Nothing doused an erection like a sick kid. Roger hated that Makayla was sick again. He saw the fear and concern on Nicole’s face, but also the desire. He kissed her once, quickly, and said, “I’ll wait here. You go check on her.”
Nicole nodded once, her lips pressing into a thin line and her shoulders drooping with exhaustion. He hated that she was so upset, but he got it. If Makayla was his kid he would be worried to. He was worried. But he knew it wasn’t his place to help Makayla. He’d be damned if he didn’t help Nicole though.
She vanished up the stairs, running up them two at a time. Roger heard water running and soft voices. After a little while the sounds ceased. He didn’t know what was going on, but he wasn’t going to go check, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to leave.
Roger didn’t know how long he sat there. He flipped channels and found a movie then fell asleep. He woke as Nicole walked back down the stairs, her footsteps alerting him. “You’re still here?” she asked, sounding surprised and confused.
Roger nodded. “I told you I’d wait here. How is she?”
Nicole shrugged and sunk onto the couch next to him. “I think the worst is over. She wanted some water and asked for her humidifier. It took her a little while to fall back to sleep and I think I passed out with her. I’m sorry about tonight.”
Roger shook his head. “Nothing to be sorry about. I had fun. Want to watch the rest of the movie?”
He wasn’t ready to leave and he hoped to get her in his arms again. She was too tired for anything else, but just being close to her was enough for him. When she nodded and rested her head against his arm, he grinned. He lifted his arm and inhaled deep when she curled up under his arm, her head on his chest. Within minutes she was asleep.
Roger woke up a while later. Nicole was snoring softly against him. All was right in his world. He pulled the blanket from the back of the couch over them and settled back in. It may not have been what he expected for a first date, but he couldn’t deny it was one of the best ones he ever had. One day he’d have to buy Makayla something special for running into him at the store. Without her help, he never would have met Nicole.
