by Zrinka Jelic
The glass of water on the nightstand came into her view. He meant well, and she should listen to doctor’s orders. She reached for the medication and popped one in her mouth, then chased it down with a huge gulp of lukewarm liquid. Still, the pill didn’t go down smoothly. She scrounged her face at the effort to force the capsule through the back of her throat. The bitter taste lingered on her tongue despite her attempt to quaff it before it started to melt in her mouth. God, she hated pills.
Slowly, she got out of the bed, trying not to get the frame to creak and wobble, to no avail. He’d been correct in his assumption that she wouldn’t get comfy on this thing. She left the room and approached Mark’s. The door to his bedroom was ajar and a line of light shone at the bottom. The sounds of television drifted through the opening.
She placed her hand on the door, but hesitated. What if he was asleep and hadn’t turned off the TV? Some people couldn’t fall asleep without white noise. Well, the least she could do was peek inside and find out. Scratch that dumb idea, he could be naked on top of his coves, but then again…she wouldn’t mind sneaking that peek. She would knock and if he didn’t answer…he was in dreamland.
With another deep inhale, she rapped on the door. “Mark?”
“Come in.”
His soft voice instilled her with some encouragement. At least he didn’t sound pissed off. She pushed the door open and took a step inside the room. Oh, God. Bare chested, he sat on the bed, book in his lap, one muscular leg bent on top of the covers. Could he be totally naked under there? She could imagine herself alongside him, both of them reading. The rectangular glasses with a thin black frame made his blues appeared bigger.
“I, uh…is this a bad time? I can come back.”
Tag came to her rescue and sat next to her, his pink tongue lolled.
“No, I’m not naked.” He slid from under the covers and snapped the elastic of his boxers. “I sleep like this, but if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll throw on a t-shirt.” He glanced at a black fabric off the floor.
“Um, no, don’t. You shouldn’t give up your comfort on account of me.” She wanted to glide her hand over his torso and feel those ripped muscles. Instead, she just petted Tag’s head, a little too hard.
“I’m not giving up my comfort, but I’d wish you’d reconsider sleeping on that lumpy old mattress.” He return to his bed and flipped the covers on the unoccupied side. “It’s a big bed and you should be in it. See if we both stay on our ends, we’d be far apart that we wouldn’t have to touch.”
Her stomach knotted with mixture of excitement and disappointment. She wanted them to touch. Now he must think her a prude too. And she’d be damned if someone thought her priggish. Though her chest squeezed, she took him up on his offer. How could she refuse when he tapped the bed and put on a big sad puppy face? “Well, I came to apologize,” she said, slipping under the covers, trying to replicate the way he’d arranged the pillows for her in the other room. Tag settled on the big dog bed under the bay window.
“Just a sec.” Mark pointed the remote at the television on the dresser opposite the massive bed and the set turned off, leaving the black flat screen. “You were saying?”
“Goodness, you have a TV in every nook.”
“Gets too quiet here for my liking and Tag’s not a good conversationalist. Anyway, you wanted to say something?” He took her hand.
Damn it, he was playing her. Did he want her to sweat? “I said that I owe you an apology, but I want to clear something up first. I’m not afraid of you. It’s just that I find all this a tad too awkward. I mean, until this afternoon you were still my imaginary boyfriend.”
He didn’t say anything at first, but studied her. “Yeah, I can see your concern. I got over excited and crowded your personal space. I’ll back off and give you some breathing room.” He let go off her hand.
“No, closeness and holding hands, and even your kisses is not what bothers me.” She reached for his hand.
“What does bother you then?”
His soft voice stirred her guilt anew. Was he afraid of what she’d reveal? “Your promises. Don’t promise me anything. Let’s just play by ear and let the relationship develop naturally. If it’s meant to be, it’ll be.”
After a long silence, he squeezed her hand. “Okay, but can I at least promise to take you out for a nice dinner?”
