Modern - Chapter 5

I took the nightgown that Derren held out to me and tried to tamp down the blush that was rising up my neck. I was grateful that he was acting more businesslike than anything. It helped dissipate the awkwardness of our situation.

At least, I thought he was acting strictly businesslike, until I met his eyes. He was looking at me with a heated expression and I was surprised to see him blushing as well.

"Um, thank you," I said, hoping to end the awkward moment.

"You're welcome. Do you feel well enough to change without-" He paused and cleared his throat, then said in a strained voice, "Without help?"

"Yes. Yep. Definitely." The blush I had been successfully holding back now broke out full force on my neck and cheeks. Derren's blush also deepened, but he just nodded and left.

I quickly stripped off the red nightgown I was wearing and shook it out over the garbage can. Sure enough, a few shards of glass fell out. I left the nightgown on the counter by the sink and shook my hair out next. There was glass stuck in my long, messy braid, so I loosened it and carefully combed through my brown waves until I was fairly certain I had gotten all the glass out.

It didn't take too long to rebraid my hair and change into the new nightgown. I splashed some water on my face and decided to get to bed. I had been sick all day with a fever and nausea. Hopefully a good night's sleep would make me feel much better.

I nearly ran into Derren's tall, looming form outside the bathroom door. I stopped so quickly, I wobbled for a moment and he grabbed my arms to steady me.

"Sorry," he said. "I just wanted to stay close in case you needed any help or passed out again."

"It's okay. I'm sorry you had to come check on me. I'm feeling much better now. I'll just take some medicine and go to sleep."

"Do you have anyone who can come stay with you?"

I furrowed my brows. "Why would I need someone to stay with me?"

"What if you pass out again? Or what if you take a turn for the worse and need someone to drive you to the hospital?"

The very genuine concern in his voice was unexpected and sweet. "I'll be fine," I answered.

"You really should have someone here with you. Don't you have any friends or anyone who can sleep over? Just for tonight?"

I shook my head. The only friends I'd feel comfortable having for a sleepover are on a girls' trip to Vegas right now. I was planning to go with them, but my last minute illness got in the way.

He grunts and looks at me thoughtfully. "How about a compromise then?" I raise my eyebrow in a silent question and he continues. "You need to lock your door. It's really not safe for you to leave it open. Give me your spare key so I can check on you or come get you if you pass out again."

I mulled over his idea. It would be comforting to know that someone was watching out for me. And since he would stay in his apartment, I wouldn't have to worry about losing my privacy.

"I think I could do that," I answered with a smile. "Thank you. I-" I paused, embarrassed, but he prompted me to continue. "I didn't think you wanted to see me again after last night."

He groaned and hung his head. "I was worried you would feel that way. I had plans to track you down this weekend and get your number. I only forgot because I was distracted thinking about work. In fact, can I get your number now?"

I nodded and quickly put my number in his phone. He fiddled with it for a moment and I got a text with his name. "Thanks," I said again. He walked with me to the kitchen, where I dug out my spare key for him.

"Thank you." He turned to head to the door. "Do you need anything before I go?" he asked over his shoulder.

"Nope."

"Okay. I'll see you soon, then. Take care and get feeling better!"

"Thanks! See you around."

"You can count on it," he said in a very serious tone before locking the door and closing it.

Left alone again, I grabbed some medicine and a drink, then headed back to my room. I was going to hibernate until I felt better. I needed to be ready for work on Monday. We had a new employee coming in and my boss would want my help getting the new guy settled.

Unfortunately, once I got settled in bed, I couldn't fall asleep. I found myself thinking about Derren and about work and wondering if my friends were having a blast and what they were doing right now.

After probably an hour of tossing and turning and thinking, I decided to go into the living room and watch a movie until I fell asleep. I dragged a couple of my favorite blankets and my pillow in with me and curled up on my worn but cozy brown couch. I turned on the TV and pulled up one of my favorite movies.

A quiet buzz interrupted my movie. I pulled out my phone and found a text.

Derren: "Are you okay?"

Me: "Yeah. Why?"

Derren: "I just heard you moving around and wanted to make sure nothing was wrong."

Me: "No, I just decided to watch a movie. I'm having trouble sleeping. :("

Derren: "Hopefully the movie helps. What movie?"

Me: "The Slipper and the Rose! :)"

Derren: "That's a good one."

Me: "You've seen it? :O"

Derren: "It's too late to back out, isn't it? Do I lose my man card if I say yes?"

Me: "That depends. Did you enjoy it?"

Derren: "... Yes."

Me: "That's probably grounds for revoking your man card, but I won't tell anyone. ;)"

Derren: "I appreciate that. I'll let you get some sleep. Get feeling better!"

Me: "Thanks!"

I tucked my phone back under my pillow and lost myself in the magic of Cinderella. Soon, I felt my eyes drifting closed and smiled. My last coherent thought was that Derren looked really cute when he was embarrassed.