Page 64 of A Bossy Surprise

“You don’t have to thank me.”

“Yes, I do. You didn’t have to do this.”

Her cheeks pink up. “Yeah, whatever.”

I actually laugh at that and she leaves my room with a smile.

She’s pretty busy at work, so I guess she’s leaving.

Even if she couldn’t stay long, I’m glad she came, because if anything, she’s lifted my spirits.

It doesn’t take long before I drift back into sleep. I come to a few times, but I’m too groggy to comprehend exactly what’s going on around me.

The first time I wake up, I hear movement in the room, but I’m too weak to turn my head and investigate.

Next, a foul-tasting liquid, I’m guessing some kind of medicine, is being poured down my throat.

The other times are when someone comes to check up on me. It’s reminiscent of how my mom used to check up on me at night when I was a child.

I know Mom’s not here, the only other person it could be is Kayla, but why would she still be here?

When I finally pull myself out of bed, I look at the clock on the wall and it’s just before 9 o’clock at night.

Even though I’m alone in the room, I know there’s someone else in the apartment with me. I can feel their presence.

I sit up and already feel so much stronger than I did a few hours ago.

I drag myself out of bed, pull on a robe and make my way to the living room.

All the lights are off and everywhere is quiet but I can make out someone’s sleeping silhouette on the couch.

I don’t have to get close to know it’s Kayla.

I move quietly through the room and sit on the couch cushion near her head where she’s curled up and dozing.

Her hair has fallen into her face as she breathes evenly.

I reach over and brush her locks away, revealing her peaceful profile.

I can’t help myself. I run the back of my index finger down her cheek and she stirs but doesn’t wake up.

“Kayla…” I whisper her name, so as to not startle her awake. “Kayla…” I say again, this time, a little more forcefully.

Her eyes flutter open. It takes a moment for her to orient herself, but when she does, she sits up and looks at me.

“I’m sorry, I fell asleep. Do you need me to get you something?”

I smile. “No, I don’t. I didn’t even think you’d still be here.”

“Where else would I be?”

“I don’t know, at home?” At that moment something dawns on me. “Actually, where is Brady?”

“I asked Fiona to stay with him while I’m here. She’s a college student. So she’s happy for the overtime.”

“You didn’t have to do that. I would’ve been fine.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s not true. When I got here, you look like you were on death’s door.”