Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

That's not the bed. It's Violet.

She's burning up.

She blinks her eyes open and looks at me. Then her eyes are closed as she lets out a deep cough.

I press the back of my hand against her forehead.

"Your skin is so cool." She turns to cough into her shoulder. "Shit."

"You have a thermometer?" I ask.

"No."

"You're hot."

She groans. "My head hurts too much for me to make a joke about that." She falls back into bed and pulls the covers to her chest. "Do I sound as congested as I feel?"

She does, but I'm not going to tease her when she looks this miserable.

I plant a kiss on her forehead. "I'll check if you have cough medicine."

Her lips curl into a tiny smile. "Thanks, Ethan." She rolls over in the bed. "I hope I don't have to spend our weekend in bed."

"That was my plan."

She laughs. "But not the fun way."

"It's fun if I'm with you."

"You're cheesy."

"You like it."

I pull on my boxers—don't want to scare Violet's roommate—and head to the bathroom. The medicine cabinet and counters are packed to the brim with makeup and hair products, but the only medicine in here is ibuprofen.

After I do my usual morning routine, I head back to Violet's room.

She pulls the covers down to look at me. "It's not good, huh?"

"Want me to pick something up?"

She looks out the window at the misty white sky. "Ugly out there."

I nod.

"You don't mind?"

"Of course not." I like taking care of Violet. Want to spend my life taking care of Violet.

She pushes herself up in bed and pats the spot next to her.

I get my jeans and t-shirt on, then I take a seat next to her and pull her into a deep hug.

She brings her lips to my ear. "I… I… Ethan I… I'm glad you're here."

"I'm glad I'm here." I kiss her forehead again.

"Don't take too long." She falls back into bed. "Please."