Chapter 33: Unfamiliar Feelings
Rylee snored in her sleep. Evan wanted to laugh when he first heard it. It wasn't a loud noise, but he never would have expected it from her. She had a way of scrunching up her brow, or tightening her fists when she slept. Bandit would lick her hand until she relaxed, then lay his head back on her arm.
Evan didn't want to leave. Having her near him put his worries at ease. He felt upset to see her in pain, longing to fix it.
He ran his hand across her hair, wondering what she was dreaming about. She probably didn't even realize she fell asleep. She was very trusting letting him in the room with her.
"How's she doing?" Tara was in the doorway, watching. Evan looked down at Rylee, shaking his head.
"Six stitches. Could have been worse. Zane got things taken care of with her job, but she really needs more time to heal," he let his hand rest on Rylee's head. He wanted to laugh when another little snore escaped her mouth.
"If you need to go, I can watch her," Tara offered.
Evan shook his head, "I'm fine for now. She's not a bother."
Tara nodded and left the room. Bandit yawned and rolled over, tail thumping against the bed. Evan looked down at the small dog, considering it. "So you're the man in her life. Think you can share?" He whispered to the terrier. The dog looked up at him with such an intelligent expression he could have sworn it understood. After a moment, he licked Evan's free hand and rolled on his back, whining.
There was a click from the kitchen and Bandit leapt off the bed excitedly. "Must be dinner time," Evan mused. He watched the dog retreat and glanced at his phone. As much as he wanted to let Rylee sleep he knew she needed nutrients to battle the blood loss she faced. He carefully shifted her to her pillow, regretfully escaping her grasp, and headed to the kitchen to see what he could find.
"Has she eaten?" Tara seemed to be of the same mindset.
"No. She needs to drink something too. Do you have stuff here or should I have Zane drop something off when he brings her phone?" Evan asked.
Tara opened the fridge and examined the contents. "There's some lunch meat, not sure if we have bread... and just water in the sink. Sorry we haven't been shopping yet."
Evan found the cups and filled a glass of water before texting Zane on his phone. While he preferred cooking, it would take hours to grocery shop, cook, and then feed Rylee. They would have to settle for take out instead.
"Tara, give Zane your order," Evan handed off the phone and went back to the bedroom. Rylee hadn't moved from where he left her. He gently nudged her shoulder.
"Hey, Ry. You need to drink something," he coaxed her.
"Hopefully not juice?"
Her comment made him laugh. He helped her upright and offered the water. "The goal right now is to hydrate you. Zane is bringing food." He explained. Rylee made a face as she drank, and Evan had to encourage her several times in order to finish the glass.
"The juice tasted better," she joked. He put the cup on the table then pulled her into a hug. It made him happy that she didn't resist, enjoying the way she buried her head against his chest. He kept her blanket across her shoulders so she wouldn't feel embarrassed, knowing the hospital gown was a little in the revealing side.
"I thought about you today," she whispered into his chest. Evan looked down, catching her eyes. It was cute the way her cheeks grew crimson with a blush. He wanted to ask what she thought about, when Rylee leaned forward and caught his lips with hers. His body grew hot, intoxicated just by the contact. He forgot why he was there, and only knew he didn't want to leave.
Rylee made the first move which was a bold gesture, but she quickly let him take control of the kiss, her lips shy against his. He was patient, savoring every taste, one hand tangling in her hair and holding her in place. He wasn't forceful, holding back since she was still so fragile, but when he broke away, he gazed at her, feeling the unquenched fire burning inside him. Tracing a finger across her cheek, he let his forehead rest against hers affectionately. "I guess the good side of this was I got to see you sooner," he remarked.
Careful not to touch her fresh stitches, he helped her shift into a more comfortable position leaning back against him. He knew it wouldn't be long before the food came, and he didn't want her caught in an awkward situation. It didn't stop him from breathing in her scent and holding her hand in his. Every little contact got his blood pumping. She was becoming a weakness for him.
"Food's here!" Tara finally called out, entering the door carrying the take out bags. Bandit danced around her legs, waiting hopefully for scraps.
Zane was behind her, looking tired with paint still on his clothing. "How are you feeling, Ry?" He asked.
"A little dizzy, hungry..." Rylee admitted.
Evan dug through the bag and found the bowl of chicken dumpling soup they got for her. After setting her up with a spoon and ensuring she was eating, he grabbed his own box and bit into a breadstick.
"Work gave you tomorrow off. They filled out the paperwork for workman's since it was an on the job injury. I wish the car accident had gone that smoothly," Zane stated, leaning against her desk and taking a bite of noodles.
Rylee ate slowly, pushing the dumplings around in her bowl. "I just don't want them to hold it against me."
"If they do, they can go to court," Tara reminded her. "Companies like that know not to mess with workplace injuries. So don't overthink it."
Tara are her chicken Alfredo quickly, continuing between bites of noodles, "Zane and I both go in early tomorrow, I'm sure you can tolerate spending the day with Evan again. As much as you love Bandit I don't think having him jump all over you will help with the recovery."
Rylee seemed torn. She looked at her dog then back to Evan. "I guess. He just hasn't had a decent walk in forever..."
"Maybe Zane and I can try tomorrow afternoon?" Evan suggested. Rylee looked surprised, a tiny smile stretching from the corner of her mouth.
"As amusing as that would be to see you two attempt, I'm not sure how well it would work."
"Eat first, decide later," Tara scolded, pushing the soup back toward her. Reluctantly Rylee finished eating, and Zane took the dishes away.
When she finished, Rylee was already yawning, so Evan plugged her phone in, helped her settle back into bed, and left one last kiss on her forehead. "I'll see you in the morning, okay?" He promised.
After entrusting her in Tara's care he forced himself to go home alone.
It was remarkable how challenging that task had become.
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