“Are you sure? I could come and stay with her. Or I could call Sean or their mom.”
“Probably best I do it since I’ve already had the virus.”
Chloe was trying to catch Buttercup’s thrashing tail, but her reactions were too slow to keep up.
“If you’re sure. But if she’s still loopy tomorrow, call me. I can come stay with her. I’ll close the shop if I have to. I’ll also call Sean in the morning and let him know what happened. No sense in worrying him this late.”
“Sounds good. Thank you for your help, Meghan.”
They ended the call and Liam eased onto the edge of the bed. Since Chloe’s cheeks weren’t flushed anymore, he pulled the covers to her chin. “Dr.Angela said you’re gonna be just fine. But I’ll stay here tonight just to make sure.”
Chloe grabbed his hand and laid it flat against her cheek.
Her temperature had definitely gone down. “How are you feeling? You look a little better.”
“Mmm... better.” She petted his hand. “Nice hands. Big ’n’ strong ’n’ tan. I like being your girlfriend, Liam Hamilton.”
“Is that so?” Now that he wasn’t so worried about her, he smiled at her antics. Even though she was sick and her hair was sticking up in all directions, she was cute as a bug, those luminous blue eyes full of wonder.
She was gazing at him now with those eyes. “Know what, Liam Hamilton? You’re very, very, very handsome. Even your scar is handsome. Can I touch it?” Before he could answer she pointed, not at the scar by his lip but at his eye, her fingertip two inches from its target. “Those eyes are silver and blue. Not just plain ol’ gray.”
“Oh yeah? Good to know.” For the first time he noticed the slogan on her tee:I’m not short, I’m fun size.No doubt.
As if suddenly remembering she still had his hand, she brought it to her mouth and pressed a kiss to his palm. “. . . make you happy, grounded,” she murmured.
“What was that?”
“That’s what they said.” She gave him a dopey grin. “I can help you unwind.”
He chuckled. “Oh really?” He was tempted to see what would come out of her mouth next. But he probably shouldn’t bait her when she was clearly delirious.
“Listen, I should get ready for bed now.” He’d done a little snooping while the doctor examined Chloe. There was a spare bedroom right next door. He should be nearby in case she got up and started wandering around. No telling what she might do in her current state.
“’Kay.” She closed her eyes. Her dark lashes feathered her cheeks and her full lips were parted slightly. She looked so sweet lying there, holding his hand to her face.
His heart softened. He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Get some sleep, sweetheart.” He tried to get up but she grasped his hand for dear life.
“Don’t leave!”
“Um... I won’t go far but I’m gonna need my hand, okay? I’ll bring it back in the morning.” Of course she probably wouldn’t want it then.
“Promise?”
“Yes, Chloe, I promise.”
She finally released his hand, rolled over, and grabbed Buttercup in a death grip.
The cat slid him a pitiful look that screamed,Save me.
Liam quirked a brow.You’re on your own, pal.
Before Liam left the room he cleared the nightstand of all pills, leaving only the glass of water. And before he went to bed he set his alarm to wake him every four hours.
Chapter26
A thump woke Chloe. Only half aware, she kept her eyes closed and let the fog lift slowly. Her head throbbed dully and her throat hurt. Oh yeah, she was sick with that awful flu.
She’d missed being on set yesterday. She had a vague memory of Meghan and Sean stopping by in the morning. Something about that triggered a memory. But the thought was gone before she could grasp it.
