I sat at the edge of the mattress, putting my hand on her forehead. "You have a fever. Did you take anything for it?"
"I don't even remember. I think I did, maybe a few hours ago. What time is it now?"
"It's midnight," I said.
"Oh shit."
"I tried calling you."
"Damn. I forgot my phone downstairs. I wanted to call my sister and see if she could drop by. My whole body hurts."
I sat beside her, rubbing her neck and shoulders.
"That’s a bit better," she said. "How are you good at everything? Even curing flu or whatever this is. And wait a second, how come you're back?"
"I finished earlier than anticipated, and I wanted to surprise you," I admitted.
She grinned even though she was clearly not feeling well. "You came home thinking you were going to get some and instead find me looking like death."
I burst out laughing. "You never lose your sense of humor, huh?"
"No, never," she murmured. "It's what keeps me going right now. I feel so dehydrated. I wanted to make myself tea at the kitchenette earlier but couldn't even get out of bed."
I looked around and made a split-second decision. "I'm taking you to the master bedroom."
She blinked her eyes open. "Why?"
"Because I can take care of you better there and keep an eye on you. Plus, I know my way around my kitchen better than here."
She laughed. "There's no learning curve. I only have two appliances."
“I’m going to lift you in my arms.”
"That would totally make my day. I've spent it lying in bed, and now I can feel up those sexy muscles."
"I'm glad to be of service," I informed her, peeling her cover away. "I’ll change you first. It's bad for you to stay in these wet clothes."
"I have nightgowns in the dresser. First door, second shelf."
I got up and followed her instructions, immediately finding a nightgown.
I took three more from the same shelf. They’d come in handy if her fever didn’t break.
Diane was sitting at the edge of the bed. She was shivering. She'd already peeled off her nightgown. I used it to dry her back and then slid on one of the fresh ones.
"I bet this isn't the sexy picture you had in mind," she murmured. Her voice was fainter.
I kissed one corner of her lips. "Don't you even think about it, okay? Come on, up we go. Keep these," I told her, putting the nightgowns in her lap.
"Good thinking."
I lifted her, putting one arm under her knee and the other at her back. She laid her head on my shoulder.
"Oh, this is good," she said. She nudged my neck with her nose and then nuzzled it with her lips.
I barely suppressed a groan. Now was not the time to get turned on. She was sick. I wanted to take care of her.
"Behave so I can focus on the stairs," I admonished.