Page 47 of Stick Play

“Are you going to come check on me?” he asks, his voice sounding weak. It’s odd, he had so much fun tonight, and even ate seconds. He laughed with the kids, played games, and looked like he was having the time of his life.

“Let me get the kids settled then I’ll be right in.” I back out of the room and hit a wall of muscle. I turn to find Ash standing over me, and as I breathe in his arousing scent, my entire body craves his touch. “Didn’t see you there.” I laugh, and I hope it doesn’t come out sounding as aroused as I feel. “Hard to miss a mountain.”

He reaches around me and closes his dad’s door and his closeness continues to mess with me. “I think Grant should see a doctor tomorrow.”

“He won’t go.” I open my mouth about to protest and he exhales loudly. “Gina, I hate to say this. I hate to even think it, and would hate myself if anything happened to him….” A pause and then, “But I think he’s faking.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Did you see him tonight?” I nod. “The man couldn’t have been happier. He’s already in love with your daughter, Camryn and Tate, and I think…”

“Ohmigod, he’s matchmaking. He’s trying to get me to stay here, because he’s trying to?—”

“Marry us off and have the family he’s always wanted.”

“He’s…he’s…he’s been playing with us.” Even though that’s wrong, it sort of breaks my heart a bit. I can see how much he adores the kids, and they adore him too.

“I think so. But what if I’m wrong?”

I consider all his ailments, and how they come and go. “I actually don’t think you are.”

He relaxes a bit, his shoulders drooping. “Good.” Big fingers rake through his hair. “I always knew he was a stubborn bastard. I just never knew he was a sneaky one too.”

“Well, I think we should play a game with him too.”

He cocks his head. “What do you have in mind?”

“I’m going to think on it. First, I need to get the kids settled.” I walk into the room and sort through the box of books as I wait for the kids to finish brushing their teeth. Ash hangs at the door, moving as each child comes barreling in.

“I want Ash to read to us again,” Zoe insists.

I eye him and he just nods his head. Once again, we’re all piled into the big bed, and it’s crazy how much I like it. He reads to the kids and I find my eyes drifting shut. It’s been such a long day, I could fall asleep right here. Once he finishes the story, I open my eyes and find him watching me, a new kind of concern about him.

I look at the three sleeping children beside me and force myself to get up. I have to check on Grant, and I’d love some quiet time with Ash, as well. I just wish I wasn’t so darn tired. The early morning at the café wore me out. Thank goodness things are back to my normal routine tomorrow.

In the hall, Ash pulls the bedroom door almost shut. He puts his finger under my chin and lifts my eyes, his gaze carefully assessing me. “You’re tired.”

“I’m okay.” I yawn, my actions defying my words.

“No, you’re not fine. You need sleep.”

“Actually, I need a bit of relaxation before sleep.” A scraping sound reaches my ears, and I glance toward Grant’s room. “Is he moving furniture in there?”

Ash rolls his eyes. “I have no idea. Let’s go check on him.”

Since I left my mom bag in his room last night, we head in and he hurries back to his bed. I glance around, note the lamp is turned on beside his bed, and a towel near it, but can’t figure out what he was doing.

“How are you feeling?” I ask.

“Not so great. I think I have a fever.” Wait, he wasn’t using the lamp and towel to make his forehead hot, was he? I touch his head and it’s scalding. My God, the man is going to great lengths to keep me here. It’s kind of adorable, really, and I like him as much as he likes me.

“Is it okay if I take your temperature?”

“Okay.” He seems to be proud of himself. “I’m pretty sure I have a fever.”

I reach into my bag. “Oh no.”

“What is it?” Ash asks, and looks into the bag with me. “My thermometer seems to be broken. I guess I’ll have to use the rectal one.” I pull out a thermometer, that is not for the rectum, but I assume Grant wouldn’t know the difference. “If you want to just?—”

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