“I want to be here. Will you let me?”
“I don’t understand why,” he mutters, but shifts on the bed, lifting his head up. I scoot closer and he puts it back down in my lap with a soft groan.
I tug the cold compress into place and start rubbing his temples in light circles. It’s been a long time since I did this for my mother, but I remember the motions.
He lets out a soft breath as I run my fingers through his hair, so I do it again. Dig my fingers into the muscles of his neck and shoulders. His skin is hot to the touch.
I don’t know how long we sit there for, him in pain, and me trying to take what I can away.
Ace joins us. He’s rarely allowed on beds, but he jumps straight up this time. Curls up beside Anthony and rests his head right next to Anthony’s hand.
The next time I look up, Anthony’s fingers are buried in Ace’s fur.
“You’re good at that,” he murmurs.
“Massaging?”
“Mmm.”
“Is it helping?”
“A bit, yeah.”
I slide my thumbs over his cheekbones and down along the strong muscles of his neck. “Do you want a painkiller?”
“They don’t work.”
“Oh.”
“Should be over… soon.”
Despite his words, it’s nearly an hour before his hand comes up to rest on mine. “Thanks.”
“You’re feeling better?”
“Yeah.”
Ace lifts his head as we re-arrange, Anthony lifting his head and me scooting back. He removes the compress from his head with a groan. “I’ve never thought about doing that before.”
“Did it help?”
“Yes.”
I smile at him. “I’m glad.”
He looks back, eyes dark, before turning them down on himself. The sheet is tangled around his legs and slants across his hips. A happy trail wanders across strong stomach muscles, disappearing beneath the sheet.
The outline pressed against it makes it evident he’s not wearing underwear. Anthony cocks one knee. “Did you say you’d made breakfast?”
“Pancakes, yes. They’re in the kitchen.” I push off the bed, edging closer to the door. My cheeks feel hot. “Do you want some?”
“Yes, later. I think I’ll try sleeping some.”
“Okay. You’ll let me know if you need anything, right? I’m here if you want more coffee or head rubs.”
For a second, I worry he’ll bite my head off. But then his mouth softens. “Thanks.”
“Absolutely.” I open his bedroom door and motion for Ace. “Are you in or are you out?”