5. Kat

5

Kat

I wondered if I had made my bed this morning if the dishes were done, and whether my apartment was messy. I would be so embarrassed if it were a mess. But it's probably fine; I usually keep it clean since I’m the only one who lives there. Still, why does River have to come home with me? I hope I didn’t do anything stupid.

What if the concussion made me say something ridiculous, like telling him he smells good? Or admitting that when his gaze lands on me, I turn to mush and have to pinch myself just to stay focused on what he’s saying? Oh my God, what if I blurted out that he makes my panties wet and that I even bring an extra pair to work because of it?

Why couldn’t Gage or Tag have taken me home instead? It’s hard enough being around River when the guys are there but being alone with him makes it almost impossible not to reach out and touch him.

River is all man, always frowning, especially when he looks at me. He has a small scar along his jawline from a fight he got into when he was sixteen. The other guy slashed him with a broken bottle. It’s barely visible, but I’ve seen him so often that I noticed it. I asked Gage about it, and he told me the whole story.

When River carried me, I wanted to press my lips to his neck. That’s how pathetic I am. My infatuation started about six months after I joined The Golden Team. River had just returned from a mission in Afghanistan, still wearing his Army fatigues. He stopped by to let the team know he was back.

When he saw me, he paused mid-sentence and grinned like he wanted to taste me. And believe me; I wanted him to taste me, too—all of me. I even stood up, and his gaze locked onto mine until Gage stepped between us, introducing me as the new assistant and telling him I was married. I saw the disappointment in River’s eyes.

We pulled up to some imposing gates. River entered a code, and they swung open, letting us drive inside. “I didn’t know these condos were here,” I said, looking around. “This is beautiful. It’s right on the beach. Is this a private beach?”

“Yes, I believe it is. I just bought the place a few months ago, so I’m still getting familiar with the community. But there are a lot of perks.”

“I still have a lot to do with my place, so ignore how empty it is,” he said. “I’ve ordered a bunch of things and new furniture that should arrive in a couple of weeks. Right now, it’s pretty bare except for my bedroom furniture.”

“I’m sure it’s beautiful, even empty.”

“It is. The ocean is right out the back door, and my neighbor is Gage. That’s the only problem,” River laughed. “But I’m actually grateful he told me about this place. He’s lived here for three years. I like living next door to Gage; he’s a great cook.”

“That sounds like fun. Gage really is a great cook. He’s always bringing us food,” I said, squinting as my head throbbed.

“Does your head hurt?” River asked.

“Yes, it does a little. I’m feeling dizzy. Maybe I’ll take a couple of aspirin when we get inside,” I said, feeling nauseous. As we pulled into his driveway, I saw Gage walking over and opening my door.

As I turned to get out, I vomited, unable to hold my head up. Gage jumped out of the way just in time. I was throwing up seawater, and it felt like it was shredding my throat with glass. “I’m sorry,” I mumbled to Gage. River scooped me up and carried me into his house, straight to the master bathroom.

“How are you feeling?”

“Would it be okay if I took a shower? I think it might help,” I said, tears streaming from my eyes.

He turned on the water and set a towel on the counter. “Do you need help?”

“Thank you, but I can manage.” I stripped out of my clothes and stepped under the spray of water. I shampooed my hair and then got out, wrapping the towel around me. I had to hold onto the towel bar because I felt like I might pass out. I made it as far as his bed before I knew I couldn’t go any further. Maybe if I rest for a moment, I thought, climbing into River’s enormous bed. I wasn’t sure I could get in, feeling as sick as I did.

I heard him calling my name. “Kat, you need to wake up. The doctor said I have to wake you every hour,” he said, brushing my hair out of my eyes.

“What? I went to sleep? I don’t even remember getting home,” I said, my head pounding.

“You fell asleep in my bed,” he said, handing me a glass of water and the aspirin I hadn’t taken earlier .

“I’m so sorry. You don’t even have a sofa to sleep on,” I said, feeling guilty.

“That’s fine. I’ve managed,” he said, gently moving my hair out of my eyes. I closed my eyes again, not realizing that he climbed into bed beside me and fell asleep too.