Page 77 of Holiday Hire

"Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry you're sick," I offer, rubbing his back. "Come on, let's get you to bed."

We get him in his bedroom, then I step outside so Alexander can help him get dressed in his pajamas, and when they're done, I go back inside. I bring a cup of water, directing, "Take a little sip if you want."

Ace shakes his head. "I don't think I can keep it down."

"Okay, I'll leave it here in case you wake up in the middle of the night and need it." I set the glass down on the nightstand.

Ace curls up in bed.

Alexander states, "Why don't you try to get some sleep? I'll be back in to check on you in a little while." He leans down and kisses Ace's forehead. Then he rises and glances at me with a worried expression.

I ruffle Ace's hair just like I did Wilder's. "Get some rest."

He closes his eyes and we leave the room.

We keep the door halfway open, and Alexander goes to the kitchen. He grabs the soap and orders, "Hold your hands out."

I do as I'm told, and he pumps some foam in it. We wash our hands at the sink and then he goes to the fridge. He grabs two waters and hands me one, stating, "Well, that was an unexpected turn of events."

I add, "Hopefully it's just a twenty-four-hour bug."

"I'm sure that's all it is. My kids usually bounce back pretty quickly," he claims.

"Wilder told me you never get sick."

Alexander nods. "That's true. I haven't been sick since I was a kid."

"Really? Wow."

"Hopefully you don't get sick," he says with genuine concern in his voice.

"Don't worry, I won't," I insist and then sit down on a barstool.

He pulls the one out next to me and sits. He studies me for a moment.

Butterflies go crazy in my stomach, and heat crawls up my neck and into my cheeks.

He slowly states, "It was a fun day." His gaze drifts to my lips, then quickly returns to my eyes.

My flutters make me dizzy.

I imagined that.

No, I didn't.

I did.

He clears his throat and starts, "So anyway?—"

A shrill ring cuts him off.

I jump and realize it's my phone. So I reach into my pocket and answer it without looking. "Hello?"

Lance's booming voice asks, "Are you ready to come home yet?"

I can tell he's been drinking. I close my eyes and release a frustrated breath.

"Well?"

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