“Seth?” Her voice sounded weak in her own ears.
“Yeah?”
“I’m dropping the subject completely. I know I could’ve found myself in dire straits tonight. I’m done chasing sex. I got impatient. Even if I didn’t want it right now, I’m so incapacitated you could do whatever you wanted to me and I couldn’t stop you.”
“And that’s kind of scary, isn’t it?” Jayne nodded and sighed when he squeezed her and planted a kiss on her shoulder. “When you collapsed on the dance floor it scared me. Not a good combination with being pissed off at seeing that cowboy’s hand on your ass.”
Jayne smiled at his possessive tone, vaguely remembering that she’d imagined that it had been Seth’s hand on her. “So, I’m yours, huh? I didn’t imagine that you said that?”
“Yes.” The single word was spoken without hesitation.
“Is that your way of asking if you can be my boyfriend?” What a lame word for such an intense, serious, quiet man.
“Yes, baby. Sleep.” His fingers gently sifting through her hair was the last thing she remembered.
Chapter Six
Jayne woke the next morning to the sound of a buzz saw screaming. She put her hands to her head to determine if it was still attached and covered her eyes. Shielding them from the glare piercing the mini-blinds, she blinked and groaned in pain as even that simple action made a jarring noise inside her head.
“I’m dying.”
Looking up, she determined that the buzz saw was actually her alarm going off. She hit the Off button and gazed up at the fan whirling above her bed. She closed her eyes against the mesmerizing whirl of the fan blades when nausea quivered in her stomach, which felt a little sore.
What happened again? Oh, that’s right. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila…floor. That Señor Patrón is a son of a bitch. I’m dying. Wait! Seth was here, and he—did I dream that?
The seductive memory surfaced of watching him stroke her pussy, in front of the mirror—oh, the things he’d done to make her body sing. The heat that built inside her once more was dampened by the memory of the previous evening’s gastronomic tsunami.
Recalling that she been snuggled up with Seth when she’d fallen asleep, she groped but found only the bare, cold sheets. A little part of her was disappointed but, still needing to determine how close she actually was to death’s door, she was mostly glad that she was alone.
Her pulse pounded inside her brain, and she breathed carefully until the tom-tom beat subsided to a tolerable level before she stood. Her hair hung in her eyes and her limbs quaked as she shuffled into the bathroom. I can’t believe I did this to myself.
She flipped the light on and just as quickly flipped it back off when she got a glimpse of herself under the lights.
“Oh, hell. It’s the zombie apocalypse. No wonder he’s not here.” She held her hands to the sides of her head.
Don’t talk so loud! I’m dying!
Squinting at herself in the mirror, Jayne groaned in horror. Dried drool crusted her cheek, and her tongue felt furry. She cringed as she used her hairbrush, every follicle throbbing in a symphony of pain. After she’d brushed her teeth, she felt moderately less zombie-ish.
Wondering what had become of Seth, and fearing that her early-morning grotesqueness had scared him off, she came to a standstill in the kitchen. Taped to the coffeepot was a note. Beside the coffeepot was a bottle of water, a coffee cup, spoon, and her bottle of ibuprofen. Positioned beside those items were three graceful origami swans. Two looked as though they were floating on a pond, their graceful necks extended. The third swan’s neck was bowed, with its beak touching the counter as though nibbling from the surface of the pond. She lifted one of the delicate paper creations into her palm and smiled.
So, maybe he didn’t run as fast as he could at the sight of me this morning.
She removed the note taped to the coffeepot and read it.
Good morning, Sweet Jayne,
I had a feeling you’d prefer to be alone this morning. I set your coffeepot up for you so all you have to do is hit “start.” Drink the whole bottle of water and take some ibuprofen. I know your stomach probably feels wobbly but try to eat breakfast. I wish you didn’t have to work in your condition and hope the day is an easy one for you. I’ll look forward to seeing you tonight after work.
-Seth
“Sweet Jayne,” Jayne whispered and hugged herself after she switched the coffeepot on and took the pain reliever like he’d suggested. While the coffee brewed, she started the shower and cringed until her head adjusted to the noise of the water cascading on the tiles.
This day is gonna suck.
She glanced at the note she still held in her hand and smiled again.
Maybe not.
She still had that evening to look forward to.
After she was ready for work and ate a light breakfast, she took her cell phone out and sent a text to Seth.
“Good morning, handsome. Thank you for making me coffee.”
She was sipping the ultra-strong brew Seth had set up for her when her phone dinged with a reply message.
“You’re welcome. How do you feel?”
“In pain but I’ll manage. I hope you have a great day.” She was glad that she’d been alone when she woke up, but part of her was missing his presence right then.
“I’m looking forward to tonight. Take it easy today, if you can.”
“I will. See you at six thirty.”
Mental images from the night before had been coming to her in flickers that had made her blush and wonder how tonight might go. Had she really stripped naked in the hallway? Her clothing had been laid neatly over the back of the chair in her bedroom with her red high heels paired on the floor beside it. A memory flashed through her mind of Seth, his hands roaming freely over her body, telling her that she belonged to him. Her body responded with a wave of need. She recalled with embarrassment her drunken rationalization, as she’d brushed out her hair, that she could take matters into her own hands. She was lucky that he’d been more concerned for her well-being than he had been with his own gratification. There were many men who would’ve taken advantage of that situation.
