Naked Love(93)

“You did. They ate through your hair extensions.”

“Shut up.” I cringe, pressing my hand to my nauseated stomach.

Thank you, Sydney. Thank you very much.

“Here.” He releases me, riffles through the bottom vanity drawer, and pulls out a new toothbrush.

“Do I want to know why you have a supply of new toothbrushes?” I take the toothbrush after he puts a dab of toothpaste on it.

He nods to the electric toothbrush by the sink. “Because I use that one most of the time, but the dentist gives me a new one every six months. Over time, you get a collection.”

I stare at him in the mirror, using the toothbrush in my mouth to hide my grin. After a quick brush, I shuffle my bare feet toward the kitchen where he’s shutting off the stove.

“Sorry about dinner. I’m not hungry now. I just want to go home.”

“I’ll drive you.” He grabs his keys off the counter.

“No. My car is here. I’m feeling a bit better, you know … that slight reprieve after you vomit?”

He nods once. Of course he knows. I poisoned him.

“But I’d better get going before a new wave hits.”

“I’ll get your car to you tomorrow. So, either you stay here tonight, or I drive you home.”

At the same time I say, “Home,” he says, “Stay.”

“You leave in three days. You don’t need to get sick.”

“I’m leaving in three days. It’s why you should stay.”

I frown. He’s so stubborn.

“I’ll sleep on the sofa,” I concede.

Jake sets his keys back on the counter. “You’ll sleep in the bed. I’ll sleep on the sofa. I’ll wash my hands and take extra vitamins.”

The frown won’t wipe off my face. It’s no longer his stubbornness, it’s me. I feel like crap. I hate being sick. I’m the worst at being sick. He doesn’t want to see this. At least at home, I have access to a doctor who’s used to whiney patients.

“I need to lie down. I need a bowl. I need a blanket.” I hug my stomach and walk toward the bed. “I need water, not too warm, not too cold. And my phone. It’s in my purse.” I melt onto the bed, curling my body into itself on my side.

“I’ll get you everything you need.” Jake covers me up with his blankets. I close my eyes and pray for this bug to be quick. I’m a wuss. Wusses can’t stay sick too long. It’s just a law of nature.

“Perfect temperature water. Your phone. A bowl. And some ginger candy.” He lines up everything on the nightstand. “Anything else?” The bed dips as he sits on the edge, stroking my hair and my back.

“Don’t get sick and don’t stay.”

“Where am I going to go?” He chuckles.

I crack open my eyes. “I mean Saturday. You go home. I don’t want you to stay here for me. You’re not an L.A. person. You said it yourself. And I need to get my life back in order before I can be truly … lovable. I need time. I need to go slow.”

This elicits more laughter. “I’m leaving Saturday. I have a business to run and guests coming next week. You’ll have all the time you need to do your thing.”

Guests … this makes me more nauseous.

“But, Ave …” Jake kisses the side of my head. “I’ll return.” He goes into the bathroom.

I grab my phone, cringing with every little move.

Me: You suck. I hope you feel better, but you suck.

Sydney: Where are you? And why do I suck?

Me: I’m visiting a friend and now I’m staying here because I’M VOMITING! Would it kill you to not use my water glass? Ugh! Thanks for sharing your virus.

Sydney: Do you want Lautner to come get you?

Me: No. I don’t want to move. I just want to make you feel bad for getting me sick.

Sydney: Sorry you’re sick. But it’s not my fault.

Me: BS

Sydney: I don’t have a virus. I’m pregnant.

I stare at the screen. She’s pregnant. I’m going to get another little niece or nephew. Not even the painful urge to retch can keep me from smiling.

Me: OMGGGGGGG!!!!!!

Sydney: We’ve told no one. So you know nothing. Got it?

Me: OMGGGGGGG!!!!!!

Sydney: Love you too. Feel better. Call if you need us.

“Is that a smile?” Jake shrugs off his shirt as he comes out of the bathroom.

I stare for a few seconds. His jeans are unfastened as well, just barely hanging onto his hips.

“Ave?”

“Huh?” I glance up.

He grins. “Were you just smiling?”

“Yeah. Sydney is … well, I can’t tell you. But I didn’t get this virus from her because what she has is not contagious.”

He studies me with a narrowed gaze for a few seconds. “So she’s pregnant?”

“I did not say that.”

“Got it.” He winks.

I refocus on his abs and a bit lower. It distracts me from my nausea.

“I’m going to eat. Will that bother you?”

My gaze snaps back up to meet his knowing eyes. He smirks.

“No.”

“I’m going to get you some coconut water. I want you to drink it before you go to sleep.”