Riptide

Chapter 19

Casey looked concerned. "I know that is my point. Maybe you should...."

"Stop it Case...please go home....for me?" she pleaded.

Casey agreed and kissed her friend on the cheek and headed out.

Melanie then headed into Nathan's room. She slowly opened the door and peaked in. The nurse was taking his blood pressure.

Her heart sank as his face completely lit up when she walked into the room.

"I thought you left without saying goodbye."

"I would never do that." She said then walked over to his side and held his left hand as the nurse read the blood pressure from his other arm.

"Healthy as a horse." The nurse said then looked up at Mel. "Oh hey Melanie."

Melanie smiled. "Hey Sandra."

Nathan glanced at Mel. "You two know each other?"

"I volunteer here a lot"

Sandra gathered her supplies back onto her cart. "Well, looks like visiting hours have been over for about 15 minutes."

Melanie raised her eyebrow at Sandra.

Sandra laughed. "Would you like a blanket sweetheart?"

"And a pillow please?"

Sandra nodded. "Anything for you darling." She said then reached over and pinched nathan's cheek. "You take care sweetie pie. Serena will be your night nurse."

Nathan frowned. "But you are my favorite."

Sandra smiled. "I will be back tomorrow darlin'"

Nathan blew her a kiss.

Sandra turned to Mel. "Oh you have to watch out for this one. Such a little flirt."

Melanie smiled. "I know. Don't worry I'll keep him in line."

Nathan's eyes widened. "Will you now?"

Sandra laughed as she headed out of the room.

Melanie then sat on the chair beside his bed. "You are a little flirt aren't you?"

Nathan chuckled. "Not a bit."

Just then Sandra came back in with a pillow and a blanket. "Here you are sweet pea. G'night."

Nathan grabbed her hand. "Melanie, you can't sleep here."

She ignored him and got herself settled in the recliner chair. "Get some sleep Nath."

Nathan sat up. "Baby, I am serious. I don't want you sleeping in a chair all night."

Melanie sat up and leaned over to look into his eyes. "Well, you really don't have a say. I don't want you to be alone." She explained.

He smiled warmly. "Ok then will you at least come lay next to me?"

"Nathan, that is not allowed."

He frowned. "At least until I fall asleep baby. Please?"

She glanced at the door and then back at his sad puppy dogface. Damn that face. "Fine but only until you fall asleep."

He smiled at his victory and scooted over so she could join him. When he lifted the sheet she noticed that he was not wearing a hospital gown. He had on drawstring grey sweatpants and a V-neck white t-shirt.

"Glad to see you don't have to sleep in a gown."

He nodded. "Yes Nano actually made himself useful and went back to the house and got me something else to wear." He explained.

She then crawled into the bed with him and snuggled up to his chest. He put his non-injured hand around her and sighed.

"Happy now?"

"Almost."

She lifted her head to look at him. "What is it now?"

"I need a goodnight kiss."

"Oh you are milking this Sykes."

He chuckled. "Maybe a bit. But seriously, how can I not kiss you when you are this close to me?"

She blushed. "It's only because you are cute."

He smiled and leaned in to kiss her lips softly. She went to move away and he let out a little wine/moan. "No."

"Stop it now Nathan. You have to get some rest."

He nodded and rested his cheek on the top of her head. "You win Mels."

"Good." She said then smiled. "This is no time to be..." she stopped when she felt his breathing slow down and his grip on her lightened.

She smiled knowing he had fallen asleep. She waited a few minutes then slowly crawled out of bed and covered him with the sheet and blanket.

She settled into her chair and turned off the light.