to be the best sick day of my life.

Chapter Twenty-Seven