Chapitre 4: Am I Too Hot For You To Handle?

I opened up to him, letting his tongue slide into my mouth. I nearly choked when he held my tongue with his lips, sucking gently.

A strange mix of emotions washed over me. His lips were soft, gentle even, but the fact that he kissed me—this man I barely knew—left a sour taste. What if he was just testing me? Trying to see what kind of nurse I was?

I pushed him away, gently, careful not to hurt him, and broke free from his hold.

"I-I..." Derrick stammered, his face shifting from the warmth of the kiss to something pale, like he'd seen a ghost. "I didn't mean to."

"You kissed me—without asking—and now you're saying you didn't mean to?" My voice was sharp, my anger bubbling to the surface. Who did he think I was? He was my patient, nothing more. There had to be boundaries, and he had just crossed them. He needs to respect that.

"For how long are you going to keep pretending you didn't mean to do anything?" I crossed my arms. He suddenly looked pathetic, like he wanted to play the victim.

No answer.

I sighed, taking a deep breath. "The only relationship we have is nurse and patient. If you think I'll fall for your little games, you're wrong."

"I understand, Hailey, and I've already apologized for my behavior," Derrick said, trying to sit up. He couldn't, so I helped by placing a pillow behind him to make him comfortable without hurting his stomach. "When I kissed you, I mistook you for someone else. I thought you were her, and by the time I realized, it was too late."

Someone else? This was a mistake? Instead of feeling relieved, my anger flared.

"So you thought I was someone else? Your wife? Girlfriend?" I frowned.

"It's personal. I'm sorry for acting childish and stupid again. It won't happen anymore."

I could see the regret in his eyes. He was genuinely sorry for making me uncomfortable in my own home.

I understand," I said, rolling my eyes as I sat on the couch. What was I thinking? That someone like Derrick would want me? He was handsome, rich, and successful. Women like Alice would be lining up for him. Whatever happened earlier was definitely a mistake. But who was the lucky woman? "The meds can make you act weird, like hallucinate."

"Oh no, I don't want that," he smiled.

"Do you need anything?" I quickly changed the subject, trying hard not to think about the kiss.

"Food," Derrick replied, looking around my living room. It wasn't as fancy as he was probably used to, but he'd have to deal with it until he got better and could leave.

"What do you want to eat?" I asked before I could stop myself. What if he wanted something I didn't know how to cook?

"I'm picky, but anything will do for now. Or maybe you could make me some soup?"

"I'm not good with soup, so I'll—"

"Make cold cuts instead," he cut in.

"I don't know how to make those either," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. Cooking wasn't my thing. It never bothered me.

When I still lived with my dad, my stepmom wouldn't let me near the kitchen. She didn't trust me to cook, so she never taught me. But everything else? That was all on me. I made sure the house was spotless.

After I moved to B-Town, I didn't have much time to learn how to cook. I only picked up my favorite recipes. Anything else, I'd just order in.

"Why do you even have a kitchen?" Derrick asked, looking surprised. He could see it from where he sat, right next to the living room. "I'm not trying to be rude, but cold cuts are the easiest thing to make."

"I'll order something or go down the street to get it for you," I said, standing up. John had warned me not to upset his boss, but Derrick was starting to get on my nerves.

"No, don't stress yourself," Derrick said, stopping me. "I'll eat whenever you cook... I mean, whatever you can cook."

"Okay," I replied, heading to the kitchen. The spaghetti I made yesterday was still in the fridge, so I warmed it up and served it with chicken.

He ate like a hungry dog. Derrick finished his food and took his medication. I checked his wounds and cleaned them.

"I need to take a bath," he said when I was done. "I haven't had one in two days."

"Okay, but you're hurt on your left arm and thigh. You can't even walk to the bathroom. How are you going to...?"

"That's why you're here."

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. I wished John was here to hear Derrick's request. Did he really think I would bathe him? A grown man?

No! That was never part of the deal.

"I-I don't understand," I said, forcing a smile, unsure if he was joking or serious. "This isn't what I'm thinking, right?"

"You were paid to be my caretaker and nurse," Derrick said with a serious look. "I didn't ask you to sleep with me. It's just a bath, Hailey. I would do it myself, but you can see my condition. I'm trying to…"

I shook my head. "How am I going to bathe you?"

"The same way you take yours," he replied.

I thought about what to do, but my mind was blank. He needed a bath; it would be better if he did it now before he started smelling.

I picked up my phone and texted Alice, telling her what was going on. Her reply shocked me.

It's your job, girl. He didn't ask you to do anything beyond that. But if you don't want to, I might come over and help you with it.

I sighed and put my phone back in my pocket. Alice was the wrong person to contact.

I heated water for him and set up his bath.

When I came downstairs, I saw Derrick trying to stand. He couldn't and just got more frustrated.

I didn't want him to feel useless, so I rushed to help him.

He put an arm around me, and I helped him walk to my room. Climbing the stairs was hard. The downstairs bathroom didn't have a tub, so we had to use mine.

When we got there, he pulled the blanket off. I swallowed hard, trying not to look at him. Even with his wounds, he was still handsome and turned heads when he walked.

He sat in the bathtub, looking at me. His eyes were sharp but inviting, and I couldn't move. His toned body was slightly wet, wearing only his underwear. His strong arms rested on the tub, and his eyes were calm and confident.

He tried to reach for the soap, but his arm hurt. He gritted his teeth and said, "Hailey, you are being very helpful."

I didn't say anything or move to help. I kept looking at him. Why did God make such a handsome man and expect me to stay calm?

"Am I too hot for you to handle?" he asked suddenly, breaking my thoughts.

"N-no…," I stammered, rubbing my palms and taking a deep breath. "How can I help here?"

"Give me a bath, Hailey."