Faking Ms. Right (Dirty Martini Running Club #1)(70)

But what did it mean for me and Everly?

I heard the front door open and close. She was home. Her footsteps came closer and she coughed a few times.

She pushed the door open. “Hey, you.”

Did she seem pale, or was it just the light? “Hi. How was dinner?”

“It was good. I had a nice talk with Annie.” She turned and coughed again.

I stood. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I stopped by my apartment to check on things and it was a little dusty. I’m sure that’s all it is.” She coughed again.

“That cough doesn’t sound good. Let’s get you to bed.”

“I’m okay, really. It’s still early.”

Despite her protests, I gently steered her into the bedroom. She kept insisting she was fine, but it looked to me like she was getting worse by the minute. Her skin was pale and warm to the touch. I helped her out of her clothes and into a pink tank top and pair of shorts, then waited while she finished getting ready for bed in the bathroom.

“I’m sure I’ll be fine by morning.” She paused to cough again. “Maybe I just need some sleep.”

“We’ll see how you feel, but if you’re sick, you’re staying home.”

She crawled into bed and I helped pull the covers over her.

“I never get sick.” Her eyes were already closed.

I sat on the edge of the bed and brushed the hair back from her face. “I’m sure you don’t.”

She curled into a ball, her brow creased with tension. I rubbed slow circles across her back until her body relaxed and her breathing evened. When I was sure she was asleep, I got ready for bed. It was early, and I wasn’t tired, but I wanted to stay with her in case she got worse or needed anything.

I’d break the news about Dad and Svetlana later. And then we were going to have to have a serious talk about us.





29





Shepherd





Everly coughed all through the night. When I got up to shower and get ready for work, she mumbled something about not being late. But when I came out of the bathroom, she was still in bed.

I sat on the edge of the bed and caressed her back. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” she croaked.

“You’re not fine. You’re sick.”

As if her body wanted to prove me right, she curled up with a coughing fit. “It’s just allergies.”

“Do you have allergies?”

“No, but I never get sick.”

I kept rubbing her back. It seemed to help relax her. “You’re still staying home today.”

She groaned and turned to face me. “I can’t stay home. I’ve never taken a sick day.”

“Yes, you can. There’s nothing at work that’s more important than you getting better.”

Tucking her hands beneath her cheek, she gave me a weak smile. Even with red-rimmed eyes and no color in her cheeks, she was adorable.

“Fine, I’ll stay for now. But if I feel better this afternoon, I’ll just—”

I touched my finger to her lips. “No. You’re not allowed to get out of bed today, except for physical necessities or food. Otherwise, I want you here.”

“I like it when you’re bossy. You should keep me in bed all day more often.”

A day in bed with Everly sounded like heaven. “We’ll do that when you aren’t coughing up a lung.”

“Fair enough. But call me if you need anything.”

No, Everly. I will not be calling you about work today. “Don’t worry. Don’t think about work. Just rest.”

She nodded and I kissed her forehead.

Before I went in to the office, I brought her breakfast, a big glass of water, and a box of tissues. I found her Kindle, and a few magazines she’d left in the other room, and made sure she had the remote to the TV. I wished I could stay here with her, but I had meetings I couldn’t miss.

I caught my dad in the kitchen on my way out.

“Morning. Listen, Everly’s sick. Keep your distance, you can’t afford to get sick right now. Your immune system is already stressed.”

“Is she okay?”

“I think so. It’s just a cough. She felt warm last night, but I don’t think she has a fever. I’ll check on her later and try to get home early.”

“All right. Thanks, son.”

“And Dad, I haven’t had a chance to talk to her about Svetlana.”

“I’ll leave that to you,” he said. “Is there anything I can do to help her? Get her some soup or something?”

“Maybe bring her some lunch later, but don’t get too close and don’t let her cough on you. And don’t touch anything.”

“I’ve got it. I’ll be careful.”

“Thanks.”

I still didn’t like leaving her, and I was worried about my dad getting sick. His radiation treatments were over, and he was doing well. But a simple virus could be serious for him right now. I’d have to call the housecleaners and have them make a special trip out today to disinfect everything.

Work was busy enough to keep my mind off Everly for most of the day. I texted her a few times in between meetings and conference calls. She assured me she was fine and didn’t need anything, but I was still anxious to get home to her.