Yawning, she rubbed her eyes, trying to open them as the sunlight streamed through the window. Still adjusting, she noticed someone laying on the couch across from her. Her eyes widened in fright until she remembered. Mr. Jerk Face had slept there last night.
Lying on the couch, his face was unbelievably calm. His lashes cast soft shadows over his cheeks, and his structured jawline seemed even more defined in sleep. When he wasn't talking or awake, she had to admit he was quite handsome. Maybe even... cute.
Snapping out of her thoughts, annoyed by what she just admitted to herself, she grabbed a pillow from behind her and aimed it right at his face.
In his sleep, Desmond felt something soft hit him with force. He jerked upright, startled and groggy.
"Why did you hit me in the face?" he groaned. "I didn't know twisted ankles come with momentary madness."
Stretching as he got up from the cramped couch, he added, "This was the best sleep I've had in years. And someone just had to ruin it."
"Is that how you talk to your 'girlfriend' first thing in the morning? No wonder you're still single," she shot back.
"Oh, so now you agree that you're my girlfriend?" he teased.
"Yeah, I thought I'd do you a favor. Pretend to be a girlfriend to someone as horrible as you even if it's just for a short while."
She tossed her hair dramatically and added, "Now, my jerk-face boyfriend, close the curtains. The light's getting into my eyes."
"Sure. What next should I give you a kiss on the forehead too, my petty queen?" he replied, sarcasm thick in his voice. Still, he walked over to draw the curtains.
"I'd rather eat a bowl of poop than take a kiss from you," Daisy snapped, visibly irritated.
He ignored the insult. "What time's your friend getting here? Unlike someone, I actually have work to do."
"And what makes you think I don't?" she countered, voice rising. "Because of you and your chasing, my work is now delayed. So don't act like I'm some freeloader, jerk-face. Besides, you can leave. I'll call my best friend to pick me up."
"I said I'm not leaving until someone comes to get you," he replied flatly.
His words struck her a bit. But before she could feel touched, he added, "Because unlike you, I actually have a reputation to uphold."
Ouch. That shattered the brief moment of warmth she'd felt. Not that she expected anything sincere from him anyway.
Rolling her eyes, she picked up her phone and called Abby. The moment the call connected, Abby's loud, worried voice came bursting through.
"Daisy! Where have you been? I've been worried sick! I tried calling but your phone wasn't working and you weren't home either! Where are you? And who was that cute guy chasing you yesterday?!"
Daisy rolled her eyes at the last question. Trust Abby to never miss a teasing opportunity.
"First of all, I'm okay. I only have a broken ankle. And that 'cute guy' was the one who caused it. He's not actually cute, by the way just a huge jerk face," she said, glancing at Desmond, who now wore a smug grin.
"And lastly, I'm in the hospital."
"You broke your ankle?! I leave you for a few hours and this happens?! Which hospital are you in? I have so many questions"
"I'll text you the address. You can ask all your questions when you get here," Daisy cut her off, ending the call. She didn't have the energy to deal with Abby's endless interrogation right now.
Just then, the same doctor from yesterday walked in.
"Good morning, Miss Daisy. How are you feeling? How's the ankle?" she asked kindly.
"I'm feeling much better. The swelling's definitely gone down," she replied.
"Have you eaten anything this morning? I'll need to give you your meds."
Before she could answer, that familiar annoying voice interrupted.
"I'm just about to get her breakfast, doctor," Desmond said smoothly. "So babe, make sure you freshing up. I'll be sure to get you your favorite."
He walked out with that cheeky smile that always managed to annoy her.
She forced a fake smile in return.
Desmond, however, was caught off guard. She smiled. For the first time. And damn it only elevated her beauty. It stirred something in his chest. Something unfamiliar. Uncomfortable.
He quickly turned away and walked out.
"You and your boyfriend are so cute. I envy you guys," the doctor commented as she checked her chart.
"You shouldn't," Daisy muttered under her breath.
After a few more checks, the doctor left not without making another comment about her and jerk-face. It was annoying, but she didn't bother correcting anyone.
Trying to get down from the bed to wash up, she winced as pain shot through her ankle. Still, she limped her way to the bathroom. After washing up, she was limping back when she missed a step and stumbled.
She closed her eyes, bracing for impact only to land in strong arms instead.
It was Desmond.
He had returned just in time and caught her before she hit the floor.
Opening her eyes, she found herself staring into the most beautiful hazel eyes she'd ever seen. They stared at each other for a few seconds before she quickly pulled away.
"Thanks," she muttered.
Looking around, she noticed food already set on the table. She was genuinely surprised. She thought he was joking about getting her breakfast.
Still limping, she made her way to the table and began eating.
Desmond watched her, fighting the urge to help. He told himself he didn't care but truthfully, he'd been startled when she almost fell. And those greenish-blue eyes… They'd stared into his, and for a moment, he felt something.
Something unfamiliar.
He brushed it off.
"I got you breakfast and you can't even say thank you? So you're both petty and ungrateful. Wow," he muttered.
"Oh please," she shot back. "It's the least you could do. Or are you forgetting you're the reason I'm here in the first place?"
"Was I the one who told you to run off like a criminal?" he said, frowning.
"Well, I wouldn't have ran if you weren't chasing me like a thief," she countered with a glare.
Not wanting to argue anymore, he grabbed his own plate and sat down to eat. He knew he'd have to dive into work once he got to the office, so for now… he allowed himself to enjoy her presence.
Which, oddly enough, felt comforting.