“Don’t push your luck.”
“Hey, I got you cocoa, didn’t I?”
“Um, Dr. Ashlynn ordered some cocoa for us, yes. Not sure you deserve credit for that.”
“She thought I was hot.”
It was true. Dr. Ashlynn’s cheeks were flushed the entire time Dev was on the examination table. Dev was gorgeous and he knew it—and he knew how to turn on the charm.
“So ask her out,” I said, but my voice was a little clipped, and I wasn’t sure why.
“Nah.” He shook his head. “I’m a one-woman man, you know that.”
“Ah, right,” I said, but stopped immediately, not wanting to say Trupti’s name and ruin our current rapport. We’d gone approximately four hours without bickering and with his guard down, Dev was not only tolerable, but kinda sweet. “So, maybe we should order some room service. You shouldn’t be going down to the bar in your condition.”
“In my condition? What decade is this? And when is my baby due?” Dev asked with both eyebrows raised.
“Whatever, your ankle, smart-ass. What do you want? I’ll call downstairs. More pancakes?”
“Nah. I wish they had Indian food. I could really go for some khichdi right now.”
“What’s that?”
“Oh man, it’s rice and lentils and it’s just…ahhh, it’s the ultimate comfort food. It would hit the spot like you wouldn’t believe.”
“Sounds good,” I said. “I’ve never had Indian food.”
“Girl, seriously? You’re missing out. Next time I drag Pete and Mare out, you’ll have to come with us.”
“Deal,” I said with a smile and a lightness in my chest. For the first time, the thought of spending time with Dev wasn’t repelling at all. It was actually something I could see myself looking forward to.
What in the hell is happening?
“Just get me a burger, okay? Something with those frizzled onion thingies.”
“You got it,” I said with a nod. “Need anything from the kitchen?”
“Nah, but could you grab me the remote before you go?”
I scanned the room and spotted the small black remote control sitting beneath the flat-screen TV on the bureau facing Dev. I grabbed it and handed it to him before retreating to the kitchen to call room service.
“Keep that ice on for another ten minutes, okay?”
“Got it, boss!”
The TV blared as I walked into the kitchen and grabbed the phone. After placing our order, I decided to stretch my muscles after such a stressful afternoon. I could feel my shoulders and thighs had tightened up, and I hoped some simple stretches would help. And if not, a hot shower definitely would. Besides, the kitchen was super backed up and the guy on the phone said it’d be at least ninety minutes. So, I knew I had time.
I changed into some comfy clothes, pushed the coffee table out of the way and played some relaxing music. I’d barely gotten myself into downward-facing dog when there was a knock at the door.
That was fast.
“Is that the food already?” Dev called from his room.
“Not sure,” I said as I walked to the door. When I looked through the peephole, though, I was surprised to see a familiar face.
Craig.
Opening the door, an awkward smile crossed my lips. “This is a surprise.”
“Yeah,” he said, his cheeks flushed. “How’s it going? How’s the patient?”
“He’s doing okay—his meds have kicked in and he’s resting his foot.”
“I bet you hadn’t planned to be someone’s nurse this weekend.”
“Oh, I don’t mind. I mean, hopefully he won’t need me to get him to the bathroom or anything.”
“Ash gave him crutches, right?”
“Yeah, thank goodness,” I said with a nod, scratching behind my neck, unsure of why Craig was really visiting our room…and how he knew where to find us. “So, what’s up?”
“Oh, um… Well, I hope it’s okay but I got your room number from reception.”
“I didn’t realize they gave that info out.”
“Well, I guess working here has its privileges.”
“Sure,” I said, narrowing my eyes, still not sure what he wanted.
“And we all got distracted downstairs, so I didn’t get your number…and I wanted to ask you to dinner. Tonight.”
“Oh,” I said, my eyes wide. “That’s so nice.”
I’d been so focused on Dev and his injury that I’d forgotten how Craig and I had clicked before he left us in Dr. Ash’s office. I was flattered and intrigued, and Craig was certainly a good-looking guy, but what about Dev? He was hurt. Would I be a terrible person if I left him alone?
“Is that a yes?”
“Well…” I hesitated. “We just ordered room service…”
“Ah, right. How about a drink? Maybe in a few hours?”
You are persistent, Craig. I like that.
“Sure, I mean, he’ll probably pass out soon anyway. He’s had a rough day and those meds are making him pretty happy. I doubt he’ll even notice I’m gone.”
“So how about ten? Down at the bar?”
“I’ll be there.”
I smiled as I closed the door, looking forward to getting to know Craig a little better.
“Lyra!” Dev called from inside, not sounding nearly as chipper as he did earlier. “Why don’t I smell food?”
“Because it’s not here yet.”
“Damn.”
I shook my head, grabbed him a protein bar, and walked into his room, tossing it on his bed. He was watching a rerun of The Office, a ridiculous smile on his face as he lounged in bed with one hand beneath his head.
“What is it with you and Peter and this show?”
“Um, you don’t like The Office?”
“I don’t dislike it. But you guys are obsessed.”
“Not true. I’m obsessed with Game of Thrones. I love The Office.”
“What the hell is the difference?”
“If you don’t get it, I can’t explain it to you.”
“Okay.” I shrugged.
“What is this?” Dev held the protein bar by the end of its wrapper as if disgusted that I would even suggest he consume it.
“Dinner won’t be here for a while. It’s to tide you over.”
He wrinkled his nose after peeling off the wrapper that crinkled in his fingers. He lifted it to his nose and sniffed it.
“C’mon, it’s the best flavor—double chocolate brownie.”
“Oh joy,” Dev said before taking a tiny bite. He wrinkled his nose again.
“Dude, it’s like you’re afraid of it. Take a real bite, for God’s sake.”
“Hey, I’ll eat this however I damn well please.”
“Fine,” I said, rolling my eyes. “You do you, but okay.”
He took another, slightly more substantial bite and grimaced. “Mmmm, puts the chalk in chocolate.”
“You’re too much,” I said with genuine amusement.
A few hours later, Dev’s belly was full, I’d given him his next dose of medication, and had just placed another ice pack on his bandaged ankle when I glanced at my watch.