Page 78 of Say it Ain’t So

“Damn, gorgeous.” I clutched my chest, wishing I could loosen the hold the mere sight of Joss caused on my heart. “You look better than ever.”

“Dennis!” Lee swung his angry green gaze my way. “How many times do I have to tell you to stop harassing her?”

Joss’s cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she grabbed his meaty arm. “It’s okay, Lee.”

I was about to yell Damn right, it’s okay! when Joss swung her gaze around the room as if she’d never been here before.

It dawned on me then: we were still doing this whole charade. The one where we were in love and dating and fucking each other’s brains out but pretending there wasn’t a goddamn thing between us. It should have made me question so many things, but my brain short circuited the moment she turned her beautiful smile my way.

“How are you feeling?”

“Lightheaded,” I answered honestly, then swallowed the saliva pooling in my mouth. I pressed my hand to my breastbone. “Kinda feels like my heart is gonna pound its way right out of my chest.”

“Dennis!”

I cringed, but any fear of what my boss would do to me floated away with the sight of Joss’s shy smile. She tucked her hair behind her ear, then pulled her bag up her shoulder.

Her full bag.

“What…” I glanced at my boss. “What’s going on here?”

Before he could answer, Vinny stepped forward. “Joss is going to help you out a little until you get back on your feet.”

When I only blinked—did I mention the pain killers were strong?—Lee offered, “She volunteered as tribute.”

“Tribute?”

“Still think a home nurse is the way to go,” he grumbled.

“We talked about that,” Vinny said. “He shouldn’t need that much help.”

“I don’t need any help!” My loud voice was emphasized by my chair slamming into the end table behind me.

Apparently driving a wheelchair was a skill I did not yet possess.

Joss rushed forward, grabbing the lamp from the table before it crashed to the floor. “I got it! It’s okay.”

She maneuvered the lamp back to its previous location, keeping the shade from knocking me in the face.

“Looks like you could use some help,” Lee said.

“We’ll be okay,” Joss insisted. She placed her hand on my shoulder, and I wanted to pull her into my arms. Her voice sounded strained as she added, “I’m sure he’ll be up and moving in no time.”

The frown on Lee’s face didn’t give me high hopes.

“Are you good here?” Vinny asked, tugging at his sleeve before taking a step back toward the door.

“We will be.” Joss removed her hand, and I felt the loss immediately. “I’m sure Rylan can show me around his apartment.”

Lee nodded, then pointed his finger at my face. “I expect you to treat Joss with respect. Don’t need no damn lawsuits because you can’t keep your hands to yourself.”

Raising my hands, I gave him a smirk. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Be better than that.”

With a laugh, I told him, “Yes, boss.”

Lee shook his head and turned to Joss. “Call if you need anything. I’ll hire someone to care for him if he’s too mu⁠—”