Dave’s jaw fell open. “Wait. You approve this?”
Ben’s eyes rolled, and he picked up both of Dave’s suitcases. “No, you’re still not dreaming.”
Charlie hid her laugh behind her hand. She was probably trying not to make noise. “Have fun, you crazy kids.” The sound of the door shutting behind him was final.
He really wasn’t dreaming.
“Let’s go, baby. It’s a bit of a walk once we get off the elevator. Think you’re up to it?”
“I have to be, don’t I?” Dave shook his head. The dizziness was getting worse. It felt like he’d had one too many glasses of wine, and the light was still stabbing into his eyes. “We need to get me in the dark.”
Ben frowned and carried Dave’s luggage to the elevators. “Let’s go.”
It didn’t take long to get to the Bay Lake Tower bridge. The view from the bridge that connected the Contemporary to the Towers was incredible. Too bad he couldn’t enjoy it.
“We can come out here and watch the fireworks if you like.”
Dave didn’t respond. He was too busy trying to stay on his feet.
By the time they got to Ben’s room Dave felt like he was floating. He propped himself against the wall and waited for Ben to open the door.
“You’ll like this. It’s a great room.”
“Mm-hmm.” He was prepared to hate it on principle. It was Steve’s room, not Ben’s.
He followed Ben into the suite, impressed despite himself. It was like the room he’d been in, only enhanced, improved. There was a dinette set with a banquette and a few chairs. The kitchen had dark cabinets and a light countertop. The living room boasted a comfy looking sofa and chair.
“The balcony goes from the living room to the bedroom.” Ben, his hands empty of suitcases, opened the glass doors. “I’ll show you.”
Dave stepped out into the cool evening air and followed Ben around the balcony. Ben opened another set of glass doors that led into a decent sized bedroom dominated by a huge bed. Dave nearly groaned in relief at the sight. His head was still swimming, but at least the headache was receding.
“Crawl in, baby. I’ll take care of everything.”
Dave did as he was told, not even bothering to pull off his sandals. The nausea had died down, but even so he was glad to get into bed.
He felt Ben tug his sandals off. “Want me to help you get undressed?”
He rolled over and gave Ben a look.
Ben’s hands went to his hips. “I’m not asking for sex. I’m asking you to let me help.”
Dave closed his eyes and sighed. “Sure.” He buried his head in the pillow and tried to ignore the feel of Ben’s hands tugging his clothes off. He lifted up long enough for Ben to pull off his T-shirt, leaving him in nothing but his boxers.
“Damn. Just…damn.”
Dave would have laughed at the heated awe in Ben’s voice if he wasn’t so tired. “Lights.”
Darkness filled the room. Dave allowed himself to drift away, the cool air dancing across his skin soothing him into sleep.
Chapter Eight
Ben sat in the living room and filled out the room service form. No way was Dave leaving that bedroom until Ben was certain the migraine had been averted. He filled out the form, requesting Mickey-shaped waffles, juice, and coffee. He hung the sheet on the doorknob as instructed. That done, he turned his attention once more to Dave.
He couldn’t believe Dave had thought the whole day had been some sort of dream. No wonder he’d been so relaxed, so willing to forgive. Ben had thought they’d gotten past that in Magic Kingdom with the nonexistent pizza rain. What had made Dave think it was still a dream? The fact that he’d put on the shirt? The easy way they’d gotten along?
Ben scrubbed his hands across his face. Who knew his very presence was enough to give Dave a migraine?
Ben picked up his cell phone and dialed a number he’d memorized for just such an emergency. “Dr. Howard? It’s Ben Malone.”
“Hey, Ben. What can I help you with?”
Ben prepared to lie his ass off. “My mate’s in our bedroom, and he’s begun a migraine. I’ve given him the initial dose of Imitrex, but I was wondering when he should get the next one? I didn’t want to ask him, since the first one made him fall asleep.”
“Hmm. You’re mated?”
Ben crossed his fingers. “Yes.”
“Good. The dose I gave him is the strongest they make. You can give him a second pill in two hours, but that’s it. No more after that. If the migraine doesn’t go away you’ll have to deal with it, unfortunately.”
“Shit. Okay. Will do. Is there anything else I can do to try and stop it? We’re on vacation, celebrating our mating, and I’d hate for Dave to miss out.”
“Congratulations.”
Ben almost felt guilty. “Thanks.”
“Pick up some Excedrin Migraine. That will help. Not too much of that, either, it’s got caffeine in it. Too much caffeine can make the migraine worse.”
Ben got up, ready to scratch the coffee off the morning breakfast list.
“But don’t cut the caffeine out altogether. A little helps push the medicine through his system and can ease the symptoms.”
Ben sat back down, grateful he didn’t have to give up his black gold. “Thanks, Doc. Anything else I need to know?”
“Yup. If he’s vomiting for more than an hour or the symptoms become truly severe, take him to the hospital. He’ll need to be admitted.”
Ben nodded, forgetting the doctor couldn’t see it. “Thanks, Doc.”
“You’re welcome. And Ben?”
“Hmm?”
“Take care of him.”
“I will. I promise.”
Ben hung up the phone and prepared himself for a long night.
Someone was snoring. Loudly.
Dave opened his eyes and looked around at the unfamiliar room. Dark walls, soft bed, Ben Malone stretched out next to him and snor—
Wait. What?
Dave reached over and pinched himself. Yup, it hurt. So either his mate dreams had become incredibly realistic, or Ben was really lying next to him. In a bed.
Fully clothed.
Dave shimmied to the edge of the bed and rolled off. A quick glance showed him the bathroom, and he made quick use of it, startled to see his own brushes and things right next to Ben’s. A thrill went through him at the thought of his toothbrush snuggling up next to the Marshall’s.
He shook his head. This wasn’t real. It couldn’t be.
He tiptoed into the living room and headed right for the coffee maker. He needed caffeine to sort this all out, and he needed it now.
On the counter next to the coffee maker was his Imitrex. Suddenly, the day before came rushing back. Splash Mountain. Ben’s jealousy over Charlie. The T-shirt. Max and Emma’s wedding, and Dave in white tulle. Finding out it wasn’t a dream. He took a deep breath and leaned against the counter, staring at that box and trying to calm himself. He couldn’t risk reactivating the migraine. Not now.
Not when his dream was so close to being reality.
Ben had taken care of him last night. He’d been everything Dave had always dreamed he’d be: loving, attentive, caring of his mate’s needs.
Am I sure I’m not dreaming?
“Morning.”
Dave was very proud of the fact that he didn’t jump. “Morning.” He pushed himself up and turned to face his mate. “How’d you sleep?”
God, the man looked gorgeous in the morning. His hair was sleep-tousled, his eyes drowsy. Stubble highlighted his strong jaw. Ben’s brows rose. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” Ben stretched, tightening the fabric of the T-shirt against his chest.
Dave shrugged, uncomfortable now that he knew this was really happening. How did he handle…? Dave blinked.