Snapping the lid on a fresh refill of coffee in her travel mug, Jayne faced the day, resigned to the hangover she’d earned. The library was blessedly quiet until shortly before noon when the kids started arriving for Kookie Kid’s Klub. Thank goodness Daisy was back. She had a cast on her ankle and crutches, but didn’t let either slow her down. She was already setting up the craft tables in the meeting room. Jayne was grateful because she wasn’t sure she could take the chatter or the sound of her own voice reverberating in her skull if she’d had to read to the kids.
When her phone vibrated in her slacks pocket, she slipped it out and squinted at the screen.
“Had a short break between clients. Thought I’d check on you.”
“Hi! I’m doing okay. My head throbs.”
“Dehydration, maybe? Drink more water and it might help. Do you like Chinese food?”
“I just got a big glass and drank it all. Thank you for the reminder. Yes, I like Chinese.”
“Good. I’ll get some takeout for tonight. We can eat before we start.”
“That sounds great. By the way, I loved my origami swans. They made me smile.”
“Good. I want your smiles. Especially when you don’t feel good.” Seth was good at making her smile.
“No more booze for me. I obviously need a keeper when I drink.”
“I’d keep you.”
Jayne’s cheeks filled with heat, and her heart skipped a beat. I think I’d let you, handsome.
“My next client just walked in. I’ll see you this evening.”
“Okay.” She was about to slip the phone back in her pocket when it buzzed again.
“Drink lots of water.”
“Yes, sir. Bossy.”
“You like it.” He followed those words with a little emoticon winking at her.
A tussle at the doorway of the meeting room drew her attention as she slipped the phone into her pocket and rose to refill her water bottle. Two little boys were fighting and arguing, blocking the other kids and moms from entering the room, and she braced herself for the drama as she rushed over to intercede.
The rest of the afternoon drifted by on sluggish feet. She knew that was because she wasn’t up to par but also couldn’t help the anticipation she felt at the thought of seeing Seth again. To get her fuzzy mind focused, she took a walk around the interior of the library, straightening here and there. The sun shone brightly on the white concrete sidewalks outside, and she dreaded going out there later. It would still be bright daylight when she left the library, and her retinas throbbed at the thought. After tidying her desk and the checkout counter, she sighed heavily and rested her head in the palm of her hand. A dull ache under her jawline got her attention, and she palpated the area gently.
A chill rippled along her spine and her heart skipped a beat as her fingertips encountered a swollen lymph node. She felt the other side of her throat and noticed nothing unusual. Her fingertips trembled and her breathing sped up as she searched for other painful lymph nodes in the area extending down from her jawline.
No!
Get a hold of yourself, Jayne. One little swollen lymph node is not Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
She repeated that to herself over and over.
Hodgkin’s had reared its ugly head in her life three times, so she had all the symptoms of recurrence memorized. Jayne had Rowena watch the front desk while she slipped into one of the back offices to make a phone call.
* * * *
Seth knew something was wrong before Jayne had even walked in the studio. His last client had just left moments before, so he happened to be at the counter when she’d pulled up along the sidewalk outside his downtown storefront. She sat in her car with her head bowed. After a minute, he realized she was talking on the phone. She nodded and then opened her car door as she ended her call.
She shaded her eyes from the bright sunlight and tilted her head from shoulder to shoulder like she was stiff or in pain. He opened the front door and when she looked up at him, she smiled and sighed in relief. He liked the open-book quality of her expressions.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” Her reply was soft as she walked in. She seemed almost hesitant. He knew she probably still felt embarrassment over last night, and she was obviously hurting right now. But she seemed withdrawn, which he hadn’t expected. When she didn’t go right to him for a hug or a kiss, he remedied the situation, pulling her into his arms. Her lips trembled under his when he kissed her. Something about her mood signaled that she needed tenderness. He stroked her back, enjoying the feel of her curves against his hand. Her warm scent invaded his nostrils, bringing the rest of his body to life. But the rigidity of her body and the way she clutched his back signaled to him that something was troubling her.
Seth finally released her lips and rubbed her shoulders. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.” That was what she said but he could see the stress in her eyes and feel the tension in her muscles. She was anything but fine.
“Come on back. The food just got here a few minutes ago.” He slid his hand down her arm and clasped her fingers with his. The look in her eyes as she glanced at their joined hands was almost regretful, which troubled him. He frowned but was determined to give her a few minutes to settle. He wasn’t going to tattoo her while she was in this frame of mind. Maybe she just needed to eat.
She followed him back to the small kitchenette area and joined him at the small table. “I got you sweet tea. I hope that’s okay.” Distractedly, Jayne nodded. “Did you eat lunch?”
“Hmm? Oh…no, I didn’t. I meant to. I…forgot.” She rested her forehead in her hand and stroked her temples.
“That explains why you don’t feel good. Food and drink will help, baby. Afterward we’ll determine if we’re going to proceed.”
