Page 76 of All In

My heart skips a beat. Jesus, I’ve gotta get control of that. “Besides, you’re a clingy shit when you’re sick. You’ve never hid out. Remember when we were nineteen, and you gave me that stomach bug because you didn’t want to be left alone?”

He frowns. “I can’t help it that I don’t like throwing up alone.”

“I wasn’t complaining, Harlow. I like being there for you. I always have. So why don’t you come here and let me take you back to our bed where you belong? I got some bubble bath stuff too, and if you’d like, I’ll run you one.”

He nods, hesitating for only a second before he tosses the blanket back and pretty much throws himself into my arms.

I hold him against my chest as he crawls into my lap, pressing his face into my throat.

“Jesus, baby.” I frown. “You’re burning up. Have you taken anything?”

“You called me baby.”

My heart nearly stops. “I did. Would you rather I didn’t?”

Harlow shakes his head. “No. I like it.”

“Okay.” I press my lips to his wild hair. “Have you taken anything?” I ask again.

“No. I wanted to let the fever burn away whatever was making me sick.”

I hum. “I’m not sure that’s sound logic.”

He pats around the bed, then sits up in my lap, opening a text thread before handing his phone over to me. I read through the messages.

Harlow

I have a fever

Josh

That sucks. Are you okay?

Harlow

I’m probably dying

Josh

I’m not sure you’re dying. Have you taken anything?

Harlow

Google said I should let it run its course. That means my body is fighting the infection

Josh

There’s some truth to that. If you’re not feeling miserable and you’re able to stay hydrated and sleep, it’s generally safe to let the fever run its course. But if you’re feeling crummy or if you’re unable to drink or rest, take some fever reducer.

Is Grayson home with you?

Harlow didn’t respond after that. I hand his phone back to him, then cup his face and tilt his head back. There’s a sheen of sweat on his hairline, the strands of his hair starting to dampen with it. “I don’t know, baby,” I say, tilting his head back and forth so I can look at him. “You look pretty miserable to me.”

He groans, leaning harder into my hands. “I am.”

I press my lips to his forehead, and fuck, he really is burning up. “Let’s get some medicine in you, okay?”

“Ugh. Fine.”