Making a Comeback. Kristina Mathews

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СКАЧАТЬ must have stepped from the shower.

      He let out the breath he’d been holding since he sat down. She was conscious.

      And most likely naked.

      Breathe in. Breathe out.

      Cooper tried to steady his heart rate as he’d done on the mound so many times. But he hadn’t stepped foot on a baseball field in months, and he was too wound up for too many reasons.

      * * * *

      “Oh, you scared me!” Annabelle was startled to find Cooper sitting on her bed. Good thing she’d slipped on her robe instead of just waltzing out of her bathroom naked.

      “I said I’d be here if you needed me.” He raked his hands through his hair, obviously just as uncomfortable being there as she was having him there. “Isn’t that the whole point of this sleepover?”

      She cinched the belt around her waist tighter, all too aware that she was naked underneath. Her heart rate spiked as she thought about having a sleepover with this man under very different circumstances.

      “I…I think the guest room is all set.” She crossed the room, hoping he’d follow. “I haven’t had anyone stay there, but there should be sheets on the bed.”

      “I can take the couch.”

      “No. I couldn’t have you do that.” She opened the guest room door and made her way to the bed to check for fresh linens. “You wouldn’t fit. The sofa is less than six feet long, and you’re, what six-one, six-two?”

      “Six-three.” He shrugged, as if his size was something of an inconvenience.

      “You wouldn’t be comfortable on the sofa.” She turned down the comforter, relieved to find crisp cotton sheets underneath.

      “Are you going to be comfortable having me in the room right next to you?”

      “Why? Do you snore?”

      “Not that I know of.” He gave her a smile that made her all too aware of how close he would be.

      “Well, that’s good.” She wasn’t going to tell him she was uncomfortable having him so close. That she hated having him hover over her. She couldn’t even take a shower without him standing guard outside her door.

      It would be different if he was naked and hovering over her, or taking a shower with her. If he was spending the night because he wanted to, not because he had to. But maybe that was the biggest reason she didn’t want him here.

      “There’s a bathroom down the hall.” Annabelle stepped toward her room. “I’m going to go brush my teeth, so if you hear me drop the toothpaste…”

      “I’ll come running.” He offered a faint smile. “Just to make sure it’s not your head.”

      “I figured as much.” She was just going to have to get used to the idea that he was there. So close. Too close. “Are you going to wake me every two hours?”

      “The doctor said three.” He stepped back, giving her a little breathing room.

      “I’m sure I’ll be fine.” She didn’t like the idea of having him come into her room every few hours, waking her up just to make sure she was alive. But it was better than him having to sit down with her daughters explaining that mommy wasn’t going to wake up. She shivered at the thought.

      “Maybe you should get your pajamas on.” He must have thought she was cold, standing there in her robe. “I’ll get myself settled in here.”

      And probably set an alarm for every three hours.

      She slipped out of the guest room and went to her own bedroom. Shutting the door, she contemplated locking it, but thought she’d better leave it unlocked. Just in case. Annabelle grabbed her favorite sleep shirt, an extra-long tee with a picture of Minnie Mouse on it. It wouldn’t be easy getting it over her head, her shoulder was so stiff, but she wasn’t about to ask Cooper for help. The attraction between them was already a problem, she didn’t need him dressing her. Or undressing her. At least, not while her head was so fuzzy.

      Since he would be visiting her at least twice during the night, she decided she’d better wear pajamas instead. She didn’t need to worry about kicking off the covers and having him see her underwear.

      After brushing her teeth, Annabelle settled in for a long and restless night. She was exhausted, but worried the thought of Cooper checking in on her would keep her from getting any sleep.

      A soft knock on the door was followed by Cooper calling out to her, “Annabelle, is there anything you need?”

      “No, I’m good.” She sighed, wishing he didn’t have to be there. And that he didn’t have to be so good-looking. Especially since she was such a mess.

      “Can I come in?”

      “Sure.” Annabelle pulled the quilt higher, covering all but her face.

      “Is there anything I can do for you before I turn in?” He stood there as if he wanted to be anywhere else.

      “Could you…” She felt so stupid even asking, but she didn’t want to take chances. “Could you read the instructions on the pain medicine the doctor gave me? I want to make sure I’m not taking the wrong dose.”

      “Sure.” He picked up the prescription bottle that stood on her nightstand. He didn’t even have to squint to read the tiny print. “Says here to take two pills with a full glass of water, every eight hours as needed for pain.”

      “What about side effects?” She rarely took anything stronger than the occasional Advil or Alka-Seltzer Cold.

      “Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery. May cause drowsiness…”

      “Maybe I shouldn’t take it.” She glanced toward her daughters’ bedroom. She didn’t like the idea of being knocked out with them just down the hall. “If you’re supposed to wake me up in three hours, it seems like a bad idea to take something that may cause drowsiness.”

      “But you need your rest.”

      “I’ll try it without the pills, but if I can’t sleep, I’ll take one.” She grabbed the bottle from him, feeling like she’d regained at least some illusion of control.

      “One more thing…” He hesitated as if he was afraid to ask. “How do you want me to wake you?”

      “I’m a pretty light sleeper.” Especially if she didn’t take the meds. “I’m sure I’ll wake up when you open the door.”

      “If not?” He shrugged. “Should I call your name? Tap your shoulder?”

      “I’m sure none of that will be necessary.” She happened to glance at his mouth. The several days’ stubble would probably wake her up if he brushed a kiss across her lips.

      She shook her head to get rid of the unwelcome thought, but winced as pain pounded behind her temple.

      “Are you sure you don’t want to take the СКАЧАТЬ