Page 60 of Call Me Sir

It wasn’t footsteps, but his phone, which fell onto the floor. I pick it up and set it back on the nightstand.

The sun is casting a golden glow into his room.

I take my seat at the chair I have parked at his bedside and rub his back as his shoulders bunch and release in the latest round.

He looks terrible. Still cute. But rough.

Stop, I tell myself. He’s my employee, not my cute fuck boy… Ugh. The thought is a strike to the chest. I’m not into fucking just for fun. I’d love to make him my boyfriend… but that’s a dangerous and impossible thought.

Cole’s hands are shaking once he finally sits up. There’s nothing left for him to throw up and he’s done nothing but sweat and shiver all day.

“Maybe we should get you to a hospital,” I offer once he lays back and throws an arm over his face. His light caramel hair is dark and wet from the sweat.

His exposed neck beckons for me to mark it up again. I wish he looked this ruined because of me, not from whatever he’s sick with.

Pushing away my absurd thoughts, I lean in and grab the hand at his side.

“Cole?”

For a long moment he doesn’t respond and I start to panic. Should I have brought him in already?

Abating my fears, he sits up, cheeks flush and blinking a bunch.

“Are you… okay?”

Tears start to stream down his face. It’s hard to watch but I’m somewhat relieved to know he’s got some fluid in him to spare.

“Thank you.”

I try to stop my frown. I want to ask him what he’s thanking me for, and why he’s crying. Instead all I can offer is a tentative, “You’re welcome?”

It must suffice because he lays back down.

“I’m going to order some stuff to be delivered, you need some electrolytes.”

“Okay,” he whispers, holding out his hand.

I take it with my left hand trying to fight the butterflies fluttering around in my stomach.

I create a delivery order for a bunch of Body Armor and some popsicles as well as a Carmelo candy bar and a probiotic pop for myself.

Once the order is placed, I lean back in my chair and watch Cole’s eyes flutter closed with a contented smile on his dry lips.

Even in his sleep his grip remains firm. I lean my head back and start to drift.

I’m woken up by a knock and when I check my phone it’s the delivery service.

Cole’s hand is pulled to his chest now and I drink him in for a moment before going to the door. I tip the delivery person and return to my station battling the unrealistic wishes about Cole plaguing me..

Twenty

Cole

I wake to the sight of Sal stretching in one of my chairs at my bedside. I might be the sick one, but he looks rough too.

“I thought you were a robber.”

My confession makes Sal freeze for a moment before giving me a half smile.

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