She cast him a pitiful smile. Promises were nothing but empty words, she could spend the rest of the night digging out the disappointments from her past, but that what good would come out of it? “No, not even that. If you want to buy me to a dinner, great, it’s a date. Sweep me off my feet.”
A slow smile bloomed on his face, making him irresistible. “Kind of like a cave man drags his woman by her hair?”
She couldn’t suppress a snort, which caused a sharp pain of discomfort in her nose. “I’d hope you’d take me there holding my hand.”
“I can manage that much.” He propped his muscular arm under his head, turning to her. “So how come no promises? You must be the first girl I know that asked me not promise her anything.”
Did she really needed to mansplain that? Instead, she just shrugged and pulled covers up to her armpits. Could she fall asleep semi-seated and with him only inches away? Not a chance. “It’s getting late. Let’s get some rest.”
“Fine with me.” He turned the lamp on the nightstand off and rustled with the bed sheets, pulling and tugging, while kicking his feet.
She ignored him, but after he yanked the covers off her shoulder, she’d had it with his antics. So, she yanked the pillow under his head.
“Hey!” he exclaimed, flipping onto his back. “Give it back.”
“And you give me back my half of the covers.” She smiled, hugging his pillow to her chest. Never in her wildest imagination had she pictured them together in bed. Actually, yes she had, all the time, but she never dared to hope her fantasies would become real someday. And especially not with her face all puffy and bruised, and a strange cast placed over her nose. She gave him back his pillow as he gently placed the cover over her legs. “Perhaps we could talk some more if it’ll relax you.”
“If you’re up to it, you know I could never get enough of listening to your voice.” He propped his head with a pillow. “Yes, talking would work. We need to find out enough about each other to fool our families. Remember, they think we’ve been dating for months.”
She could never get enough of his voice either. “Of course, I’m up to it. You never told me what prompted you to make up the story about you and me.”
“After Brook and I split up, everyone tried to fix me up with their single friends and cousins.” He swallowed loudly. “At first, I indulged them and went of a few dates. Ladies hoped for a second date, invited me in for a nightcap, if you know what I mean, at the end of the night I escorted them home, but all I allowed them was a peck on the cheek. None of them could hold an interesting conversation, and I don’t care about celebrities’ gossip. Bores me to tears.”
“Still don’t see how I came into the equation.” The real question she wanted to ask, but couldn’t, was about him and Brook? Pain was reflected in his eyes and voice every time he mentioned her name.
“I didn’t want to go on another date, so I told people to back off because I found someone special…you, just didn’t know how to approach you. I’m not direct kind of guy and you weren’t picking up on my hints.” He scratched his eyebrow. “I must admit, you shook my confidence in flirting.”
Her mind drew a blank. He could’ve chosen anyone, but he’d picked her from a sea of gorgeous girls that would give their right eye to be with him, and that must count for something. However, a new dilemma brewed in her mind. He was used to manicured girls, always looking their best. Not her, the ugly duckling who’d never grown up into a beautiful swan. Those same girls would do despicable things out of envy. Ashley already had. The others would too, or they’d try. People were not trustworthy.
“What are you thinki
ng?”
His smooth voice intruded her thoughts. “Oh, nothing.”
“Liar, I can see it on your face and I can almost hear the wheels turning in your head. Tell me.”
He didn’t need to know her thoughts, or he might try to promise things he couldn’t or wouldn’t deliver or months later, claim that he never made such promises and make her feel dumb for believing in him. Oh for heaven’s sake, not every man is like all of your exes. Must be her that attracted mamma’s boys and losers, one after another. And the way his mom treated him suggested he could be a mama’s boy. “Fine, if you must know. I was just thinking that my mom was wrong.”
“About what?”
“Everything. She instilled a fear of the world in me and it’s the sole reason I don’t have a picture with Santa. Every year, I’d get on a new dress and ribbons in my hair, we’d wait in line for over an hour, but when my turn came, I’d panic.” She shook her head at the memory. “By the time I figured out it was just a guy in a polyester suit, I was too old to sit on his lap.”
