Dark Promise Read Online Free PDF Page B

beautiful,” Adam’s voice whispered in my ear a while later.
    Opening my eyes, I saw his handsome face in front of me. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
    “You okay? You don’t look so good.”
    “Headache.” I groaned, annoyed that it was still there.
    “I wish I could take it away for you. Are you ready to go home? You look like you could use a nap.”
    “A nap sounds wonderful.”
    He held out his hands. I took them, and he pulled me to my feet. My head swam, and I leaned into him, waiting for the sensation to pass.
    “Rylie?” His voice was low, worried.
    I waved him away. “I’m fine. Stood up too fast.”
    As we walked to his truck, he rubbed the back of my neck with the fingers of one strong hand.
    “That feels good,” I murmured, stretching my neck side to side as he worked the muscles.
    “Probably a tension headache. Anything bothering you?” He opened the passenger door and helped me climb in.
    “Not really. I mean nothing major is going on.”
    He shut my door and circled the truck to get in on the driver’s seat. As soon as he was settled, I slid over to sit in the middle so I could rest my head on his shoulder. My eyes fluttered shut.
    “Ry?”
    I opened my eyes. It felt like it had only been seconds, but I realized we were already in my driveway.
    “Do you want me to come in?” he asked.
    Oh, how I wanted him to. I squeezed my eyes shut, wishing the pain away. When it didn’t magically disappear, I gave him a sad smile. “Yes…but no. I think I need to go lie down.”
    “Okay.” He slid from the truck and came to help me out of the seat. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
    There were starbursts in my vision by the time we made it to the front porch. I couldn’t grasp my keys; my fingers felt numb from the migraine. Adam took them gently from my hands and opened the door.
    I let my backpack fall to the floor just inside the door. I’d get it later, when my head felt better. Adam rested an arm around my waist, and we trudged slowly to up the stairs.
    “Have you taken anything?” he asked as he helped me pull off my shoes. “Ibuprofen?”
    “A couple hours ago,” I mumbled. “I just need to close my eyes.” I fell to the cool pillow, barely registering as he settled the covers over me. My upper back was killing me, and I didn’t know why. I couldn’t remember doing anything to hurt it. Maybe I slept on it wrong or something?
    His warmth disappeared momentarily, and he came back with more Tylenol and a glass of cool water. “Take it.”
    The ones from earlier certainly hadn’t worked. I tossed back the pills, and then handed him the glass.
    Adam kissed me on the forehead, brushing his fingers across my face as he said, “Call me if you need anything.”
    “I will.” I smiled. I was such a lucky girl.
    “I love you.”
    “I love you, too.”
    I opened my eyes long enough to watch him leave, and then curled up on the mattress, hoping the pain would go away.

 

    “R ylie?”
    I stirred and rubbed my eyes. It was darker, but I could tell my mom was sitting next to me on the bed. I propped myself up on my elbows and asked, “What time is it?”
    “Almost seven.” Her voice was disembodied in the dark.
    “Oh wow. I didn’t mean to fall asleep for so long.” I sat up and leaned back against the pillows.
    “Are you feeling okay?” She placed her hand on my forehead. “You don’t feel warm.”
    “I had a headache and backache earlier, but they’re better now,” I lied. My back still hurt, but it was much duller than earlier. There was no sense in worrying her over a little pain.
    “Do you want something to eat? I made your favorite. Pork chops and mashed potatoes.”
    “Yeah. I’m hungry. Did you make gravy and biscuits?” At least that wasn’t a lie. I really was hungry. My mom may not have been the best cook, but there was still something comforting in a home-cooked meal.
    “Yes, I made biscuits, gravy, and corn on the cob. You wouldn’t let me live it