“Asleep. I need to get this fever under control.”
“Here. This should help.” He holds out a bottle of medicine. “I’ll get some water.” Pops disappears into the kitchen while I attempt to rouse her again.
I sweep away some of the hair that’s sticking to her forehead. “Callie. I need you to take these.”
With her eyes closed, she parts her lips, and I slip two small tablets into her mouth. Pops hands me the water, and I help her drink the medicine. She murmurs a muffled thank you and curls in on herself with her hands balled under her chin.
I tug the light blanket up to her shoulders and stand.
“There’s a container of leftovers in the kitchen since you missed dinner. Let her sleep, but when she wakes, see if you can get her to eat something. Mama sent some of her chicken noodle soup. It’s already thawing.”
“Thanks, Pops.”
“Take care of your girl, Jax.” He clamps a large hand on my shoulder. “Holler if you need anything.”
I know she’s not my girl, but I don't bother correcting him. “Will do.”
With a final nod, he’s up and out the door. I settle at the opposite end of the sofa. Propping her feet on my lap, I watch the slow rise and fall of her chest as she sleeps.
My stomach protests the hunger, but I can't bring myself to leave her. I’ll eat when she does. I lean my head back against the cushion and close my eyes, letting sleep take me, too.
Callie
I wake to a quiet house with a soft blanket draped over my body and something solid resting under my feet. I glance up to find Jaxon there, fast asleep with his head thrown back and his hair falling over his forehead in wild curls.
Even asleep, he’s gorgeous.
I vaguely remember him waking me up, but everything after that is fuzzy. God, I hope I didn’t say anything stupid.
Carefully extricating my feet from under Jaxon’s arm, I shift until I’m sitting up with my back against the armrest. Jaxon stirs, rubbing at his eyes.
“Morning. How are you feeling?” If I wasn't already somewhat lightheaded, Jaxon’s smile would’ve done it for me.
“A bit better. Have you been there all night?”
He nods. “You were pretty out of it.”
This man. He spent the whole night watching over me. My body is stiff from having slept on the couch; I can only imagine how Jaxon feels.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
He ignores my protest. “Think you can stomach some food? Mama sent over chicken noodle soup.”
“That sounds amazing.”
I start to stand, but he stops me. “I'll get it. You stay here.”
“I might be sick, but my feet still work.”
He groans. “You're gonna be the death of me.”
“What's your favorite flower? I'll be sure to bring some to the funeral.”
“I know you're joking, but nobody’s ever given me flowers before.” He tugs at the back of his neckand gives me an adorable smile. “I’ve always liked those white ones with the black in the middle.”
“Anemones. I'm impressed you didn't pick something cliché like roses or sunflowers.”
“I’m full of surprises.” Before he leaves, he winks, setting off a cascade of butterflies in my chest.
