Page 13 of Rule 5: Never Crush on the Captain

“That’s nonsense.”

“The kid, the messy breakup, the schedule...”

I guide Evan toward the bed. “You’re not too much work.”

“And Stella is awesome.”

“Totally awesome.”

His face grows serious again. “But you left.”

“I’m here now,” I promise, as I help him into the bed. I pull his silky-soft covers over him. “I’ll leave the door open. Call if you need anything.”

“I’m fine,” he grumbles.

“Of course, you are.”

Unfortunately, we’re wrong.

CHAPTER FIVE

Evan

I’m not fine.

I wake up and hurry to the bathroom, making an impromptu stop in my bedroom that can only be described as messy.

Ugh.

“Evan?” Vinnie’s voice wafts in from the next door.

Fuck.

“Not...feeling...good,” I grunt.

Footsteps hurry toward me.

Double fuck.

My stomach churns, and I hurl again.

“Stay away. I missed the first time.”

I close my eyes, holding onto the porcelain bowl. Vinnie flicks on the light, then I hear running water. Shortly after, a wet washcloth is pressed against my forehead.

“You’re going to be okay,” he says.

Our fingers touch as I take the washcloth from him.

“I’m going to call Dr. Novak and clean the bedroom,” Vinnie says, his voice rough.

“You don’t have to do that...”

“Not up to you.”

“I hate you,” I grumble.

The sound of him speaking to Dr. Novak is soothing. I don’t throw up again.