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He scratched at his chin. “Really?”
I nodded, eyes down.
“Did they give you anything?”
“Uh, no.” I swallowed down more soup, hoping he couldn’t hear the wobble in my voice. “I guess there’s really nothing to do for it. Stay hydrated and…whatever.”
He combed his fingers though my wet hair, tucking a few clumps behind my ear. “I’m glad it’s only the flu and not something worse.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Are you feeling any better? Even a little bit? I wanted to go pick out a Christmas tree this weekend, but if you’re not feeling up to it, we can do it later.”
I finally met his gaze, and he encouraged me with a smile. I hated to do this to him, but I couldn’t stand to be around him right now. “I think you should go home. I don’t want to get you sick.” He shook his head, while I plowed on. “The doctor said I am contagious, so I think it would be better if you stayed away from me for a while.”
He popped a piece of grilled cheese into his mouth. “I get the flu shot every year. I’ll be fine.”
“It’s a new strain. That’s why I’m so sick.”
“It’s okay, Gem, really—”
“No!” I shot up from the table with a flourish, my chair grating against the floor. George scurried away, and Jason’s eyes widened at my outburst.
“What’s wrong? I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well, but Christ, you’re moody lately.”
I inhaled a long breath. “I would really appreciate it if you left me alone for a little while.”
He stared at me, his jaw working back and forth. He must’ve realized I wasn’t going to give in if he glared at me long enough because he nodded. “You’re sick, you want space, I get it. I don’t like it, but I get it.”
He cleared our plates away without another word then brushed past me, grabbing his coat and keys on the way. I stopped him at the door. “Jason.”
He pivoted in the open doorway, facing me, and my shoulders slumped. I didn’t want to hurt him, I just didn’t know what to say or do right now, and I needed time alone to figure it out. “I’m sorry.”
After a moment, he smiled and wrapped me up in his arms, kissing my temple then cheek. “Me too.” He held my chin between his fingers. “I only want you to get better, okay?” His light eyes bounced between mine, and a pit formed in the bottom of my stomach.
“I love you,” he said.
“I love you too.”
Then he flattened his palm against my forehead one more time, seemingly satisfied I didn’t have a fever. He jammed his hands into his coat pockets. “I’ll talk to you later.”
Then I closed the door, accepting and hating that I got what I wanted, time alone.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO
Gem
My phone buzzed with a text message alert. I knew it was Jason before I picked it up.
Jason
Morning, gorgeous.
I had been avoiding him, resorting to a relationship of texting.
Jason
Feeling better today?
