108 Thank You for Stopping

Sheila called her parents and told them that she would be staying with Jenna. She didn't mention anything about Hugh.

As a doctor, Hugh knew his stomach problem was not a serious case but he wanted to keep Sheila from leaving. The lady was willing since she was also genuinely concerned and desired to take care of him. The cousins already welcomed Sheila as an in-law and didn't disturb her from looking after Hugh.

"I apologize for the trouble," Hugh said, laying on the bed with Sheila sitting at his side, wiping his forehead with a cloth.

"I should be the one apologizing. I ruined our date."

"I think, as long as you're here with me, the date is not over yet."

"Well … if you say so." Sheila shied hearing his sweet statement.

"Thank you for staying," Hugh said pleasantly in a subdued manner.

Then they heard a knock. "I think the medicine is here." Sheila stood and opened the door.

Clarence walked in and gave Sheila and Hugh a teasing grin. "Oh my, the doctor is sick, call the nurse very quick. Doctor, doctor, don't you die, the nurse is here right by your side."

Sheila chuckled, enjoying Clarence's teasing while Hugh simply told Clarence to give the medicine to Sheila and leave.

"Tsk, tsk, I'll leave soon, Bro, but allow me to be a host first to the lady here. I don't think you want her to sleep on the floor or do you want to cuddle with your grumbling stomach?"

Hugh's face turned red. "Where do you want her to sleep?"

"The whole place is packed, but we can pull the sofa from the living room and bring it here to make the lady comfortable." Clarence faced Sheila and handed over the medicine. "Is that fine with you?"

Sheila received the medicine by hand. "That would be more than comfortable. Thank you." Then she bent her head a little and curtsied as she spoke.

"It's settled." Then Clarence peered at the door. "Come on, boys, bring it in."

Three younger cousins were carrying the couch and laid it beside the bed. Clarence and the three walked out afterward. "Goodnight, and, Sheila, thanks," Clarence said as he closed the door.

"You're welcome," Sheila gave Hugh the medicine with a glass of water.

Hugh sat and drank the medicine. "Thanks," he said, laying his head back on the pillow.

The lady smiled. "You're welcome." She settled on the couch and pulled a blanket on her and closed her eyes. Hugh watched her solemnly. "Goodnight, Sheila."

"Good night."

Minutes passed, Sheila still couldn't sleep. She peeked an eye on Hugh and saw his eyes were on her, wide awake. She sat anxiously at his side. Her forehead creased "The medicine didn't work?"

"I'm fine. I thought you were asleep. I … I just want to look at you." He thought of telling her of the painting but doubtful of her reaction. She might think he was a stalker.

"No more, I already have you."

Sheila didn't know what to say with his romantic remark but only gave him a lopsided smile.

Silence. Hugh quietly stared at her and felt every inch of him craved for her.

Sheila was uncomfortable with his stares. "Rest now. You'll feel better tomorrow." As she moved back to the couch, Hugh unexpectedly pulled her to bed and he moved on top of her. She was surprised but shut her eyes when he lowered his head to kiss her.

This was Hugh's first kiss. It was sweet and undemanding at first. Then it became tentative, light yet tender and intense all at once as if he was dealing with frightening emotions. More like, exploring his senses, the feel of her, and it was scary for him as it was for her.

He lifted his head from hers and sighed. "I wasn't sure if kissing you was the right thing to do." He moved to her side and pulled her to his embrace. She wrapped her arm around him and braced her forehead against his shoulder.

"Are you sorry?" She asked.

"I'm not but every inch of my body is aching for you, to touch you and make you mine." He kissed her forehead. "Let's stop here before I lose control."

She looked up and caressed his face with her palm. "I'm glad you kissed me and … ," soft like whisper, "thank you for stopping. I'm not ready for that yet." Her mind played the memories of her college years, of her regretful classmates who got pregnant out of wedlock. She cringed inside thinking of it.

Unknown to her, her touch reignited his desire. He abruptly placed his palm at the back of her head and pulled her to meet his long, deep kiss. Then he let go and stood up. "Excuse me but a part of me is now heating up."

Sheila saw him strode to the bathroom, a sideways tent formed between his legs. He closed the door and spraying water resounded. She smiled nervously. "Thank God, the man I like is you."

She sank on the sofa and covered herself with a blanket. Sheila slept soundly, his kisses filled her dreams.