Melanie shakes her head. “No, I just woke up in a cold sweat. Maybe I’m on the other side of this thing.” The first genuine smile I’ve seen from her in days slowly spreads across her face, and she pats the bed next to her.
I hesitate but then cautiously move to the other side and sit down.
“I’ve missed you,” she murmurs, reaching for my hand.
I sniff the air. “Maybe we should open some windows in here.”
Melanie frowns. “It’s like ninety degrees outside this week.”
I roll my lips over my teeth thoughtfully. “Okay…would you be…opposed to a shower?” I tread lightly. “Now that your temp has broken?”
Melanie feigns offense. “Are you trying to say I smell?” She lifts her arm and sniffs herself. “I mean, no one smells good when they’re sick.” She pouts playfully.
My lips twitch upward. “The room…smells likesick. And, well, you do too.” I reach for her hand, tilting my head at her. “You’re still beautiful and perfect, but…you need to shower. You will feel better.”
Melanie sighs. “I just feel so weak still.”
I hold up my hands. “Okay, okay, you don’t have to.” I get up and start to move toward the door.
“Josh?” Melanie’s voice comes out soft.
I turn back and she’s looking at me, worrying her lower lip.
“Will you…maybe help me shower?”
I don’t need to be asked twice.
“Stay in bed until the water’s warm,” I tell her softly. The faucet hisses to life, the water streaming from cold to lukewarm—just enough to keep her fever from spiking again. When the temperature feels right, I go back for her.
Trembling, she reaches for me. I loop an arm around her waist to steady her. I close the door behind me, careful not to let the warmth of the room escape.
God, I’ve missed her. The couch has been hell these last few nights—too quiet, too cold without the feel of her pressed against me. I’ve missed falling asleep beside her, trading stories from when we were kids, laughing until our eyes drifted shut. Missed the way our legs tangle, the way her breathing evens out against my chest.
When I don’t move, she lifts her arms in silent invitation. My fingers find the hem of her pajama shirt, hesitating for half a second before tugging it over her head. A low gasp escapes me. She’s beautiful—always has been—but she’s pale and fragile now, warmth still clinging to her skin. I want to touch her, to remind her she’s mine, but not like this. Not when she’s sick. My teeth catch on my lower lip, holding everything back.
“You got the rest?” I rasp, taking a step backward.
Melanie swallows, tracing her hand along her collarbone, over her breasts, making her nipples peak. She slides her hands sensually down to the waistband of her shorts, dipping her fingers just under it. When she slips them off and steps out of them, my breath catches.
“You better get in before it gets cold,” I say, weakly gesturing to the shower behind her.
“Aren’t you coming?” Melanie quirks a brow at me.
“Mel…” I let my voice drop.
“I know… I’m probably contagious. We don’t have to do anything. I just want to feel close to you.” She bites her lower lip and my heart lurches. I can’t resist.
I whip my shirt over my head and drop my gym shorts. I can’t even hide the beginnings of my arousal. Melanie steps toward me, running her fingers up my six pack and I let out a hiss. I grip her hand in mine.
“Let’s get you washed,” I step around her and slide open the glass shower door. The water pressure isn’t made for two people, but I don’t mind. I step in first and take Melanie’s hand as she steps in after me, guiding her under the water. I run my fingers through her hair, helping her to get it thoroughly wet. Squirting some of her forbidden—I’m not allowed to use it—shampoo into my palm, I gently lather it through her hair, root to tip, slowing to massage her scalp.
She lets out a moan, and I drag my hands down to the back of her neck and shoulders, applying gentle pressure to her aching limbs. “Josh,” she breathes.
“Shhh,” I whisper. “Just enjoy it.” I gently cup the back of her neck and guide her back under the stream of water, rinsing her hair.
When the water runs clear, she whirls around, placing her hands on my hips and pulling me close. My mouth aches to be on hers, but I’m not aching to get the flu. My dick is rock hard and settles between her legs in this tiny shower.
Melanie leans into me, wrapping her arms around me as the water runs through us. “Conditioner,” she murmurs and I chuckle.