“Nah, you can never be too old for Santa’s lap. We’ll remedy that.”
Promises again. She puffed her cheeks and let the air slowly seep out. “You must be crazy to think I’d go sit on Santa’s lap at the mall.”
“No, you said it. It’s just a dude in a polyester suit.” He brushed his thumb over her knuckles. “Tell me more about growing up with your cousin. I think there’s something I should know.”
Goosebumps raised on her arm. Was he for real? He would don a Santa’s suit just for her to fix her mother’s error in raising her not to trust to strangers. “Well, yes. Ever since my birth, I was entered into some kind of weird competition against Sandi. Everything she did I had to do, and I did it better. A month after she started ballet lessons, my mother stuffed me into pink leotards and a tutu. The only difference is, she went to a ballet academy taught by a former Russian prima ballerina. Me, I ended up with free lessons at the local community center. All I remember was doing some strange squats while the instructor counted in her broken French. That’s how I found myself learning piano but later, violin turned out to be my one true love. Sandi couldn’t stick with anything and changed activities like her panties.”
He chuckled, exposing beautiful row of white teeth. “I love your sense of humor.”
Her muscles tensed. No one ever loved her humor before. “I’ve been told I’m too sarcastic.”
“You are, but just enough to sound funny.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead so fast, she barely had time to close her eyes.
His lips touched hers and sent her to stars. This was dangerous and she shouldn’t be here. It had taken her too long than it should’ve to get over the last loser and his broken promises. It may just be too soon to get all hung up on a new guy, but she couldn’t refuse those kisses. He gave her short breaks to catch her breath. The feel of his soft and warm lips on hers sent her heart into race mode. To her regret, he stopped, his face just inches away from hers.
“I know, it’s getting late.”
His husky whisper broke her heart. Perhaps she should sleep alone in the other room. “Do you want me to leave?”
“No, stay.” He rolled to his side of bed. “Sorry, I forgot my promise to back off and give you some space.”
“Promises seem to work that way.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll be careful of that.”
She nodded. Yep, just like lies, you can never say only one. “Is there anything I should know about you?”
“Of course.” He slid one arm under his head. “I was a preemie and beat all the odds. My mom gave up her nursing career to take care of me. Doctors’ appointments, therapists, speech, physio, you name it. It took years to catch up those six weeks I’d decided to cut short in womb.”
Well, that explained his mom’s care and concern. “You must’ve been bored in your mom’s belly and didn’t want to miss any of the excitement outside the womb.”
“My mom says the same. Apparently, I was alert right at birth.” He reached for her hand, but halted. “Is this okay? I’d love if we can hold hands while sleeping.”
“Like otters, so they don’t float away from each.” She laughed, taking his hand. “Maybe we should wrap some sea kelp around us to secure the bond.”
“Don’t have any, unfortunately.” He joined her in laughter.
Not many ever did. Her ex would scoff at her jokes. Mark’s eagerness encouraged her to ask about Brook. The little he’d volunteered only wetted her curiosity. The question burned in her mind and since they were finding out more about each other, this would be good time to pop it. “Hope you don’t mind me asking about your ex. How did it end?”
“We were finished months before we split up. I tried to save us, went along with her wishes. Almost lost Tag in the process, not almost, I did lose him, when I should’ve got rid of her then and there.”
“Why she didn’t like Tag?” Neri glanced at the massive dog stretched out on his cushion. How could anyone not like that big goof?
“She had one of them tiny dogs people carry in the purse. Spent fortune on that pooch, the elaborate outfits, grooming, collars, still, that thing looked like one of the naughty gremlins.” Mark drew in a long breath and expelled it fast. “Tag was naturally curious and that thing freaked out, so Brook figured my dog wanted to harm hers. Every time she came over, I had to send Tag out or put him in the basement. It was no fun for him, poor thing. Dave took him in, wouldn’t let me surrender him in a shelter. I rescued him from one and less than six months later, I wasn’t about to return him there.” Mark brought their joined hands to his lips and kissed hers. “Thankfully, you two hit it off. I have nothing to fear.”
