“Would you read it to me?”
“Of course, baby.”
He reads, his voice soft, low, and soothing. I try to stay awake, but I sleep and dream of Kyle rescuing me from green alien tripods from Mars. Sometimes I wake fitfully, but Kyle is there to hold, kiss, and comfort me. Other times I’m not sure I’m awake but realise I must be because I couldn’t possibly be dreaming the story he’s telling me. His presence feels too good to be true. What kind of man looks after their sick friend with benefits? Kyle.
“Are we more?” I ask, although I might have thought the question. I could be asleep. It’s hard to tell.
“More than what, gorgeous?” His words are hazy and far away.
“Friends with benefits?” I can’t move, not even snuggle closer to him. I must be asleep.
“Yes.” He hugs me tighter. “So much more.”
This has to be a dream. “Is that why you’re here?”
“Partly.”
I frown. “Partly? Why else would you be here?”
Kyle kisses my temple. It feels oddly real for an imaginary kiss. “Because you’re my beautiful, perfect boy, and I love you.”
* * *
Everything snaps into focus as I wake in Kyle’s arms. Light is streaming through my window. It’s too bright to be early morning. I’m too hot. My skin is clammy with sweat. Kyle is strong and comforting. Wait. Did he tell me he loved me? No. I dreamt that.
“Hey, beautiful, how are you feeling?”
I wrinkle my nose. “I stink.”
“Yeah? Well, I don’t smell so great myself. How are you feeling?”
I roll onto my back and flop my forearm over my forehead. “Aside from stinky?”
He laughs. “Yes.”
I push the cover away, swallow, and smack my lips. “My tongue feels like sandpaper. I’m woozy, and I had the weirdest dreams.”
“Sit up.”
I obey, and Kyle hands me a cup of water, which I sip.
“I can heat the chicken noodle soup your dad made if you’re hungry.”
I frown. “That bit wasn’t a dream?”
“No.” He kisses my shoulder.
“What time is it?”
He checks his phone. “Around two.”
I widen my eyes. “Shouldn’t you be at work?”
“Don’t worry about it, baby.”
“Kyle—”
He puts his finger over my lips. “You needed me. I hardly ever call in sick. I’m not going to get into trouble. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else except with my gorgeous, perfect boy.”
