Cecilia moved closer, concern softening her eyes. “You’re finally awake. How’s your head?”

Nathaniel looked up at her. “Still alive, I suppose. But some genius covered my face with art, and soap won’t budge it. Care to explain?”

Cecilia’s ponytail swayed as she shook an emphatic no.

She forced a playful note into her voice. “You came home like that, remember? Probably strangers messing with you after you blacked out.”

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. “Come here.”

Heart thudding, Cecilia took a cautious step, then another. In a blink, Nathaniel’s arm shot out. He yanked her forward and pressed her against the solid warmth of his chest.

“Ceci, I don’t feel so good,” he mumbled, breath warm against her hair.