“That’s me, all right. Kids and animals love to flock to me, and those who are not all there.” Neri tapped her head, how could anyone do what Brook had done to him? The fact he wanted to grant her every wish, no matter how outrageous, squeezed Neri’s throat. No one ever did that for her, not even her dad. The one man, who should’ve treated her like a princess, treated her like she was in debt to him for raising her. No, instead, he’d expressed his displeasure with his youngest daughter by not allowing her to move back home after her relationship with her boyfriend ended without a marriage—as Dad had predicted. Old school, European stubborn man set in his ways and there was no changing him.
Mark leaned toward her and brushed her hair off her forehead. “That’s because they sense a pure and good soul. They feel safe with you. It took me a while, but I’ve learned to be weary of people Tag doesn’t like. He’s never wrong.”
“Yes, I believe kids and animals have that special sixth sense.” A different storm brewed inside her. She wanted to change subject. He and Brook split up long ago, so why did it bother her? This wasn’t like her, of course he’d have some history. Just look at him, he was a hunk of a man. “Did you—love her?” she asked through her tight throat.
“Of course I did, but in the end, she didn’t want my love and now I’m free to give it to whom I damn well please. If I could, I’d promise it to you, but as is I’d just have to prove it to you.”
Neri shook her head slowly. Hadn’t she heard this all before? She already saw this film, more than once. She was fed up with those words. “No promises. It’s the only rule…show, don’t tell.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Snoring woke up Mark. With his eyes closed, he tapped his nightstand for the first thing he could grab and was about to throw it at Tag, sleeping on the doggy bed under the window when he realized the sound was coming from behind him. A body pressed against him. As he came fully awake, the event of the previous day flashed in his mind and he slowly turned toward Neri. Her mouth hung open and her breathing was rugged and uneven. She coughed and moaned in her sleep, then turned to her side.
Her breathing steadied and she sunk deeper into the pillows. Her full, red lips, so inviting, taunting him to sneak another kiss. Instead, he glanced at the clock. The digital numbers displa
yed seven-ten, later than he thought. The rain and overcast sky let little daylight through the dark blinds.
Well, he may as well start the day. Though emotions inside him warred, how he wanted to roll her into his arms to keep her warm and safe there. They’d shared a bed for the first time, yet he had to restrain himself from touching her. Mindful not to shake the mattress, he slowly got out from under the covers and grabbed the shorts draped over the chair.
“Come bud.” He took Tag by the collar and ushered him out of the room, then closed the door with a soft snick.
His bare soles threaded on the cold wood on his way down the stairs. He rushed into the kitchen, filled the water tank of the brewer and dropped in a pod of his favorite coffee, then proceeded to prepare a protein shake. In the off chance that Neri would like some, he doubled the ingredients and pressed the mix button on the blender. The rough sound of blades cutting through the ice cubes filled the kitchen.
Before he grabbed the much-needed brew, he filled Tag’s bowl, so the dog wouldn’t stare at him while he sipped his coffee.
Tag attacked his food, slobbering and chomping down the kibbles.
The sound of a flushing toilet drifted from the upstairs, followed by the running water. She wouldn’t be taking shower, would she? He rushed up the stairs. She should know the cast on her nose couldn’t get wet. He found her slouched over the sink. Her body trembled and her fingers gripped the edge.
Seeing her tortured like that broke his heart. He draped his arm over her shoulders. “Not feeling well?” He would wish her good morning, but if the dark circles and red eyes were any indication, it wasn’t a good one for her.
“It feels like a razor wire is getting strung through the back of my nose and nothing eases the awful sensation but steam.” She leaned closer to the sink filled with hot water. “What I wouldn’t give for a shower. Or at least to blow my nose out.”
