Chapter 280
When Evelyn finally stirred awake, darkness had already blanketed the sky outside her hospital window.
The antihistamines had knocked her out cold, sending her into a deep, dreamless sleep. Though her swollen hands still ached, she managed to prop herself up against the pillows.
Her bleary eyes scanned the dimly lit room, landing on a broad-shouldered figure lounging on the visitor's sofa.
She startled.
Nathaniel.
He sat with a laptop balanced on his knees, fingers flying across the keyboard. The blue glow of the screen highlighted his sharp jawline as he rested his forehead against one hand, completely absorbed in his work.
"You're awake." He didn't even glance up, yet somehow knew she'd opened her eyes.
Evelyn rubbed her face. "Why are you still here?"
Nathaniel finally looked up, reaching for his coffee cup. "Didn't someone demand I stay until they woke up?"
Her nose scrunched. "I said you could leave when Sophia got back. Where is she?"
"Lucas took her home." His voice was rough with fatigue.
Evelyn's stomach dropped. That left just the two of them in this sterile hospital room.
One dark eyebrow arched. "Problem? Not thrilled about your sleeping companion?"
The way he said "sleeping companion" made her cheeks burn.
She was disappointed, yes, but what could she do? Sophia had already left.
A sigh escaped her lips as she caught Nathaniel using a fork to eat something while typing. Her stomach growled loudly after sleeping through meals. "What are you eating?"
"Cake." He didn't miss a keystroke.
'Cake? Since when does Nathaniel Grayson eat sweets?'
Then it hit her. She bolted upright. "Is that my chestnut cake?"
"Mmhmm."
"That's mine! I was saving that! Who said you could—"
"You were unconscious," he interrupted smoothly. "It would've gone bad sitting out."
Evelyn scrambled out of bed. "Well I'm awake now! Hand it over!"
"Come get it." A challenge glinted in his tired eyes.
With a huff, she marched over—only to find a single pathetic slice remaining. He'd eaten nearly the whole thing!
Her hands shot out to grab the plate, but Nathaniel pinned it to the table with two long fingers. "Sit. Share."
"It's mine!" She glared, protective of her last precious bite.
His gaze turned predatory. "So I'm not allowed any?"
"You've had plenty!" She tugged at the plate, but he held firm.
Nathaniel's grip tightened, pulling her closer until their faces were inches apart. "This is how you thank the man who rushed you to the hospital? Who sat by your bedside all day?"
She refused to back down. "There's only one piece left! I'll make you another one later!"
"Deal." He released the plate so suddenly she stumbled forward, chin colliding with his collarbone.
The cake didn't fall—Nathaniel caught it effortlessly with his free hand.
Her face burned where it had brushed against his stubble. She jerked back, rubbing her cheek. "Ugh! When was the last time you shaved?"
A dangerous smirk curved his lips. One arm snaked around her waist, dragging her against him as he deliberately rubbed his rough jaw against her soft skin.
"Stop! Enough!" She squirmed, face flaming.
He released her with a tired exhale. "Haven't had time. Been awake for forty-eight hours straight."
Evelyn froze. 'Two days without sleep?'