28 – Hungry

Cody McCarthy stood outside the hospital room, his heart heavy as he watched through the window as Olivia slept by her grandfather's bedside. He had never seen her look so vulnerable and fragile, and it tore at him to see her this way.

He couldn't shake the feeling that he was to blame for her exhaustion and worry. If he had just been more careful and responsible, her mother wouldn't have gotten sick and Olivia wouldn't be in this position.

But it was too late for regrets now. All Cody could do was try to be there for her and support her in any way he could.

With a sigh, he pushed away from the door and walked over quietly to where Olivia was sitting. Gently, he caressed her cheek with the back of his hand, hoping to wake her up without startling her.

As her eyes opened, she smiled up at him, then blinked a few times in confusion.

"Cody?" she whispered, as if she couldn't believe he was there.

"Hey, sweetie," Cody said softly, trying to put on a reassuring smile. "I just wanted to check on you and see how you were doing."

Olivia let out a small sigh and leaned back in her chair. "I'm okay, I guess. Just tired and worried."

Cody nodded sympathetically. "I understand. It's tough seeing someone you love go through something like this."

Olivia nodded and looked down at her hands. "I know he's going to be okay, but it's just so hard to watch him suffer like this."

Cody reached out and took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I know, but you're doing an amazing job taking care of him and your mother. You're strong and capable, and you'll get through this together."

Olivia looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Cody. It means a lot to have your support."

Cody leaned down and brushed a tear from her cheek. "I'll always be here for you, Olivia. You can count on me."

Olivia sniffled and gave him a small smile. "I appreciate that. I don't know what I would do without you."

Cody's heart swelled at her words, and he couldn't resist the urge to lean down and press a soft kiss to her lips.

As they pulled away, Cody said, "Let's go home, sweetie. Let him get some rest." He motioned to her grandfather, and Olivia nodded.

Before she took his hand, she leaned over and gave her grandfather a kiss on the cheek. After that, she let Cody pull her away. She took a few steps before leaning into him, clearly still tired.

Cody reached down, wrapped his arm around the back of her legs, and scooped her up in his arms. For a moment, he thought she might protest, but she melted against him and closed her eyes. He kissed her forehead and carried her out to the waiting car, needing to have her in his bed.

As he held her in his arms during the car ride home, he couldn't stop touching her, kissing her face all the while. He felt like he couldn't get enough of her and didn't know how to stop himself.

When they arrived, the driver opened the door and Cody carried Olivia the rest of the way up to their bedroom. The thought of their bedroom made all of his possessive and protective instincts surge forward. He wanted to own her, every inch of her. But tonight, she was soft and sweet in his arms, and he didn't want to do anything to upset her.

Cody gently laid Olivia down on the bed and sat down next to her, brushing his fingers through her hair as she drifted off to sleep. He couldn't help but feel guilty for the role he played in her exhaustion, but he vowed to do whatever it took to make things right and help her through this difficult time.

As he watched her sleep, Cody's thoughts turned to his own secrets and demons. He knew that he couldn't keep running from them forever, and he knew that if he wanted to be with Olivia, he would have to confront them head on.

But for now, he just wanted to hold her and protect her from the outside world. He knew that she was the one person who had the power to heal his wounds and help him become the man he was meant to be.

As he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, Cody knew that he had found his home, and he was determined to do whatever it took to keep it.

A few hours later, Cody was awoken by the sound of his stomach growling. He glanced over at Olivia, who was still fast asleep, and smiled. She looked so peaceful and beautiful, and he couldn't resist the urge to lean down and give her a gentle kiss on the forehead.

As he pulled away, he decided that it was time to get up and take care of both of their needs. He quietly slipped out of bed and made his way to the kitchen to fix them something to eat.

After a quick search through the fridge, Cody decided on making omelets and toast. He set to work, cracking eggs into a bowl and whisking them together.

As he cooked, he couldn't help but smile as he thought about the flirty conversation he and Olivia had shared earlier that day. He had always known that she was something special, and now he was starting to realize just how much he needed her in his life.

Just as the omelets were finishing up, Olivia stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

"Mmm, something smells delicious," she said, taking a seat at the kitchen table.

"I hope you're hungry," Cody said with a grin as he placed a plate of food in front of her.

"I'm starving," Olivia said, digging in with gusto.

As they ate, they continued their flirty banter, laughing and joking with each other. Cody couldn't remember the last time he had felt this happy and carefree, and he knew that it was all thanks to Olivia.

After they finished their meal, they cleaned up and headed back to their bedroom. Cody couldn't wait to crawl back into bed with Olivia and hold her close, but as they were getting ready to sleep, he couldn't resist teasing her.

"I'm still feeling hungry," he said with a naughty smirk, "and you?"

Olivia blushed and playfully smacked his arm. "Mr. McCarthy, you better behave yourself," she said with a laugh.

Cody chuckled and pulled her close, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "I'll always behave myself, as long as I have you by my side."