“Stop saying sweet things then!” I sniffled.
“You just got on to me for being a grump!”
“I didn’t mean it.” One tear slid down my cheek as I chuckled. “You can be whatever you want as long as you’re here to do it.”
“Good. Then get out of my room. I’m tired and I don’t want to see you cry.” She made a shooing motion at me. “And tell those nurses that I’m ready for my gruel and water.”
I laughed. “It’s not that bad.”
“Not that bad? Have you seen what they are feeding me? It’s colorless, smells awful, and tastes even worse.” She made a disgusted face.
“But it seems to be helping.”
“I think they’re drugging me. I always fall asleep after I eat.” She frowned.
“Could you blame them?” I stood up and laughed. “It’s not like you could just be tired and worn out from eating. No. Not after nearly dying from a heart attack.”
“You’re a cheeky princess. I’m not letting you get away with that any longer.”
“I’m going.” I opened the door and turned back to look at her. “I know I said I didn’t, but I do like you like this. All cranky and pushy. It suits you just as well as your clipboard.”
“I miss my clipboard.” She sighed as I closed the door.
“We’re taking good care of her, miss.” The younger nurse smiled at me.
“I know you are. She’s healing quickly!” I touched her shoulder in gratitude. “She’s not normally so prickly.”
“I think it’s a defense mechanism,” the older nurse offered. “She doesn’t want people to treat her like a frail, broken thing. So she’s pushy and grumpy. Makes her look stronger.”
“I think you’re right.” I nodded my head. “But I kind of like it.”
“Your brother said the same thing.” The dreamy look on the younger nurse’s face made me smile. Despite Max’s antisocial tendencies, he had a way of making hearts flutter.
“He would know.” The doorbell rang and I smiled. “I believe that’s my ride.”
“Have a good evening.” The older nurse smiled. “I think you’re going to knock your date over in that dress.”
“Do you think so?” I looked down at the material.
“Oh yes, ma’am.” Her smile grew. “You’re practically glowing.”
“Thank you. Have a good night!” I turned to run back to my room to fetch my purse. “And don’t let Selene bully you.”
David was waiting by the fireplace by the time I made my way downstairs. His back was to me, but I enjoyed the way his tuxedo pants hugged his backside. Tabitha was chatting animatedly with him and I found myself frowning. Instead of wearing a nice dress that would fit in with the rest of the auction and partygoers she was wearing a ball gown that left little to the imagination.
I didn’t enforce a dress code for the people who worked with me. That seemed cruel and unfair. I would hate being told what I could and couldn’t wear. But if I was being honest, Tabitha looked like a call girl. And she was busy pushing her cleavage in David’s direction.
Okay, maybe I was being catty, but the dress was well on the side of ridiculous. And her cleavage put the little bit that I was showing to shame.
“Hello.” I stayed by the sofa, not wanting to compete for space next to the low fire.
“Wow.” David turned to look at me and his eyes drank me in. “You look amazing.”
“What a beautiful dress!” Tabitha cut off any response I had. She put a hand to her bosom and I tried not to roll my eyes. It was likely she didn’t know what to wear to the event, and I hadn’t thought to offer any advice or ask what she was thinking.
I bit my lip. “You look nice too.”
“Thank you. I was just telling David that my friend is a designer.” She ran her hand over the material. “She made this for me when I told her I couldn’t find anything that I liked.”
“I’m going to grab my wrap, would you like me to get yours as well?” I motioned toward the closet. I really hoped that she was planning on covering up a little bit. Or a lot. A lot would be good.
“Oh, no thank you. I’m warm enough.”
I eyed the cutouts at her waist and bit my lip again. Taking out a silk wrap, I started to drape it over my shoulders, but David’s hands stopped me.
“Let me help.” He tucked the soft material around me. “You really look amazing.”
“So do you.” I eyed the way his shirt hugged his chest under the jacket. “The tux looks good on you.”