He rolled to his side, then started to push himself up to his knees. Holly scrambled to her feet and bent over, grabbing him around his chest and adding her strength to his. Together they moved slowly to the bed. Jordan dragged himself onto the mattress. Holly lifted his legs into place, then bent over and smoothed the sheet over him.
Better? she asked. Do you want a painkiller?
He shook his head, which surprisingly only hurt a little. Ill be fine.
You sure? She sat on the bed next to him. Her hip bumped his.
Yeah, he murmured, trying not to notice that now he could see her other breast.
She bent close and touched his forehead. You feel a little warm.
Im sure it will pass.
She frowned. I hope youre not spiking another fever.
He glanced at the deep V exposed by the oversize robe. Im sure thats not it.
She was so intent on his condition, she didnt notice she was flashing him. He wasnt sure if he should be pleased or insulted. While he appreciated the concern, no man wanted to be considered as sexually interesting as a eunuch.
How did you end up on the floor? she asked.
Hed almost forgotten the circumstances that had brought Holly rushing to his side. He rubbed his temple as he tried to remember. I heard a noise.
What was it?
I cant remember. I was asleep and something woke me. I got up to see what it was.
Maybe you were dreaming.
Maybe. He stared at her for a moment, for the first time really taking in the oversize robe and her wet hair. He reached out and fingered a damp strand. What have you been up to?
Holly blushed, then turned her head away. I, ah, was sort of using your shower. I hope you dont mind.
He wanted to say she could use it anytime, but only on the condition he got to watch. Though he figured she wouldnt know he was kidding. Then he realized he wasnt kidding. Had it been that long since hed been with a woman, or was it specifically that Holly Garrett intrigued him?
Dangerous question, Haynes, he told himself, and decided to ignore it.
I dont mind, he said. Is there a problem with the plumbing at your new apartment?
She drew in a deep breath. The edges of the robe trembled slightly but didnt part any more. Staring at them was screwing up his concentration, so he lowered his gaze to her lap, where she rested her hands.
Plumbing? Oh! She seemed to realize how she was dressed. She touched her wet hair, then pulled the collar of the robe together and held it tight. I, um, I dont really have an apartment.
He drew his eyebrows together and stared at her. Where are you living?
At the shop. She gave him a quick smile. Its really very nice. Theres plenty of furniture. Some of the sofas are very comfy. I have a sleeping bag, a hot plate and a small refrigerator. Theres even a bathroom, but it doesnt have a shower. So I asked Louise if it was all right for me to use the shower here. You were sleeping, or I would have asked you.
You cant live there, he said.
Why not? Its perfectly safe. I didnt have renters insurance, and right now I cant afford to replace everything I lost, let alone come up with first and last months rent. But right after the holidays everything should be fine. Its only for a few weeks.
She was talking quickly, and he wondered if it was to cover her nervousness. He figured it was. Now that she was no longer acting as his nurse, she was shy and embarrassed.
As he watched, the fingers at her collar tightened. Go get dressed, he said gruffly, then closed his eyes as she scurried from the room.
When she was gone, he raised his arm to cover his eyes. He didnt want to think about Holly Garrett living alone in her store. After six the shopping district was deserted. She could get into trouble, and no one would be around to call for help. To make matters worse, thinking about her living there made him think about her not having access to a shower and instead using his.
Shed been so soft and tempting in his robe. His mind filled with a hundred different ways he could take them both to breathlessness and back. But he wasnt going to act on any of them. He was too old and cynical for a woman like her.
For a moment a flicker of regret raced through him. Regret for all hed never experienced and for all he would never have. If he were someone else, if circumstances were different, he could pursue his interest in Holly. He could woo her slowly, risk caring about her and being cared about in return.
A fantasy, he told himself, even as he acknowledged the fantasy was a hell of a lot better than reality. It wasnt that he didnt believe in love; he just didnt like the consequences.
Seconds later the noise that had awakened him returned. It was a low-pitched yowl. Before he could make up his mind about the risk of trying to get out of bed again, Holly returned carrying a large gray cat.
He eyed the beast distastefully. He recognized the face. That cat was responsible for him being laid up. He thought about grabbing the creature and expressing his feelings, but in his weakened condition he didnt dare. The cat stared back at him, dislike gleaming from its bright green eyes. He figured the cat had gotten the best of him once, and that had been while he was healthy. God knows what it could do to him now.
Holly shifted the massive feline in her arms and smiled. This is Mistletoe. Mistletoe, this is the brave man who saved your life.
Man and cat glared at each other. Neither was impressed.
Mistletoe is a pedigreed Persian, Holly said, then set the animal on the floor. I hope you dont mind that I brought her over. Shes very special to me.
At the sound of her name, the cat glanced up at Holly, then purred and rubbed against her legs. When the feline completed the circle, she looked at Jordan and flattened her ears.
He stared back. Shes pretty fat.
Shes pregnant.
He had a moment of guilt for thinking evil thoughts about an expectant mother, then realized Mistletoe would probably pass her bad temper on to her offspring.
I dont like to leave her alone at night, Holly said. Shes very well behaved. She wont be any trouble.
Yeah, right, he muttered.
Holly picked up the cat and walked toward the bed. Maybe you should pet her and get acquainted.
Mistletoe began to squirm. Holly set her on the foot of the bed. The cat glared at him. He glared back. She arched her back, gave a sharp pftt, then jumped down and stalked away.
Holly stared after her. I dont understand. Shes really very sweet and loves everyone.
Uh-huh, Jordan said, knowing hed just been insulted by a twenty-pound monster.
Im sure shell adore you once she gets to know you.
Mistletoe had already sent him off the balcony of a building. He would hate to see what the cat was capable of when she put her mind to something.
Holly curled up in the chair Louise had brought into Jordans temporary bedroom. The overhead light was off. The only illumination came from two floor lamps in opposite corners.
Jordan sat up in bed with the sheet bunched around his waist. Theyd finished dinner and were sipping coffee. Holly was pleased with how far shed come. Despite being in the same room with a good-looking man and his handsome chest, she was able to talk like a normal person. Definitely an improvement over the first day. Jordan still had the power to make her blush, but that was getting better, too.