Page 49 of The Candle Palace (Jamison Valley 6)
I nodded, letting a few more tears wet his gown before pulling myself together. “Thank you.”
“No thanks needed. For whatever you need, I’m here.”
I took a deep breath, pulling in the rest of my emotions. Then I scrunched up my nose and stood. “I smell like smoke.”
“I don’t care.”
“Ugh.” I took a step back, wishing I had a hair tie to get my stinky hair up and out of the way. When I looked back to Milo, he was grinning as he looked me up and down. “What?”
“You’re in jeans.”
“Uh, yeah.” I dropped my gaze, checking to make sure there weren’t salad stains all over. When Denny had thrown the salad bowl, a few dressing-coated leaves of romaine had flown my way, but I was clean.
“I’ve never seen you in jeans before. I’ve never seen you in anything but scrubs.”
“Oh.” I smiled. “Truth be told, I don’t own many jeans. I prefer scrubs or yoga pants on the weekend.”
“They look”—Milo’s eyes flared as he swallowed hard—“good.”
I blushed and dropped my chin. How many compliments would it take for me to feel worthy of his sweet sentiments? I hoped I’d get the chance to find out.
“Turn around.”
My eyes snapped up. “Huh?”
“Turn around. I want to see your ass.”
“Oh my God.” I laughed, rolling my eyes. Leave it to Milo to know I was feeling insecure. “No way.”
“Come on.” He placed his hand on his heart. “For an injured man?”
“Please.” I shook my head. “You’re fine.”
“What if I lied and said I wanted to see your hair? Then would you turn around?”
“Fine.” I spun around, then planted my hands on my hips. “Happy now?”
He nodded. “You have a very nice, rounded, firm, beautiful . . . head.”
“Thank you.” We laughed together.
&n
bsp; “Like I said, whatever you need.”
I blew out a long breath and glanced around the darkened room. The only light came from the bathroom and television. “Did they do your last check for the night?”
“Yep. The night shift hasn’t been coming in unless I call for something. That’s one perk of me getting closer to breaking free from here. You people will let me sleep all night.”
“Us people—your dedicated nursing staff—just want to make sure you are healthy.”
“Sit with me.” Milo scooted over, making room on the bed.
I smelled like smoke and was emotionally worn out. Even though the night shift wouldn’t wake Milo to check his grafts or vitals, they were likely peeking in at night while he was asleep. Except the night shift didn’t start for two hours. We probably had a bit before anyone would bother us.
So I set my keys and phone aside and slid into his bed, letting him put his arm around my shoulders as I snuggled into his side. I made sure to keep my arms tucked close to me so as not to brush up against his stomach. And then I closed my eyes, relaxing into his warmth.
The soft brush of Milo’s lips on my forehead made me smile and I tipped my head up, stretching my neck so he could kiss my lips too.
