After bathing her, Cody carefully lifted Alva out of the water, cradling her in his arms like a baby. He held her close, her head resting in the crook of his neck as he gently carried her to the bedroom.
As he walked, her body relaxed, her limbs limp. His hands supported her securely, steady and careful with every step.
Once they reached the bed, Cody laid her down softly. He took a towel and began drying her body, the fabric gliding over her skin with gentle strokes. Her moans from earlier were replaced by soft sighs as his touch soothed her aching muscles.
His clothes—just a plain white shirt and gray lounge pants—were laid out nearby. He slipped the shirt onto her, buttoning it up to her neck. The sleeves hung over her hands, so he rolled them up, his fingers brushing her skin.
Then, with delicate care, he slid the gray pants over her legs. The fabric was soft against her, and though they were too big, he belted them around her waist snugly.
With her dressed, Cody lifted her into his arms again, holding her just as tenderly as before. He climbed into bed beside her, pulling the blanket over them both. His arms wrapped around her, drawing her close as he whispered into her ear.
"I'm sorry this happened to you," he murmured. "Sorry for everything. If you're feeling better... you can bathe me next time. We can even bathe together."
Alva gave a soft sound in response, barely audible. As he tucked the covers around her, she relaxed further, slowly drifting off to sleep in the warmth of his arms.
As Cody shifted to get up, her hand shot out and gripped the hem of his shirt.
"Please don't leave me," she whispered.
His heart skipped a beat. He looked down at her, eyes wide with surprise, before wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. Her head found its way to his chest again, her breathing slowing as she curled into his warmth.
Their fingers intertwined. Cody held her gently, his chest rising and falling in rhythm with hers. When her grip loosened and her breathing deepened, he knew she'd fallen asleep.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, his lips barely brushing her skin. "Get well soon," he whispered, voice thick with emotion.
Still holding her, Cody's own eyes grew heavy. Surrounded by the warmth of her body, he drifted off to sleep.
♠♠♠
When I opened my eyes, I realized my head was resting on Cody's chest, his arm wrapped securely around my waist. He was holding me gently, as if he'd never let go.
I looked up at his sleeping face. His features were so peaceful—long lashes casting soft shadows, lips slightly parted. There was something so intimate about it, like we'd done this a thousand times before.
I tried to reach up and touch his lips, but my arm felt like it was made of lead. I gave up and let my eyes drift back down to his chest. He was wearing a soft flannel shirt, the collar brushing against my cheek.
I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my side, and I winced, collapsing back against him. His eyes opened instantly.
"Are you awake, sleeping beauty?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
I met his gaze, warmth fluttering in my chest. "Hmm… yeah. When did I wake up? Yesterday?"
"You drifted off again," he said with a small smile. "But now you're finally awake."
I blinked a few times. "How did I pass out for two days?"
Before he could answer, a knock interrupted us. The door opened, and the doctor stepped in.
"Good morning," the doctor greeted with a knowing smile as he glanced at our position—my head still resting on Cody's chest. He approached and nodded at Cody. "May I examine her?"
Cody shifted slightly, but didn't move away. "Of course."
The doctor checked my vitals, then pressed gently on a few places. "Your bones are healing nicely. Just don't strain yourself."
He turned to Cody. "Make sure she takes it easy, alright?"
"I will," Cody said.
Then came the awkward moment.
The doctor's eyes narrowed slightly. "And… how exactly did she bathe?"
My eyes dropped to my clothes—Cody's shirt and pants. I suddenly felt heat rise to my cheeks.
"Did he bathe you?" the doctor asked, a brow raised.
Cody stayed silent, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. The doctor glanced between us for another moment, then cleared his throat and left the room without pressing further.
Cody turned to me with a small grin. "What do you want to eat?"
"Uhm… pancakes?" I said, my stomach grumbling at the thought.
"Alright." He gently laid me back down and turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" I asked, eyes narrowing.
"To cook pancakes."
"Can I come with you?"
He hesitated. "You need to rest."
"Please?"
He sighed, but smiled. "Fine."
Cody came back and scooped me into his arms once more, cradling me like a princess. My hand rested on his shoulder, his strong arms wrapped around my waist. I tucked my face into his chest, trying to ignore the distraction of how good he smelled.
Once we reached the kitchen, he sat me down carefully on the counter.
"Can I learn to cook?" I asked.
He raised a brow, amused. "In your condition?"
"You'll carry me," I said playfully.
With a soft laugh, he picked me up again and stood behind me, holding me against his chest as he guided my hands to the ingredients. I couldn't stop smiling. It felt like we were dancing in the kitchen.
"Am I heavy?" I teased, glancing up at him.
"Not at all," he replied, focused on flipping the pancakes with ease.
When breakfast was ready, he carried me to the table and set me down. Then he returned with a plate of steaming pancakes, syrup, and fruit.
As he fed me, I couldn't help but grin. "This is so sweet. You're a good cook."
He smiled, his eyes crinkling. "Glad you like it."
"Aren't you gonna eat?"
"I will. After you."
But I surprised him. "Can I have more?"
He looked down at the plate—completely empty.
"So you can eat," he teased.
"I usually don't," I admitted. "But your food is too good."
After clearing the dishes, Cody washed them quickly and returned to the room, lifting me into his arms again. He carried me back to bed and held me close under the covers.
Warm, full, and wrapped in his arms—I felt completely safe.