Chapter Fifty-One:

I waited anxiously in the waiting room in the hospital, replaying the last few days in my head. I didn’t get a response from Mike – probably because I blocked his number. Who knows? I don’t have the time or patience or piece of mind for his unnecessary drama. Don’t need it. Don’t want it.

I sat Doug down while Brian was hanging with all of the guys. He took the news better than I thought he would. Seeing as Mike didn’t really threaten me, I was telling Doug just as a precautionary measure. Every time I’ve not told him something, it’s come back to bite me in the ass. I may not be the fastest learner. And I may have to keep making the same mistakes like ten times… just to be sure, but I do learn eventually.

Doug offered to speak to Brian. Well, maybe ‘offer’ isn’t the right word. He told me that there were a few things he wanted to talk to Brian about that he thought would come better from him, seeing as he is also a member of the ‘Hey-I-Was-Born-With-A-Penis-Too!’ club. I didn’t think it could hurt anything, so I let him.

Brian’s mellowed out a lot. I don’t know what was said – what went down – but whatever it was, it seemed to help him. That’s all I really care about.

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“You’re healing very nicely. Are you taking it easy?” The doc asked me. I nodded at him. Doug sat quietly beside me. He didn’t say anything to the contrary, so I’m guessing the good doctor took it as a good sign. “Do you have any questions?” He asked me. Well, it’s now or never – nut up or shut up. Right?

“When would it be safe for me to resume having a sex life?” I asked him, bluntly. He looked a little surprised by my question, but seemed hesitant to answer.

“Normally, the rule of thumb is: when you can climb a flight of stairs without getting winded, you’re okay to resume sexual activity. Though, with your recovery, I would just advise that you’re careful. Take it as easily as you can. If you rupture your progress, it could result in possible brain damage. I understand that it’s not the easiest task to undergo. If you start to feel like you’re putting too much strain on your body, try to take it easy. It’s okay not to rush back into things. Brain’s are tricky, unique organs. They’re much easier to damage than to heal.” He answered. I nodded, slowly.

“I hear you. Thank you. I didn’t want to do anything that would further impair my health.”

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I told the doctor about my nightmares. He prescribed me a very strong sedative that’s supposed to induce a dreamless sleep. We’ll see if it actually works.

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I fell asleep on the way home. I woke up what Doug was carrying me to couch. It’s times like these that I’m thankful for my petite frame. Yes, I wish I was taller, but at least I’m not so tall that I can’t be carried this way.

I watched Doug bustle around the downstairs through heavy eyelids. He’s such a good father. I hope that when I have kids of my own – if I ever have kids of my own – that I’m at least half the parent that Doug has proven himself to be. He’s just such a rad motherfucker. Especially after meeting my fair share of assholes, meeting people who must have been angels in a previous life, like Doug, just continues to blow my mind. It’s so easy to forget that despite all the crap, there is also intense goodness surrounding us. He reminds me of that. I’ll forever be grateful to him for that. He’s bettered my life in so many ways – there’s no way that he knows the extent of them. I’m not sure I could put it into words, but I’ll try. I have to. It’s the least I can do.

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I spent the rest of the day on the couch. I only woke up to replenish my stomach a bit. Doug had me try some of the new sleeping medicine. I think it’s safe to say it’s successfully kicking my ass. I woke up in the morning feeling refreshed and rejuvenated in ways that I haven’t felt in such a long time.

I stretched and walked to the kitchen. It felt nice to use my legs after snoozing the day and night away. I grabbed an apple and a bottle of water, before perching myself on top of the kitchen counter to eat. I guzzled my water and bit into my apple, savoring the tart sweetness.

“She’s alive!” Hayden cheered as he made his way into the kitchen. He took my apple from me and took a big bite, before handing it back. I laughed as I finished it off, slowly. “How do you feel? You look a lot better than you did yesterday. I wasn’t going to say anything, but I was beginning to wonder if you were trying to adopt the vampire lifestyle. You know – pale skin, dark hair, never eats, hates people…” He teased, smirking. I made a face at him, before pressing my apple-juice coated hand to his face. He scoffed and I laughed harder.

