Page 26 of Inn To You

Noah tucks my hair behind my ear. “We all do what we have to do sometimes.”

I want him to understand, but I’m certain he doesn’t.

“Why were you even here?” We both had the day off by some scheduling fluke.

“I was just checking on some things.”

Like finding a job in the Caribbean? I don’t bother asking. “Well, thanks for helping with Jonas. I should probably get some more sleep. I work tomorrow.”

“You’re not leaving this”—he glances at the couch, which is my bed—“Room. With your permission, I’ve asked Jonas to be my helper tomorrow.”

“Helper?” I snort.

“Let me deal with Jonas while you rest.”

“I don’t know.” I don’t really know if I can trust Noah.

“Look, I can give you references for my babysitting skills. Or I can set Jonas up with my brother and River. Jonas can meet my twin nephews and spend the day at their house if you’re more comfortable.”

His concern for my caution warms my insides a little, which happen to feel overheated, especially with the blankets on me. The fever must be breaking. I push at the covers once more.

“What are you doing, stubborn woman?” Noah groans, tugging the duvet back to my waist.

“I’m hot,” I mutter.

His eyes leap to my face. “Yes, you are.” The softness of his voice implies he means more than the heat of the breaking fever emanating from me, but I ignore the teasing compliment. I don’t have the energy to read into his flirting or think of his kisses.

His hand caresses the side of my face. The coolness of his palm feels nice against my warm skin.

“Let me take your worries,” he whispers, leaning forward and pressing a kiss to my temple. Tears prickle my eyes at the sweet gesture. And in my weakened state, I acquiesce.

+ + +

The following morning, Noah collects Jonas, and I sleep the day away. When both boys enter my place around five, I’m a sweaty mess but hungry. Jonas approaches me, offering me a hug, and although I don’t want my boy to get sick, I absorb the comforting gesture.

“How was your day with Noah?”

“Awesome,” Jonas chirps, pulling back from our embrace. “We played checkers in the game room. I had a sandwich from the café. I folded towels and looked at my pictures from yesterday on the computer.”

“You folded towels, huh?” I tip a brow at Noah. Way to delegate his work.

He sheepishly scratches the back of his neck.

“Sounds like a great day, buddy.” I ruffle Jonas’s hair, remembering he didn’t have a bath last night, so he needs one tonight. “School tomorrow. We need to get you some dinner and a bath.”

“Aw, man. I don’t need a bath.” He lifts his arm and smells his pit. “I don’t stink.”

Noah chuckles, quietly watching us.

I lean into Jonas, inhaling near his neck. “You smell.”

His eyes widen. “Do not.”

“Let me have another whiff.” I tug him to me and breathe in his little boy scent. “You smell like dragon scales and baseball diamonds and dirt.”

“Baseball,” Jonas screeches. “I had practice today.”

Shit. “I…I’m sorry, Jonas. I forgot.” Glancing up at Noah, I’m certain he can tack worst mother in the world to his list of dislikes about this place.