You're Still the One by Rachel Harris

Author:Rachel Harris [Harris, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Macmillan
Published: 2016-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Two days later, everything hurt. Arabella’s head, her sinuses, and her throat felt like they were in mutiny. She could admit it; she devolved into a big baby whenever she got sick, which was why it was a good thing that she hardly ever got that way. Her daily vitamin regimen, her overall nutrition, and her quest for adequate rest were all part of her valiant effort in fighting the common cold.

Unfortunately, midnight frolics apparently kicked vitamin butt.

At the sound of the front door opening, Ella reluctantly lifted her head from where she lay in a sluggish daze on the couch. She hadn’t budged since that morning when she’d called in to Strange Wheel.

Dark, unruly hair appeared first around the doorjamb, followed by Charlie’s concerned face, and Ella frantically ducked back beneath her blanket. The door closed again, and footsteps approached.

“That bad, huh?”

No, she wanted to say. That ugly.

Half the reason she’d decided to stay home was to avoid seeing Charlie. Her eyes were glassy, her cheeks were pink, and, due to her congestion, she sounded a lot like Mr. Snuffleupagus. As for her hair, well, it was a rat’s nest on her head because she’d had no energy to brush it. Heck, he was lucky she’d brushed her teeth.

Charlie’s hands wrapped around her ankles, lifting them as the sofa cushion dipped beneath her. He placed her feet on his lap and patted them gently. “What can I do to help?”

From beneath the blanket, Ella replied, “Nothing. I mean, I appreciate you stopping by, I really do. But I’ll be fine. I just need to rest.”

That was girl code for, please leave now before you see me like this.

Evidently, Charlie didn’t speak girl code, because he tugged at her covers, then laughed when she tightened her grip. “Woman, stop being silly. I want to check on you. I brought some stuff that’s supposed to help, but to be honest, that woman could’ve sold me a bunch of crap. I’m clueless about this shit.”

A plop came from the coffee table, followed by the crinkling of a paper bag, and she could admit she was curious as to what he’d brought…but not enough to show her puffy face.

“That’s sweet, Charlie. Really.” She sniffled, which lead to a phlegmy, watery cough. Lovely. “But, trust me when I say that while I feel like I’m gonna die, I probably won’t. However, you seeing me like this might just do the trick. I resemble the Crypt Keeper.”

He chuckled again, that deep rumble of a sound that revved her engine even at death’s door, and gave her blanket another gentle tug. “Arabella, you couldn’t look bad if you tried.”

Admitting defeat, because the man was nothing if not stubborn, Ella sighed and folded down the blanket, exposing her red, sweaty face. Charlie gave her a soft smile and squeezed the top of her foot. “Gorgeous.”

Her heart fluttered. Trying to hide how much he affected her, Arabella looked away, her gaze falling upon the impressive collection of bottles on the coffee table.

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