able to stop you, but I had to let you know my thoughts. Now, enough said. Do you have any plans for tomorrow?”
Kara went from angry with him for trying to tell her she couldn't go on a blind date if she wanted to, even though in reality she hated them, to feeling warm and fuzzy inside hearing that he cared about her and wanted to protect her, to glad he changed the subject quickly in order to avoid an argument. She was a little confused by her feelings, but still had a bit of mischief in her. “Tomorrow? I was hoping we could go dancing. What do you think; are you up to it?”
Nick laughed out loud and hugged the little lady he was quickly falling in love with. “I'm up to it, but as your doctor I have to suggest we wait a week or eight before we go dancing.”
“Eight weeks?”
“That big plaster thing on your foot should be off by then and you'll be a little lighter on your feet. I'm guessing that'll make it easier to dance,” he said with a grin.
She frowned and gave him her best pout. “So how about you; do you have any plans for tomorrow?”
“I was thinking maybe I could take you out for dinner, then we can come back here and I can hold you in my arms, much like I am now, while you elevate your foot and we watch a movie.”
“Much like I am now?” she asked.
“Much like that, as coincidence would have it,” he said with a bit of a chuckle. “I want to be with you, but I don't want you to be in pain. If your foot's not elevated it could swell the first week or so, and if it swells it will be more painful. But,” he promised, “as your foot heals we'll be able to do more things.”
She turned so she could look up at him. She studied him a moment before answering. “Actually, I think that sounds wonderful. I can't tell you how good this feels right now. I don't feel tired like I need to sleep, but I feel —”
“Run down, low on energy?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“That's what surgery does, honey. That's one reason I want to take it easy tomorrow. If you feel like that tomorrow evening and would rather stay home we can do that, too.”
“If I have to stay home and rest most of the day tomorrow I will, but I think I'd really like to get out of the house for a little bit.”
“That's what I thought,” he said. “If you rest tomorrow and feel up to it, we'll go out. If you're feeling lethargic I'll bring dinner here. Fair enough?”
“That sounds more than fair. Thank you.”
“No problem. Maybe that'll get you to rest tomorrow,” he said, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. “Something tells me I'll have my hands full trying to get you to rest as much as I'd like to see.” He continued, before she could argue. “Now, are you ready for me to get you tucked into bed for the night?”
“No,” she quickly said. “All I've done for three days is lie in bed. It feels terrific being up, but I will admit I'm probably not up to dancing yet.”
“We have plenty of time to get to that. If you like to dance we will definitely go dancing. Just not for a few weeks yet.” She leaned her head back against him while they visited longer.
After the news was over, he turned the television off. “Okay, little one, time for bed. Let's get you into your bedroom. I'll make sure you get into your pajamas and take your medications before I tuck you into bed. I'll lock your door on my way out.”
Kara's eyes were big. “You don't have to do that. I'll be fine.”
“Actually, sweetie, yes, I do have to do that. I'll sleep a whole lot better if I know you're safely tucked into bed before I leave.”
Nick watched as she turned her head away from him, not saying anything. A few moments later he heard a soft sound that worried him. “Kara, are you okay?” She nodded, but didn't say anything. He gently turned her head so he could see her face, and saw tears streaming down her cheeks. He picked her up and gently sat her on his lap, encouraging her to lay her face against his chest. “Kara, what's wrong? Are you in pain?”
“No,” she whispered.
“Are you okay?” Again she nodded, but didn't say anything. “Kara, talk to me, please. Did I do something wrong? What do you need?”
He could tell she was fighting to gain control. In between sniffles she spoke so quietly it was hard for him to hear her. “I'm sorry I'm being so emotional. I don't know why I am. I've never had anyone care for me like this.” A few more tears escaped from her eyes as she added, “I like it.” She snuggled in against his chest, and he pulled her tighter against him and kissed the top of her head.
“I'm glad you like it, Kara, because I don't think I could stop caring if I wanted to.” He held her tightly against him, feeling something special between them. Eventually he forced himself to pull away far enough to look into her eyes. “Okay, Kara, as good as you feel in my arms, it's getting late and you need to sleep. Let's get you into bed.”
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