Page 96 (1/2)

Only when she approached the side of the bed, leaning down to kiss his cheek, did he er than the weakness in his li her aardly to his chest Needing to hold her Needing to be held, just for a second

She didn’t protest She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his hot skin “You’re burning up,” she said, sounding worried “I should stay”

“Nah, just getto sleep,” he said, still not releasing her

“I don’t want to leave you,” she whispered

His eyes shut as he stroked her hair, but he didn’t say anything

Finally he let his arave him a concerned look as she went into the bathroom and came back with two more pills “This should help with the fever and the headache, but you need to h fluids”

Fluids wouldn’t help as ailing hi his eyes at her bossiness even as he agreed to follow her directions

She went into the kitchen, and he watched in ahtstand “I want those all to be gone by the tiet back,” she ordered

“Can we put sonored hi his forehead “I’ll be back soon I hope”

Josh said her nalanced back expectantly, one hand on the doorjamb

“Yeah?” she said

Josh sed and it hurt He wanted to tell her how he felt

“I’,” he said instead Las, but it’ll pass Not life or death, you know?”

Oh, he knew He definitely knew

Josh waited until he heard her close the front door, waited until he heard the click of the lock before he forced himself to do what needed to be done