He’s still visibly amused as he shakes his head.
“Your friends.”
“Busily living their lives, mostly in Havelock.” He sobers. “Thanks for checking on me, Sylvia, but you should go. I don’t want you to get sick. This flu is awful.”
His protectiveness makes my heart skip.
“I won’t.” I raise a hand when he looks like he’ll argue. “Your fever’s gone, so you’re probably not infectious anymore. Besides, it’s not like we’re going to have wild monkey sex on the counters.” Merrie and I say this to each other, as a joke, when one of us is sick and the other steps up to help – you can guess who said it first. The words are out of my mouth before I realize what I’ve said. I shut my mouth hard and blush.
The thing is that I can’t help but check him out, those shoulders, that tight six-pack, the little bit of dark hair on his chest, the vee – and the sign of enthusiasm becoming evident in his sweatpants.
It’s when he realizes I’m looking that Mike really does smile. “Well, damn,” he murmurs, his eyes glinting after he glances down. “Not dead yet.”
I’m not sure if he means himself or the attraction between us. I’m pretty sure both are alive and kicking. It’s easy to remember the feel of him against me, a little too easy in this moment.
It might be worth risking the plague.
I guess I already did, without realizing it. No regrets.
His smile broadens a little, becoming positively sinful. “Of course, we did that already, didn’t we?”
“Wild monkeys would have done more,” I say impulsively.
Impulse, I remind myself, got me where I am today.
Mike grins as I burn from head to toe. The air between us issimmering, crackling even, and I’m wondering if I could convince him to compromise.
Maybe just one more night, to convince us both that it’s over.
“You need a shower,” I say, all bossy as if I’m not struggling to keep my mind out of the gutter. I also try to keep from running to the door. A graceful exit worthy of Daphne Bradshaw would be the way to do it but I’ll probably trip over my own feet. “I’ll be back.”
“Promises, promises.” I appreciate that Mike’s trying to tease me, but he sounds so weakened and tired. It tears at my heart. What’s the point of having a big family if they don’t even realize you’re sick?
“If you broke a fever, your sheets have to be due for a wash. If you can’t manage it, I’ll do it when I get back.”
“I’ll try,” he says, but my expectations are low. “Tell Sierra the greenhouse is being delivered the 13th.”
“Is that unlucky?” I say, trying to make him smile.
He snorts. “I hope not. She’ll be able to start planting that weekend.” He turns away, sways a little on his feet and grabs the door frame.
I hurry forward to take his arm, as if I could keep him standing if he toppled. “New plan. You stay in bed until I get back.”
“Should I hope that means you’re going to shower with me?”
“I might surprise you.”
“You always do, Sylvia.” The weight of his arm falls to my shoulders and he gives me the barest hug. I hear him catch his breath, in the same instant that my heart pounds. “Thank you for coming, Sylvia.” His voice is a low growl, a rumble that vibrates against my arm, and then he heads down the hall with one hand on the wall.
I watch him, biting my lip, until he vanishes into a room that must be the bedroom. I hear him collapse onto the bed and sigh with relief that he made it, then I cross the kitchen with purpose, making a list as I go.
I send Merrie a message from the car, then start the engine and head back to town. I am a woman on a mission. Don’t get in my way.
19
MIKE
Sylvia checked on me.
