Page 83 of Lose You Twice

Kai left a brown brow at me. “That has nothing to do with my hip.”

“It speaks to your general condition.”

A real smile almost breaks through.

The sight catches somewhere beneath my ribs.

I climb into bed before he notices.

“Goodnight, Wren.”

“You’re still being stupid.”

He turns off the lamp.

The room goes dark except for the gray light at the curtains. For several minutes, the only sounds are rain, the heater, and Kai shifting on the floor.

Then he exhales loudly. I open my eyes. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“You’ve been down there for five minutes.”

“Were you timing me?”

“No, I guessed.”

He shifts again, and the quiet sound that follows carries the unmistakable edge of pain.

I sit up and look over the mattress.

His legs are too long for the space. One knee is bent against the wall, and the blanket has twisted around his ankle.

This is ridiculous.

Against my better judgment, I fling back the covers. “Get in the bed.”

“No.”

“I wasn’t asking. You have a game tomorrow.”

“I’m aware.”

“You’re going to ruin your hip because you’re determined to be noble.”

“I’m being appropriate.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

He lifts his head and looks at me. “Dramatic?”

“Yes. Very brave. Very self-sacrificing. Terrible for joint health.”

“My hip is fine.”

“Straighten your leg.”

He doesn’t.