She looked up at him, a discomfited expression her face. “I’m sorry. I’m just out of sorts.”
“What happened?”
Jayne sat motionless for a few seconds, and the only hint of her emotional state was the furrow that appeared between her brows. She reached for his hand and then brought it up toward her. She pressed his fingertips against her throat, beneath her jaw. He could feel a lump under his middle fingertip. “I found that today.”
“Is it a symptom of Hodgkin’s?” The way his heart raced as he said those words was disconcerting. He’d done a little research after she’d told him about having had it before. Her cheek and neck felt cool to the touch as he caressed her.
“Painful, swollen lymph nodes after overindulging in alcohol can be a symptom of recurrence.”
“But it could also be a cold. What does your doctor say?” He assumed that it was her doctor whom she’d been talking to.
“He cautioned me to not panic but said that he’d check it for me. I’m going to Houston on Monday.”
Seth nodded. “Right. I’m going with you.” At her surprised expression, Seth said, “You’re not driving all the way to Houston by yourself to have this checked out.” He knew it sounded bossy but he wouldn’t let her face this on her own. Her stress was palpable and it called out his urge to protect her.
Jayne shook her head, and Seth had a moment of insight as her eyebrows drew together like she was struggling with herself. She preferred to keep this part of her life separate. “You don’t have to do that, Seth. It could be all day and I may need to stay overnight. I can’t ask you to foul up your schedule like that.”
“That’s one of the benefits of being self-employed. I control my schedule. As a matter of fact, I want to wait until next week to do the second tattoo session.” He stroked her jaw, near the swollen lymph node. “If your body is already fighting an illness, I don’t want to tax it.”
“Besides the hangover, I feel fine.”
“Sorry. I won’t knowingly take chances with your health.”
He could tell she was disappointed, but she nodded because it was a sound assumption to make.
Seth started to open the Chinese food containers but stopped. “By chance, did you remember to bring a change of clothing?”
“I did. Yoga pants, a T-shirt, and sneakers.”
He put all the hot Chinese takeout boxes back into the paper bag. “I have an idea. Something to get your mind off of your troubles. Change out of your work outfit and into the other clothes. We’re taking a ride up to the lake. The food should stay pretty hot in the saddlebags.”
Jayne’s face lit up at the idea and Seth wanted to give himself a high-five. That was exactly what he’d hoped for. She closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his waist. He buried his nose in the silky mass of her hair, breathing her sweet scent, and listened as she let out a long breath and relaxed noticeably in his arms.
They parted just enough for her to look up at him. She was silent for a few seconds as though she was collecting her thoughts. “Thank you, Seth. I was bracing myself.”
“Bracing for what?”
“For you to begin pulling back from me.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Given my medical history and my past experiences with relationships while being sick. It wasn’t just Mike that pulled away when I got really ill the last time. Friends pulled back too. Some people just don’t handle the news well. I don’t think they consciously meant to withdraw, but it happened. People who’ve never dealt with life and death don’t know how to react to that kind of news. It scares them.”
“I’m not scared. And we don’t know for sure that there’s anything wrong yet, either. Think positive.”
“I’ll try.”
Brave words from this beautiful woman, given her past. “Come on. Daylight’s wasting. I’ll load up the bike while you change.”
He made sure the studio was locked up and then went out the back door to secu
re the food in the saddlebags. He heard the door creak and smiled when he turned and she was there, her hair brushed out and flowing down her back, the strands shimmering in the fading light. She held out an elastic band. “Will you braid my hair for me?”
Hell, yes. “With pleasure.” There was nothing he’d love better. She glanced at him as she turned her back and he indulged himself for one short moment, eyeing her lush shape up and down before running his fingers through her hair. She let out a ragged sigh as he sectioned the long locks and began plaiting them. He leaned forward and watched her profile as she closed her eyelids and let her head tilt back with the slight tugging motion of his hands. Pleasure was written all over her face and his cock hardened at the sight. He held back a groan as he took his time, some deep part of him filled with satisfaction at easing her stress…giving her what she needed.
When he was done, he helped her with the helmet and smiled broadly as he looked down at her legs and feet, clothed in snug, stretchy pants that came to her shins and shod in little sandals.
“What?” A rosy blush tinged her cheeks.
“Climb on the bike and let me have your sandals.”
“Oh. Okay.” Her smile and the way she bit her lower lip as she realized what he was doing made funny tingly things happen in his chest region. He liked making her happy, a lot. Getting her wrapped around him on his Harley was a win-win situation for both of them. His cock stiffened a little more as though agreeing.
Down, boy.
She climbed on and held up her foot to him and let him slip the thong sandal from it, giggling when he tickled her arch. After claiming the other one and stowing them in the other saddlebag, he climbed on, started the bike, and put on his helmet. She snuggled close against his back, and enjoying the feel of her plush breasts pressed against him, he nearly forgot their destination. He grinned at her soft gasp when he reached back and slid his hands under her legs and lifted them to wrap around his hips.
“Lord have mercy,” she whispered inside the helmet as she wiggled against him, getting comfortable.
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