He also felt confident, for the first time, that she felt the same. She’d seen him at his worst last night…and not just on his knees getting sick. He’d yelled at her to get out—no, to get the fuck out—and leave him alone. And yet, she was still here, wrapped around him.

She stirred, her arm brushing his groin as she moved, and he quickly cleared his throat to wake her up completely. He put his hands on her shoulders and helped her sit up.

She rubbed her eyes and yawned, her hair tumbling across her shoulders. She lifted her eyes to meet his, and he smiled tentatively, suddenly feeling both nervous and lighter at the same time.

“Good morning,” she said, her low, sleepy voice sending a shock of desire through him. “Jeez, I’m sorry I fell asleep on you in the hallway. That had to have been miserable.”

“It was the furthest thing from miserable.”

She returned his smile and stood up, holding her hand out to him.

He stood up with her and let her use the bathroom while he went to the kitchen to make coffee. When she joined him, he handed her a full mug.

“I used some of your toothpaste, I hope that’s okay,” she said.

“I’m surprised there was any left. I brushed the hell out of my teeth last night.”

Her gaze was intent on his, and he appreciated that she didn’t shy away from his reference to what happened.

“How do you feel this morning?” she asked.

“I’m a little achy, but it’s always like that through the weekend after chemo. Other than that, I’m great.”

“Good.” Her chest rose with her inhale. “I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“Yes, I do. I shouldn’t have followed you in there like that, and I should have left the second you asked me to…” She shook her head.

“You were trying to help. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like I did.”

“I don’t blame you. If I’d been the one getting sick and you came in? I would have freaked out. I wouldn’t want you to see me like that. But it’s my job, my entire life’s work, to make sure people don’t go through what you did last night. And of all people, you’re the one I failed.” Tears welled up in her eyes. “I had no idea you were having so much trouble after chemo, there are so many other things that can help…other medications you can try—”

Andrew shook his head. “I don’t want more drugs. I don’t even take the ones I have. That doesn’t happen every time, I promise. I don’t feel great for a few days, I’ll admit. But there’s been only one other time I’ve gotten sick like that.”