Page 69 of I Got You

“I feel awful. Everything hurts. Please stop touching me,” he grumbles.

I shift to get out of bed, but his big hand reaches out and grabs my arm. “Don’t go.”

I freeze. Seeing Shane like this, even though I can’t really see him, is a whole different ball game. I’m not sure what’s happening, but I kind of like needy Shane.

“I have to get the kids up and ready for school. It’s late, but we need to take your temperature.”

He lets go, and I climb off the bed to get the thermometer from the bathroom. I use the light to guide my way and swipe it across his forehead.

“I’ll be back with Tylenol and some water.”

He grunts, and I take that as an ok.

In the kitchen, I thankfully hear the boys upstairs. I pull the basket of meds from above the fridge and find what I need before returning to the bedroom. I get him to sit up long enough to swallow the pills and drink some water, and then he’s back down for the count.

I leave him be while I feed the kids and get them out the door. By some miracle, Gwen arrives early and is able to get Liv ready for preschool so I can check on Shane and get to class.

In our room, I take his temperature again, and he stirs, slightly opening his eyes. His fever is down.

“I’m freezing. Come back and lay next to me,” he slurs.

Oh man, snuggling this guy is becoming my jam, and now I wouldn’t even have to pretend. It’s open season, and I have to teach a stupid class.

“I have a class.” I try really hard not to sound disappointed. “I’ll check on you when I get back. I set an alarm on your phone for when it’s time for more aspirin, so make sure you take it.”

I brush his forehead with my hand, and he grabs it. “Don’t go.”

I laugh. “This is my bed. I’ll be back.”

He looks so pitiful and unhindered. I can’t imagine what it was like for him growing up and being sick, likely not having anyone to care for him. It makes me want to crawl back into bed with him even more.

“I’ll be back,” I promise again, and he lets go of my hand.

I fly around the room, changing and trying to get out the door on time. I take one last look at him before I step out, and he’s sleeping peacefully.

After finding someone to cover my last class, I return to find Shane lying on his stomach half naked, with the duvet and top sheet carelessly tossed on the floor. I take a second to peruse his sculpted back. No blemishes. No tattoos. Just beautiful skin over so…many…muscles. He probably has more muscles in his back than I have in my entire body.

He coughs, breaking the spell, so I move to the side of the bed to feel his forehead. I run my fingers through his short, dark hair, and he moans.

“You came back.” His low voice sounds even lower, and I don’t miss his surprise like he didn’t think I would.

“I found a sub for my class at the gym so I could come back and check on you.”

He turns his head to the side, and I feel his forehead with the back of my hand. He’s cooler than this morning.

“You have practice. Are you going to be able to make it, or do you want me to call CC?” I ask, leaving my hand on his head.

“How long do I have?”

I check my phone. “A couple hours.”

He rolls over, baring his chest. “Good Lord.” I really meant to keep that to myself.

“What? What’s wrong?” Shane growls.

“Nothing.” I choke, trying not to laugh with hysteria. Shane’s body is chiseled from head to toe. It’s ridiculous, and I have to sleep next to him every night, knowing exactly what’s underneath all that soft cotton.

“I have an hour for you to pretend not to snuggle me then,” he says it like he’s doing me a favor, but there’s no way I’m cuddling his naked chest.

---