Perception

Part 78

Sang POV

"I make all the girls drool. Come to think of it, I make guys drool too," the warm amusement evident in Doctor Sean's voice startles me from my doze.

I fell asleep. I can't believe I fell asleep during my turn to sit with Sean. I lift my head and immediately cringe at the hair plastered to the side of my face. Damp hair. Hair that smells remarkably like morning breath. Ugh. I blink as I pull the damp strands off my face. I wince as I look at the bed instantly noting a giant wet spot on the white sheet my head was resting on.

"Good morning, Pookie. Welcome back to the land of the living," Sean says while trying not to laugh.

His sparkling eyes give me all the clues I need that I'm a current source of entertainment, but I don't mind. I'm just so glad to see his green eyes clear of anesthetic, and full of life. Yesterday, when we were finally able to see him in pairs, his eyes held none of the mischief I'm used to, and only the flashes of pain hinted at what he was feeling.

"Doctor Sean, how long have I been sleeping?" I ask, trying not to breathe on him. I really need a toothbrush or some mouthwash.

"Well, I don't know exactly. I've been watching that puddle grow for the last 20 minutes, so I'm thinking a bit longer than that," he finally loses his hold on his humor and laughs before grimacing.

My cheeks flood with color, and I look back at the wet bed sheet. Wrinkling my nose, I raise my eyes to meet his. He's again holding in laughter, but has let up on teasing me for now.

"I can't believe I wet your bed," I say quietly. Laughter around me clues me in that I'm not alone in the room with Sean. I turn and see Honey, North, and Mr. Blackbourne all seated on the pullout sleeper sofa by the window.

"When did you guys get here?" I ask, feeling embarrassed that I was caught sleeping on the 'job'.

"We arrived approximately 17 minutes ago, Miss Sorenson," Mr. Blackbourne states quietly with a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Approximately, huh? Well, why didn't someone wake me?" I inquire while holding out the went hank of hair and grimacing.

"You looked so peaceful, Peanut. You didn't sleep well last night--well, none of us did if I'm honest. We just wanted to make sure you got some rest," Nathan tells me with an smirk as he examines my wet hair from his seat.

"Hmm, okay. Well, whose turn is it now? Nevermind. I don't want to go, but North is going to help me with something," I say, stealing a glance at my grumpy bear. His dark eyes flash amusement while his mouth flattens into a scowl.

"What would that be, Miss Sorenson? I wasn't aware that Mr. Taylor had volunteered for anything. Is there some way I can be of assistance?" Mr. Blackbourne questions while his eyes dart between North and myself.

"Oh, no. We won't need any help," I say while standing. Once my back is fully to Sean and I verify that I'm not making a reflection in the window, I pull my hand up to sign that we will be baking.

Mr. Blackbourne's eyes watch my hand gestures, then he gives an almost imperceptible nod. His mouth curls up slightly in his millimeter smile, but he looks toward Sean which draws my attention back to him. Sean's eyes are starting to droop again, and I feel bad that my leave-taking is dragging out so long that he's missing sleep. I boost myself up to him with one knee on the mattress, and carefully lean in for a hug. His right arm pulls me down so that we're chest to chest, and he plants a smacking kiss on my cheek. Someone grunts, and someone inhales quickly behind me. I start to feel pretty foolish with my bottom up in the air.