I gasp for air, and with each intake, there’s a stab in my ribs. As I turn to get a better position, Cal’s face comes into view. He’s sleeping beside me with the phone resting on his chest. Knowing he’s here with me makes everything bearable.
I can get through anything as long as he’s with me. Even though I know he’ll never want to be with me again romantically, but having him here is better than nothing.
My meds must have worn off. I glance at the clock on the mantle. The soft light from the lamp gives off enough glow to see it’s gone midnight.
I wince as I move towards the kitchen to reach my medication. I don’t want to wake Cal. He looks so peaceful, and he deserves some peace after everything I’ve put him through.
Slumping into the kitchen, holding my side with my good arm, I pause for breath at the counter, trying to be as quiet as possible and breathe through the pain. A low groan leaves my lips as I reach for a glass. Moisture covers my face as my entire body tenses with the pain.
“Steph.” His voice makes me jump, causing another shooting pain down my side. “I told you to let me know if you needed anything.”
Turning around, I see the scowl on his face. “I didn’t want to wake you.” I swallow the tablets, gulping down the water.
“For fuck’s sake, Steph. You shouldn’t be moving around. You need to rest.”
I’m panting through gritted teeth, doubled over. The pain in my side stabs me with each breath. I hear what he’s saying, but it’s sort of muffled.
“Look at the state of you.”
Great. On top of being a burden and completely useless, I also look a complete mess.
He gently wraps an arm around my waist, and I hold on to him with my free arm. “Let’s get you to bed.”
I nod, unable to speak through the pain, hoping the tablets kick in soon.
Once in the bedroom, I sit on the bed, catching my breath.
“Do you want me to help you change?”
I glance at my leggings and t-shirt. “Leave these.” I pant.
“You’ve done too much.”
Who would think walking from the sofa to the kitchen would be too much?
He pulls back the duvet, lowering me down. As he leans over to adjust my pillows, he hovers over my lips. His hair falls in front of his face, and without thinking, I tuck one side behind his ear. He stops in his tracks to look into my eyes.
His breath tickles my cheek, and I can almost taste his lips. He swallows hard, making his Adam’s apple bob before me. His bicep bulges as he lowers my head to the pillow, darting his eyes from my lips to my gaze, then back again. If only I had the strength to lift myself up to meet them. Before I have time to think, the moment is lost.
“Can I get you anything?”
“My water, please.”
He disappears and returns with my drink.
“Thank you.”
“Here, your phone too. I’ll be in the living room. Just shout when you want something. Or call me on the phone. I’ll get you anything you need. That’s why I’m here, baby.”
I suck in a breath through my teeth. He hasn’t called me that for a while. Hearing the word escape his lips is like the sound of my favourite song. I reach for his hand. “Cal,” I say, clasping his wrist.
“Yeah.”
“Will you stay with me?”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.”
“I mean, stay here with me. I don’t want to be alone.”