She swats me playfully before she touches my face with a caress, her thumb circling right where my stubble ends. “I love you.”
“I was certain about that, hence the ring.” I indicate with my head behind me. “Which is hiding in my suitcase since nothing is going as planned today.”
“Really?” she one-tones. “I hadn’t noticed, considering I’m sitting here with my fiancé in a sexy towel on his knees, while I have snot and tears, and I’m 100% positive I feel a fever returning.”
I wince, and the back of my palm lands on her forehead. “Shit, you really need to get back into bed.”
“I might be persuaded if you show me the ring,” she muses.
I drop my head in humor before I walk on my knees to pull out the box from my bag, then wobble back because casual is just how we are playing this today.
Attempting to give it to her, I pause then pull it back. “In bed without the robe?”
She rolls her eyes, feigning as if it’s a discomfort. “Whatever you say.”
Grinning, I open the box to show her the ring that is a little shinier than I’m sure is her taste, but I need to make it clear to the world that she’s taken.
Harlow gasps, and her hands cover her mouth as she takes in what’s about to slide onto her hand. “It’s gorgeous. I’m blinded.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, isn’t this what you write? See? Reality.”
She laughs as the ring finds a permanent spot on her finger.
“You’re going to be my husband.” Her voice strains due to her sore throat. Still, she studies the ring by holding up her hand.
“That’s the idea.”
Her bright grin returns before she hugs me again, and I inhale her hair, never getting tired of her embrace.
“Can I share my germs with you just for one quick kiss?”
I cock my head to the side to pretend to think about it. “Depends. Do I get a little tongue action?”
She doesn’t even answer as our lips meet and stamp together, a husky murmur in the back of her throat encouraging more. One quick flick of our tongues and then she pulls away, only to cough.
Her palm flies up. “Okay, as much as this is a wonderful moment and it had my favorite question of all time, I have to put my foot down. I can’t wipe out my fiancé, he’s one of the only people in civilization that I enjoy,” she jokes. “I need to go back to bed.”
I stroke her cheek with the back of my hand. “Good idea. I’ll go grab more medicine from the store, and I expect you to be in a blissful dreaming state when I return.”
Harlow stands and then wobbles back to bed. “I have nothing to dream about now since you made it a reality.”
I help her get tucked under the covers. “I think we’ll have many more dreams to come.”
She becomes groggy, her eyes becoming heavy. “True. I need a dog, a trip to a warm climate, and a baby at some point.”
“Sounds perfect.” I kiss her forehead then leave her to rest.
Grabbing my keys, I head into the hall and walk down toward the elevator until I abruptly stop because a guest opens their door to exit their room.
Except that’s no guest.
Holden is busy fixing his collar, his shirt ruffled around his waist, and he looks a little flushed.
“Holden?” I’m confused.
He looks up and freezes. “Oh, hey there.” He swallows.
“Uh, what are you doing?” I cock my head to the side as I notice something. “Did someone bite your neck?” Right, he was doingthat.
