Page 70 of Gin & Jewels

I took two slices and sat in the chair next to her bed. “Trauma can do that to a person. Do you remember anything?”

“I mean, I remember the pain and that you were there, but I don’t remember what we talked about.”

“Nothing in particular. I just didn’t want you to go unconscious.”

She smiled warmly. “Thank you. I don’t think I’ve actually thanked you for saving my life.”

I grinned back. “I’d do it again.”

Cassie snorted. “Yeah, let’s hope that doesn’t happen again.”

“Touché.” I took another bite of my pizza. “I hope we’re both done with getting shot, to be honest.”

“Me too.” We finished our pizza: four slices for me and two for Cassie. “So what did you think?”

“Of the pizza?” I asked.

“Yeah, the combination. I know people sometimes hate pineapple on pizza, but I love it. I also prefer pepperoni because it’s crispier than ham.”

I took a sip of water. “It wasn’t bad. I’d eat it again, but you know what would make it better?”

“What?”

“Jalapenos.”

“And bacon.”

I grabbed my chest. “A girl after my own heart.” Cassie blushed and turned her head away. I grabbed her hand. “Hey, don’t get shy on me now.”

“I’m not,” she whispered but didn’t turn her head back to look at me.

“Actually, let’s talk.”

“About what?”

“Us.”

“Us?” She finally turned her head back.

I smiled slightly, hoping to put her at ease. “I don’t know what the kids are calling it these days, and honestly, I’ve never done this before, but do you wanna be my girl, princess?”

“Your girl?” I nodded. “You mean your girlfriend?”

“Yeah. You wanna be my girlfriend and make all the other girls jealous?”

She laughed and bobbed her head. “Yeah, I do.”

“Good.” I stood and pressed my lips to hers. “Do you want to try taking a shower? I can wash your back.”

Cassie slapped my arm. “You just want to see me naked.”

I grinned. “And?”

“And I think I can shower on my own.”

“Well, if you need me, you know I’m not going anywhere.”

I kissed her again before helping her out of bed and to the shower. Mom had brought her clean clothes and pajamas to wear since she was now roaming the halls.