Because he was absolutely certain Maude had just ruined his sex life forever, Nick didn’t respond. He simply closed the door that separated them and made sure to lock it so they wouldn’t wake up to an unwanted guest.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” Maude called out.
Nick wasn’t surprised to find Maddie still hiding under the covers when he turned back to the bed. “I love her,” he started, unsure where he was going with the rest of the statement.
“She’s the devil, though,” Maddie noted, her voice muffled by the blankets.
“She’s definitely the devil.”
NICK SLEPT HARDER THAN HE THOUGHT HE would knowing that Maude was on the other side of the thin walls. He woke rested the next morning, only mildly muddled, and automatically reached for Maddie so he could enjoy his morning snuggle ... only to panic when he found the sheets next to him cool and Maddie’s spot vacant.
He bolted to a sitting position, his eyes automatically going to the door that led to Maude’s room. It was closed. It didn’t look as if it had been disturbed since the previous evening. Honestly, that made Nick feel worse. He tossed off the covers, hopped to his feet, and then pulled up short when he heard a distinctive noise in the bathroom.
He cocked his head, listening, and almost cried out in relief when he heard the noise again. Then he realized exactly what he was listening to and pushed open the bathroom door. His heart rolled for an entirely different reason when he caught sight of Maddie on the bathroom floor, her face buried in the toilet as she threw up.
“Oh, baby.” Nick hunkered down behind her, his hand automatically going to her back. “Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”
Maddie’s eyes were red-rimmed and murderous when they landed on him. “Why would I possibly tell you?”
“Because, I believe in those vows we exchanged, there was something in there about sickness and health. It’s my job to take care of you.”
“And what do you think you can do about this?” Maddie wasn’t the grumpy sort, but she wasn’t in any condition to hide the annoyance running roughshod over her innards. “You can’t puke for me, Nicky.”
“No, but ... .” Nick hesitated. He wasn’t sure how he was supposed to handle this situation. “Do you think you have the flu?” he asked finally, his hand going to her forehead. He made contact — briefly — before she slapped him away.
“It’s probably just the remnants of all that coffee I drank,” she said darkly. “I don’t have the flu. I’m just ... mildly sick. It will go away once my stomach settles.”
Nick adopted his most pragmatic tone. “And how are we going to make that happen?”
“You’re going to find me some Vernors.”
“I can do that.” He straightened. “Do you want me to pick you up some toast from the restaurant downstairs while I’m out?”
“Do I look like I want toast?” Maddie’s face was flushed, sweat beading her forehead. “Just the Vernors, okay?”
Nick held up his hands in surrender. He couldn’t remember her ever being this cross with him. “Okay. I’ll get the Vernors.” He started for the door, only stopping when she said his name.
“Could you also check on Granny? I need to make sure she’s not getting into trouble.”
The request was enough to make Nick smile. Even though she was sick, Maddie couldn’t shirk her responsibilities. That’s simply who she was. “I’ll take care of it,” he promised, grabbing a washcloth from the rack next to the sink and shoving it under the cold water. Once it was damp enough, he moved it to the back of her neck. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Maddie waved off his concern. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. This is probably one of those three-hour bugs or something.”
Nick wasn’t familiar with a three-hour bug, but he let it go. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. You ... stay right there.”
The look she shot him was withering. “Where is it you think I’m going to go?”
MADDIE WAS STILL ON THE BATHROOM FLOOR when Nick returned thirty minutes later. Tracking down a Vernors in Michigan was easy. It took some work in Kentucky, which meant he purchased an entire twelve-pack from the convenience station on the corner before returning.
“Sorry it took me so long, Mad,” he offered as he cracked open the can and handed it to her. “Apparently Vernors is not sold in every vending machine outside of Michigan.”
“It’s okay.” She reverently took the can and immediately sipped, closing her eyes. “This will fix me right up.”
Nick had his doubts. “Mad ... .”
“Don’t say it.” She was back to being cross. “I’m not going to the doctor when we get home. I’m fine.”
“I don’t think you are.” He was earnest as he ran his hand over her knee. He wanted to hold her — actually, he desperately wanted to pull her into his lap and tune out the rest of the world — but he didn’t want to risk her getting sick all over again. “This is like the fourth time in two weeks, Mad. You need to be checked out.”
“I’m fine.”
“People who are fine don’t constantly throw up.” He was adamant. “I want you to promise me you’ll go to the doctor.”
“Nicky ... .”
“Promise.” He was firm as he squeezed her knee. “I love you more than anything, Mad. I’m not going to rest until I know you’re okay.”
“Fine.” She blew out a sigh, frustration growing. “You have nothing to worry about, though. They’re just little bouts of nausea. I mean ... I get them and then they’re gone in less than an hour. I’m pretty sure that means I’m not dying or anything.”
Because the mere thought of her leaving
