The Seaside Café by Rochelle Alers

Author:Rochelle Alers [Alers, Rochelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2020-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Kayana managed to conceal her shock when she saw the dark circles under Graeme’s sunken eyes. He hadn’t shaved, and his hair looked as if he’d combed it with his fingers. She could not imagine what had triggered the change in his appearance since she last saw him.

“It’s the afternoon. And I thought I told you to get into bed, not on it.”

“I feel like shit.”

“That’s because you’re sick, Graeme.”

Setting her tote on the padded bench at the foot of the California-king bed, Kayana smoothed back the sheet, fluffed up pillows, and pulled the top sheet and lightweight blanket over Graeme’s body. She suspected he’d either come down with a summer cold or a virus.

“I’m going to take your temperature before I give you something.” She took a small case labeled FIRST AID out of the tote and placed a digital thermometer under his tongue until it emitted a beeping sound. Kayana removed the thermometer. “You have a slight fever,” she said.

Graeme closed his eyes again. “I’m never sick.”

“You have a fever of ninety-nine point eight, which means you’re not well, Graeme. By the way, when was the last time you ate?”

“I don’t remember.”

“You don’t remember? What have you been doing since I last saw you?”

“Writing.”

Kayana could not believe what she’d just heard. She could not imagine Graeme writing so much that he’d forgotten to eat. “After I give you a dose of cold and flu medication, I’m going to see if I can put together something for you to eat.”

Graeme opened his eyes, and she noticed they were dark and glassy. “Why are you doing this for me?”

She smiled. “Don’t you know, Graeme?” she asked, answering his question with one of her own.

“No.”

Kayana rested her hand against his graying stubble. “Because I like you.” She hadn’t lied to Graeme, because she’d come to like him more than she wanted to. He possessed qualities she’d looked for and admired in a man, but more importantly, she’d made Graeme aware that she wasn’t interested in anything that would lead to a commitment. He would close up his house and leave Coates Island before the Labor Day weekend to return to Massachusetts to teach, while she would remain behind to work less, bond with her niece, and take time off to vacation at an all-inclusive resort.

She measured the recommended dose into the small plastic cup and watched as Graeme swallowed it as he screwed up his face. “That’s nasty.”

“I’ll bring you some water and leave it by the bed. I’m also going to go through your refrigerator and see what I can make for you to eat.” He caught her wrist as she turned to leave. “What is it?”

He attempted to smile, but it looked more like a grimace. “I like you, too.”

Kayana patted the hand holding hers captive. “I’ve known that for a while.”

Sandy-brown eyebrows shot up. “Really?”

She eased her hand from his loose grip. “Yes, really. You’re not very subtle when you stare at me.”

“That’s because I happen to like what I’m staring at.

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