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"Oh, thanks," Eva said, taking each container.
''And if that doesn't help, you can use the other stuff," Leif said, pulling out two bottles of over-the counter medicines. "How's he doing, anyway?"
"He's resting."
"Best thing he can do. Now, do you have any bourbon?"
Eva swallowed. "I'm not giving alcohol to a child, Leif."
Leif laughed, and Eva swore angels sighed and a rainbow appeared over his head. The man made laughing sexy and reverent at the same time. He could probably get women to pay just to watch him laugh. "No, for you."
"Oh," Eva chuckled, pushing her tangled hair from her face. She probably looked like something a dog had barfed up... or just a tired woman. Not that it would matter to Leif. He was engaged to Abigail, and the glances they exchanged could singe anyone standing nearby. "Well, I probably should lay off the booze with a kid in the house."
"In my experience, having a kid in the house is the best reason to drink," he said with a kind smile. "But seriously, are you okay?"
"Sure. Just dealing with a sick kiddo."
"Jake will probably come by to check on you, but if you need anything, just holler."
Eva made a face. "Why would Jake check on me?"
Leif looked confused. "Aren't y'all... wait, I thought you two were..." He clamped his mouth shut.
"Did Jake say something to you?"
Leif eyed the door. "Uh, I better run. I still have to go to the Short Stop and pick up coffee creamer."
"No, wait. Did Jake tell Abigail he and I are together?"
"No.”
"No?"
"I just assumed. I mean, I see the way he looks at you. The same way I look at Abi. Like I can't wait to get her alone. I didn't mean to imply something that wasn't. Sorry about that. I shouldn't have said anything."
Eva smiled, warmth flooding her. So even others could see she meant something to Jake? That was actually comforting.
Last night during the few moments she wasn't bathing Charlie's forehead or sleeping with one ear crooked toward the open bedroom door, she'd wondered if her rendezvous with Jake at the lake had been something she'd dreamed up. Her sane self whispered that Jake falling in love with her couldn't be true... that Jake liked the ladies too much to settle down with just one... that he would move on and leave her carrying a torch. He'd leave her broken.
But Leif gave her validation.
"What is it?" he said, his blue eyes growing relieved at her smile.
''Nothing. I just...it's just a good thing you mentioned it."
"Whew." Leif swiped a hand across his broad forehead. "Guess I'll see you around."
"Thanks so much for bringing me these things. Send Abigail my thanks, too."
Leif left her with good thoughts and something that smelled like peppermint? She pulled a soft peppermint from the bag and popped one in her mouth.
"Eva," Charlie called out.
She sighed and went back to her brother. Charlie's eyes were bright, and when she placed a hand against his forehead, panic hit her.
He was really, really hot.
"Uh, Charlie, I think we need to go to the doctor right now," she said, tugging the covers off him. He lay small and feeble in his Hulk pajamas. Eva helped Charlie sit up, but he seemed to be playing the role of limp dishrag. She scooped him up, shoved her feet in her UGG knockoff slippers, and looked for her purse and cell phone.
