Page 73 of Yours To Hold
“Where’s Willow?” This time, I don’t try and get up. If Ivy is here, I know Willow’s okay.
“I called Layla to come take her for the night. I didn’t want her getting sick. I am under strict instructions to show you the picture she drew you to make you feel better.”
“That sounds just like her. Thank you.” I close my eyes again, turning into Ivy’s warmth. “I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt so crappy.”
“I can stay if you want me to.” Ivy’s hands run through my hair. Based on the way she’s touching me, she doesn’t really want to leave.
“I don’t want to get you sick.” I nuzzle against the soft material of her shirt.
It’s been so long since I’ve been held like this. I don’t get sick often, but when I do, it usually hits hard. And I’m the one making sure I get better all on my own.
I’ve never had anyone to take care of me like this. To hold me when I’m sick. To make me soup.
“C’mon. Let’s get you into bed and I’ll make you something you can actually eat this time. Maybe even hold you again.” I can hear the smile in her voice.
Ivy makes to move, but I wrap an arm around her. “Give me a minute. I want to be yours to hold just a bit longer.”
A cool hand comes down on my stomach, pushing up the hem of my shirt. Her fingers rub smooth circles over the flats of my abs.
I breathe her in. It’s intoxicating. Her touch. Her smell.
I’d avoided Ivy for so long. First, she’d just been my annoying little sister’s best friend. Then I’d realized there was something more to her and I knew I needed to stay away.
Now it’s hard to imagine my life without her in it.
“Time to go to your room,” Ivy whispers against my forehead. “You’re not as hot.”
“I’ve lost hotness? Damn.”
“Stop it,” she laughs.
Sitting up, Ivy stands and holds out a hand for me. I follow her as she heads down the hallway to my room.
“Lie down. I’ll bring you dinner.”
I wish I could kiss her right now. I know I’m being selfish wanting her here with me, risking her getting sick, but she hasn’t left yet.
As soon as she leaves my room, I pop into the bathroom and turn on the shower. Hopefully a cool, quick one will help clear the sludge in my head.
Who gets sick like this in the middle of summer?
As soon as the water gets warm, I strip down and step under the spray.
Damn. It feels good not to be in those sticky clothes from earlier. Maybe that means I’m sweating out my fever. Even in these last few minutes I’m starting to feel more human.
I let the water slide over me, enjoying the feel of it. As soon as it starts to run cold, I shut it off and step out. Toweling myself off, I drop my towel and head into my room and pull on a fresh pair of boxers.
Even just that bit of movement has me exhausted as I collapse on my bed.
“Feeling any better yet?” Ivy comes into the room with a steaming bowl and crackers on a tray.
“Shower helped.” I scoot over, letting her sit next to me.
“Good. Hopefully some soup will too.”
Ivy places the tray on the nightstand and hands me the bowl.
“Willow would be mad if she knew we were eating in bed.”
