Seeing her earnest expression, a blend of stubbornness and charm, Joseph couldn't resist gently squeezing her cheek.
The couple, who had felt like strangers just moments before, now shared a palpable intimacy after their heart-to-heart.
"Alright, it's getting late. Let's get washed up and go to sleep," Joseph said, turning to put his phone down.
"Are you sure you don't want to go home?" Vivica asked again.
He glanced back at her, a sidelong look in his eyes. "Do you really want me to go that badly?"
"Well, not exactly…" Vivica replied softly, trying to suppress the smile that was threatening to form.
Truthfully, she wanted him to stay. She was just worried about him. He worked so hard, and the hospital bed was too small and narrow for him to get a good night's rest.
Joseph heard her mumble but leaned in closer anyway. "What was that? I didn't hear you."
Knowing he was teasing her, Vivica shot him a playful glare. "I said I want you to go home. You're being a nuisance."
"You don't mean that," Joseph said, seeing right through her act.
The phone he had just set down rang. Joseph picked it up and gestured toward the door. "I'll take this outside."
After he left, Vivica checked the time. It was indeed late. She went to the bathroom to get ready for bed.
Anticipating something, Vivica decided to take another shower, even though the cold weather hardly warranted two in one day.
Just as she finished and was about to get dressed, there was a knock on the bathroom door.
She jumped, startled, and whispered, "What is it?"
"Are you done in there?" Joseph asked in a low voice.
"Just finished," she said, quickly throwing on her clothes and opening the door.
A wave of warm, steamy air washed over him. Joseph waved a hand in front of his face and stepped inside.
"I'm done. It's all yours," Vivica said, trying to slip past him as he entered.
But Joseph's arm shot out, wrapping around her waist and pulling her back.
"What's the rush?" He murmured the words with a smile, his other hand reaching behind him to click the bathroom door shut.
Vivica's heart began to race. She swallowed hard, her eyes darting around nervously. "What are you doing? Chaim is sleeping right outside."
Though her words were a protest, her heart was already one step ahead. Otherwise, why had she bothered to freshen up so carefully?
Joseph held her close, his head bowed. He inhaled the scent of her hair, his prominent nose brushing against the strands. "You're… not feeling any discomfort, are you?"
Confused, Vivica turned to look at him, her beautiful almond eyes wide with bewilderment. "Discomfort? What do you mean?" she asked, not quite understanding.
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