Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 16616 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16616 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Dropping her notes next to her, she rolls over and scoots off the bed. “Deprived of sleep, caffeine, and food. My brain feels all mushy.”
“That makes two of us,” I mumble. “Let’s take a break and get something to eat.”
“Can we order in? I don’t have the energy to brush my hair and put on a bra.”
“Yeah. What are you in the mood for?”
“Pizza. Lots of pizza.”
I go fetch my phone in my room then go sit in the living room while I place the order. While I’m waiting for the food to come, I check my messages and see two from Mason.
M: I <3 U
M: Remember to take breaks.
Smiling, I bring up his number and press dial, but the call instantly goes to voicemail. “Just calling to say I heart you too. I’m taking a break right now. I’ll try calling again later.”
Putting the phone on the table, I lie down on the couch and close my eyes, hoping I can get in ten minutes' sleep before the food is delivered.
I must’ve just dozed off when there’s a knock at the door, and with a groan, I get up. I pay for the order, and on the way to the dining room table, I grab two plates while calling out, “Layla, the pizza’s here. I got us some coffee as well.”
“Coming!”
She must have more energy than me because she comes rushing out of her room and grabs the steaming cup of caffeine.
After taking a huge gulp, a contented smile spreads over her face. “Mmhhh… so good.”
I bring my own cup to my mouth, but the second I get a whiff of the caffeine, my stomach rolls. “Ugh, all this studying is even ruining coffee for me.” My appetite from earlier is gone with the smell, but I take one slice of pizza, and mutter, “If I’m coming down with that stomach bug I’m going to be pissed off.”
Layla takes a step away from me and drags a pizza box closer to her. “I love you, but I don’t want to catch it as well.”
I narrow my eyes at her and teasingly say, “Some friend you are. I thought we share everything.”
“We don’t share men and germs. The rest is fair game.”
I stick my tongue out at her and walk back to my room. “See you later.”
“Hey,” she calls out before I can close my door. “Let me know if you don’t feel better soon, and I’ll go get you meds.”
“Aww… you mean you’ll brush your hair and put on a bra for me?” I tease.
“You know, I will.”
I blow her a kiss. “Thanks, my friend. I’m hoping if I ignore feeling yucky, it will just go away.”
“I’ll check in on you in a couple of hours.”
“Love ya.” I shut the door behind me and place the plate on my bedside table. Climbing on my bed, I drag my laptop closer. “You’re not getting sick. Just study your ass off and get through the exam.”
Chapter 4
Mason
I frown as the call goes to voicemail again. I haven’t heard from Kingsley since Wednesday when she left me a message. Feeling worried, I bring Layla’s number up and press dial.
“Hey,” she answers cheerfully, and it eases some of the tension I’ve been feeling.
“Hey, sorry that I’m calling you, but I can’t get a hold of Kingsley. I’m supposed to pick her up after work for the weekend. Is she okay?”
“Damn, I should’ve thought to call you. Sorry, Mace. She caught the stupid stomach bug that’s going around campus. I got her medicine, and she’s been catching up on sleep since we finished our exam. I’m sure she’ll be fine tomorrow.”
Having heard everything Layla just said, I still ask, “Kingsley’s sick?”
Why the hell didn’t Kingsley let me know?
“It’s nothing serious, Mace. She’ll be back to her normal self in no time,” Layla tries to ease my worry.
I let out a tired sigh. “I’ll come over after work. Thanks for taking care of her.”
“Of course.” Before I can hang up, Layla quickly asks, “Can you pick up some Gatorade on your way here?”
“Sure.”
After the call, I can’t focus on my work to save my life. When I read the same proposal for the eighth time, I give up. Picking up my office phone, I dial Julian’s extension.
“Julian Reyes,” he answers briskly.
“Hey, it’s Mason. Kingsley’s sick. I’m going to head over to her place to make sure she’s okay, then I’ll be back.”
“Don’t worry about rushing back. If you have anything urgent that needs to be taken care of, just forward it to Stephanie, and I’ll look at it.”
“Thanks, Julian. I appreciate it, but there’s nothing urgent. I’ve already wrapped up the MSC proposal. I’ll see you on Monday.”
“Tell Kingsley I hope she feels better soon.”
“Will do.” With the call done, I grab my car keys and rush out of my office to let my PA know I’ll be out for the rest of the day and to forward anything urgent to Stephanie.