“You deserved it.” I told him. He pursed his lips and shrugged.

“Fine. I’ll give you that one. How about I make you breakfast to make it up to you?”

“This is my breakfast.” I retorted, gesturing to my apple and my now empty water bottle.

“Lyds, you’re crazy if you think that I’m going to let you eat just an apple for breakfast.” He argued. I sighed.

“I don’t need anything else. I’m fine. I’m not even hungry anymore.” I protested. He rolled his eyes.

“When you were in New York, you ate everything in sight. You barely eat, man. You’re going to wither away into nothingness and I’m never going to get over your death. Then, I’ll spend my life trying to find a cross-roads demon to bring you back and then I’ll die. So, basically, if you don’t eat what I’m about to make you, you’re going to die, I’ll bring you back, I’ll die, and then I’ll haunt your ungrateful ass forever.” He threatened. I sighed.

“Fine! Have it your way. I’ll eat.” I gave in.

“Are you on some weird diet or something? It’s not like you need to lose weight. I’d kill for your metabolism.” He questioned. I shook my head.

“Bullshit. You eat more than I ever have and look at your bod. Shut up, Mr. Abs.” I teased. He giggled at my comment. “I think it’s an unintentional side-effect of my meds. I just don’t have an appetite. When I do, I start to eat and then I’m full. It’s weird. I dunno. I’ve never had this problem.” I told him. He shrugged.

“If it doesn’t get better, I’ma drag your pretty ass to the hospital and demand new meds for you.”

“I’m totally feeling the love this morning.” I told him, with mock sarcasm. He just grinned.

“Good! I do it because I love you. You know you secretly enjoy it. It’s why we’re buds.”

“Is that why? I thought it was because of your good-looks. Hm.”

“Well, that’s true.” He smirked.

“Hayds, I fucking love you, man.” I pulled him to me and hugged him.

“Did someone say breakfast?” Brian asked, walking into the room. As soon as he stepped foot into the kitchen, the energy changed. The vibe was charged with lust and wanting. I bet he wants to know what the doctor said about sex. I can’t blame him.

“Well… I’m going to grab some bacon out of the freezer in the garage… and ask Jimmy if he wants to run out with me and grab some fruit.” Hayden announced, smoothly, making his leave from the room.

“Morning, Ace,” Brian greeted me. He sauntered over to me and kissed me. I moved my lips against him. He ran his tongue along my bottom lip, demanding entrance. I parted my lips for him and let him deepen the kiss. His hands slid down my back and cupped my ass. I felt him harden against me.

After a few minutes of delicious kissing, I pulled away for air. He leaned his forehead against mine and panted against me.

“Are you gonna ask?” I questioned, softly. Instead of answering, he caught my bottom lip between his teeth and gave a small tug. I tried my best to ignore the way his talented self was affecting my body.

“Am I allowed to make your body scream?” He rasped. I rolled my hips against his.

“Doctor cleared it… just said to take it easy.” I told him, slowly. He nodded and took a deep breath. He looks a lot calmer now.

“Ace… before we do anything else, I want you to know that nothing changes. I’m not going to push you, just because we can sleep together now. It’s still at your pace. It’s your call. I want you, but I can wait. We can wait.” He confessed as he held me against him. I sighed.

“You’re like a walking contradiction. You want it one minute, but you’re cold the next. I get that you’re trying to be noble here, but give me a second.” I requested. He nodded, but didn’t let go of me. “You really mean it – don’t you?” I asked to clarify. He nodded. “Why?”

“You know why.” He pressed. As soon as the last syllable left his lips, I realized what I should have realized long ago. He loves me.

Notes

Naughtiness next chapter!!:) It'll be up tomorrow night!

Thoughts? Comments?

Love you all!
-Katie