“Are those my pajamas?” he asked.
“I had to put something on. My clothes are in the dryer.”
“God, you look sexy.”
“I look like a frumpy housewife.”
“You could never look frumpy, Doc. Damn, I want you.”
“So you’ve said.” She held out a towel for him. “Come on. Let’s dry you off and get you to bed.”
“Now you’re talkin’.”
“For sleep, Cowboy. You’re going to pass out within minutes.”
“Not a chance, as long as I know you’re here.”
“No problem, then. As soon as I get you bedded down and my clothes are dry, I’m outta here.” She jiggled the towel at him. “Come on now.”
He let out a sigh and stood up and stepped out of the tub.
“Oops,” Annie said. “I meant to wipe up the floor. It’s wet, so be real careful, okay?”
“I’m fine. A little chilly, though.”
“The water was losing its heat. Don’t worry.” She rubbed him with the towel. “I’ve got some hot coffee for you. You’ll be snug as a bug in no time.”
“Stay with me?”
“Sorry.” She wiped the last of the moisture from his body and toweled off his hair. “Come on.” She led him into the bedroom and helped him into a clean pair of boxers. “Lie down, now. Like a good boy.”
“I am a good boy. I always was. I never made”—he let out a lion’s yawn—“the same mistake twice.”
“So I’ve heard.” She handed him his coffee. “Take a few sips.
It’ll warm you.”
“Thanks.” He took a sip and promptly choked. “Damn. What is this? Sludge?”
“It’s coffee, you idiot. Now drink.”
“This ain’t coffee, Doc. It’s pine tar.”
“Quit your whining. I don’t drink the stuff. How am I supposed to know how to make it? Now drink.”
“Yes’m.” He and took two more sips, screwing his face into distortion. “That’s all I can take. If your intent was to punish me for my overindulgence, consider yourself successful.”
“Funny man. Lie down now.”
“Come lie with me.”
“Nope.”
“Please? I don’t want to be alone.”
The words crushed into her heart. They were the same words she had said to him the first night they spent together. He had stayed.
So would she.