Page 98 of Wilde Flame

When I opened my eyes again, after what felt like an hours-long nap, I saw Caden sitting on the sofa, my legs over his lap, his head resting against the cushion. He was sleeping, and the TV was now playing another movie. I hadn’t even made it to the part of the movie where Maria’s meeting with the kids before falling asleep, apparently.

Caden looked handsome even with his head back and his mouth open as he slept. Smiling, I knew I should wake him up and make my way back to my place, but I was so comfortable, and that nap had been the best sleep I’d had in weeks. So instead, I closed my eyes again…

The next time I opened them, I was sleeping in a bed.

I glanced around and realized it was one of Caden’s guest rooms. The same one I’d woken up in back in November. I wasn’t sure what time it was, but judging from the sun coming through the blinds, it was morning. I didn’t need to be at the store until noon, so I wasn’t worried that I’d overslept.

I pushed the covers off and swung my legs over the side of the bed. Lifting my arms over my head, I stretched and drew in a deep breath, then exhaled. This was the first time in days I hadn’t felt sick upon waking up.

That all changed the second I stood, though.

“Shit!” I mumbled, quickly running to the attached bathroom. I hit the floor and, instead of dry heaves, I threw up. In fact, I threw up so much, I was sure my stomach muscles would be sore for days.

Feeling Caden before he even said anything, I glanced over my shoulder. He gave me a soft smile, then got down next to me. He handed me a warm washcloth and gently rubbed my back.

“You okay?”

Nodding, I replied, “Yeah.”

“I’m so sorry, Lili. I hate to see you not feeling well.”

I leaned against his shoulder, feeling utterly drained. Only moments earlier, I felt like I’d slept for days. I was refreshed and ready to start my morning. It was crazy how fast the sickness could hit.

“Do you think you can eat anything?” Caden asked.

My eyes closed as I let out a low moan. “Crackers?”

He chuckled as he stood. “I’m going to invest in saltine crackers.”

Reaching down, he picked me up and carried me back to the bed.

“I’m okay to walk, Caden.”

“Just hush and let me put you back to bed, then go get something for your stomach.”

“You wouldn’t happen to have peppermints, would you? To put in water?”

He wore a perplexed expression for a moment. “Oh, that’s right, you said Mrs. Harper made you some.”

I nodded. “Honestly, I can get up.”

He held up a hand. “Just stay in bed. You told me last night when I moved you in here that you didn’t have to be at the store until noon. You’ve got plenty of time.”

“I don’t even remember you moving me.”

“You were sleeping soundly. You only woke up for a minute or two.”

“I haven’t been sleeping that great.”

Caden frowned. “You need to make sure you get enough sleep, Lili. You’re growing our baby.”

The way my heart skipped in my chest at his words. Our baby.

Why was life so unfair? I was going to be a part of Caden’s world for…well, for the rest of my life. I was going to have to get a handle on my feelings for him as soon as possible.

I forced a casual smile. Caden winked and quickly left the room. I dropped back onto the bed and looked at the side tables. My phone was plugged in and sitting there. How was this guy the most perfect man in the world, yet because of one stupid woman, he’d walled up his heart?

When I opened my phone, I stared at the time. It was nine thirty. How had I slept for so long?