Page 55 of Stay

“Nothing.” I yawn. “I just woke up.”

He presses the back of his hand to my forehead. “You feel warm.”

“Probably because I was under three heavy blankets.” I gently knock his arm down. “I’m good. I feel a lot better now that I slept.”

He doesn’t buy my lie. “You’re sick.” Coming inside, he looks around and sees that I’ve been busy all day. “You’ve run yourself into the ground, Hales.”

No, I haven’t. It’s nothing for me to pull a seventy-hour work week.

“Come on.” He scoops me up. “You’re getting back into bed.”

“I’m fine. Seriously, I feel way better now that I’ve caught up on my sleep.”

Cole looks guilty, as if it’s all his fault I haven’t rested much lately.

“Chill.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “And put me down.”

He growls even as he obeys.

“Now,” I say, craning my neck to look up at him. “What are you doing home so early?”

A low, heavy sigh leaves him. “I’ll feel like a shithead for saying.”

“Say it anyway.”

Cole runs a hand through his hair. “I had a great day today. One of the best days ever. And I was gonna cash in on my free-use reward.” He holds his hand out. “But I’m not doing that if you’re feeling sick. I want you rested and healthy.”

“Back up.” I cross my arms. “What made this the best day ever?”

He looks like he’s not comfortable telling me.

What the hell?

“It can wait. I’d rather you—”

“I’m fine.” Time to switch tactics. Walking my fingers up his chest, I unbutton his shirt and run my hands all over him. “Tell me about your day, Daddy.” Leaning in, I lick one of his nipples and bite it just enough to make him hiss.

“Fuuuck,” he whispers. When he looks down at me, his gaze is darker. “I’m trying to be a good guy here and take care of you.”

“So, take care of me.” I unbuckle his belt.

Cole snags my hands before I can free his cock. “I’m putting you to bed.”

Oh goodie.

When he picks me up again, I imagine how good he’s going to rail me tonight. “Tell me your good news.”

“Later.” Placing me gently on the bed, Cole frowns when he touches my head again. “Shit, Hales. You’re burning up.”

“It’s because I’ve been hot and bothered all day, waiting for your reply.”

His chuckle is half-hearted. “Stay,” he says, before leaving my bedroom. He comes back a few minutes later with a mug of tea and a plate of sliced onions.

Eww.

“Uhhh.” I give him the side-eye. “What’s that for?”

“Your feet.” He sets the dish on the side table. “Where do you keep your socks?”

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