Back at the office, I wrapped up some work, but by six o’clock, I suddenly felt weak and dizzy. It was like those early signs of catching a cold. I didn’t hesitate – I went straight to the clinic for some meds. I remembered back in my previous life, whenever I caught a cold, I’d milk it for a couple of days just to see how Jared would fuss over me. He’d show up with a cup of hot water, nag me to take my medicine, or even wake up in the middle of the night to check my forehead. Those small gestures meant the world to me for days. But those days are long gone. Now, if I feel even a little off, I head straight to the doctor.
After picking up my meds and putting off a meeting, I drove home. There were still some veggies in the fridge, so I made myself a bowl of plain noodles. After eating, I crashed on the couch to rest. After taking the medicine, the drowsiness hit me even harder. Hugging a pillow, I dozed off, half-asleep and barely aware of anything. I don’t know how long I’d been out when the doorbell rang.
Forcing myself to stay awake, I walked over and looked outside. There was a man dressed in black with a baseball cap pulled low. My guard shot up, but then I spotted the silver pendant on his chest – the same one Ryan always wore. I opened the door, and sure enough, it was Ryan standing there. Ryan gave me a moody look, then glanced behind me. “Is Nathan still here?”
I propped myself up against the door, too lazy to care. “What brings you over so late?”
“Eight o’clock is late?” Ryan said, lifting up a bag. “Didn’t you say the bread my housekeeper bakes is amazing? I brought you some.”
I’d totally forgotten I ever said that. Guess Ryan really pays attention.
“Thanks. Just leave the bread and head out – I’m coming down with a cold,” I said, taking the bag from him.
Ryan blinked in surprise, his eyes fixed on my face. “No wonder you look so pale. Is it serious?”
“It’s nothing serious. Doc said a couple days of meds and I’ll be fine,” I replied.
Ryan squeezed past me before I could react and strolled right in. “I haven’t checked out your new place yet.” I didn’t stop him – he was already making his way to the balcony. I trailed after him, barely having the energy to speak. “Honestly, I’m not up for entertaining anyone right now. Why don’t you head home?”
“Then let me look after you,” Ryan said, turning to face me. “You’re sick and all alone here. I’d worry if I just left you like this.”
I chuckled. “I’m not a kid, Ryan. Most single people just tough it out when they’re sick.”
“I don’t care about anyone else – I only care about you,” Ryan replied, reaching out to press his hand to my forehead. “No fever, but you look exhausted. Go lie down and get some rest.”
There was no way I could actually rest with Ryan still here. As long as he didn’t leave, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at all.
“Ryan, you’re just going to keep me up. Seriously, you should go,” I said, trying to get him to leave.
“I’m not going to bother you. I’ll just sit quietly on the couch,” Ryan replied, putting on his best innocent face.
He went over and settled onto the couch, picking up the book I’d left nearby. “Go get some sleep. I already napped this afternoon, so I’m wide awake.”
My legs felt weak, so I just turned and headed to the bedroom to get some rest. I slept straight through to the next morning, and when I woke up, I could hear Ryan’s voice in the living room, talking to someone. After taking my meds and getting a good night’s sleep, I was feeling much better. No more dizziness or weakness – just a bit drained.
“She’s still asleep. If you need to tell her something, just let me know and I’ll pass it on,” Ryan said. “She was really wiped out last night, so I’d rather not disturb her rest,” he added apologetically.
The more I listened, the weirder it felt. This wasn’t Ryan’s call – someone was clearly trying to reach me, and Ryan had just answered for me.
I strode out of the bedroom, and sure enough, Ryan was holding my phone. When he glanced back at me, there was a flash of guilt on his handsome face.