By The Contract

09. Heartbeats and Confessions

“Are you okay?” Nate’s voice broke through the haze as Rosa slowly sat up, her head pounding like a drum.

Her surroundings were unfamiliar, and the sight of Nate’s concerned face hovering over her made her heart skip a beat. He looked at her like she might break any second.

“Where am I?” Rosa asked, her voice barely a whisper.

“You're in the hospital,” Nate replied, his tone gentle but laced with worry. “You passed out.”

“What?” Rosa’s mind scrambled to piece together what had happened. The last thing she remembered was taking a step and then… falling? But she didn’t hit the floor.

“Oh my God!” She quickly checked under the covers, her eyes darting back to Nate.

“What are you looking for?” Nate asked, raising an eyebrow.

Rosa stared at him, her mind racing. Had she done something embarrassing? Like… kissing him? Yes, she’d fantasized about kissing those gorgeous lips of his, but not in reality.

Except…

“Did anything embarrassing happen? Did I do…” Rosa trailed off, too nervous to finish her sentence.

“What kind of embarrassing things?” Nate leaned back, folding his arms, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He was enjoying this far too much.

“Well, maybe I… uhmm, poured the drinks all over myself or something?” Rosa ventured, her nerves getting the best of her.

“How’s your feet?” Nate’s voice softened, turning into that low, calming tone that always kept her on edge. The same tone that could serenade her into doing anything.

“They’re okay.” She wiggled her toes under the covers, trying to deflect the conversation.

“You shouldn’t have worn something that uncomfortable. Imagine what would have happened if I hadn’t been with you.” His scolding was firm, but there was an undercurrent of concern that made her heart flutter.

Rosa played with her fingers, feeling both guilty and oddly thrilled by his attention. His sternness was… sexy. Why was that happening now?

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled, still fidgeting with her hands.

She didn’t bother arguing with him this time. He was right. Those heels had been a poor choice — she hadn’t worn them in over a year, and they were no longer her size. But really, it was his fault for springing the party on her at the last minute. How was she supposed to find new shoes or a dress with no time to shop?

“You can take the week off,” Nate said, his tone leaving no room for debate.

“But it’s only sore feet,” Rosa protested, though her voice lacked conviction.

“I don’t want you sluggish at work,” he replied, his eyes shifting toward the window, avoiding her gaze.

Rosa couldn’t help but smile, her cheeks flushing as she teased, “You can’t do without me, huh?”

Nate’s eyes snapped back to hers, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. “I don’t want someone fainting on me again. Why didn’t you eat well before coming?” His voice was stern, but underneath it was something softer. “You should have told me.”

“I was trying to fit into the gown,” Rosa said, folding her arms defensively. “And besides, you only told me late at night. What was I supposed to do?”

“Tell me you hadn’t eaten properly for two days,” Nate said, rubbing his face with his palms, clearly exasperated. “Why do you have to be so stubborn, Rosa?”