Page 151 of Sparks Fly

She climbed in beside me and curled carefully around my good side. She turned on Buffy and played with my hair while the medication started to work.

Once the pain eased, the drowsiness pulled me under. The last thing I felt was her lips against my forehead.

* * *

Later, after dinner, Addison suggested a shower.

The hospital had sent me home with a shower sling and a waterproof cover for the dressing. The nurse showed Addison how to protect my shoulder before getting it wet.

Steam filled the bathroom while she helped me undress. Then she carefully covered the dressing and secured the shower sling, checking everything twice before pressing a soft kiss to my shoulder.

“There,” she murmured. “All protected.”

She helped me into the shower and stepped in behind me. Her hands moved slowly and carefully as she washed around the bandages, touching me like I was something precious.

The intimacy of it stirred something warm in my chest.

I flirted because it was instinct.

Because wanting her still felt good.

She kissed me, slow and warm, the familiar spark of heat flickering between us. When I tried to pull her closer, her hands stilled against my waist.

“Absolutely not,” she said firmly, though she was smiling. “You’re hurt.”

For a second, disappointment flashed through me.

Addison saw it immediately. “I’m not rejecting you.”

“I know.” I loosened my hold on her waist. “I just wanted you.”

“I want you too.” She brushed her thumb over my hip. “That’s the problem. Because if we start, you’re going to forget you’re hurt, and I’m going to let you.”

A quiet laugh slipped out of me. “Probably.”

“Definitely.” She kissed me again, softer this time. “I’m trying to protect you, baby.”

Something in my chest eased.

“I’m not used to that,” I admitted.

“I know.”

I rested my forehead against hers. “Okay. Not tonight.”

“Not tonight.”

“But you still have to kiss me.”

She smiled. “That I can do.”

She leaned in slowly, one hand settling carefully against my waist as her lips met mine. The kiss was soft and unhurried, warm enough to make me forget the pain for a second.

When she pulled back, she stayed close, her forehead resting against mine.

“I love you,” she whispered.

My chest tightened in the best way.