Waverly: How are you feeling?
Me: Worn down, even though all I’ve done is sleep.
Waverly: Drink plenty of fluids. If you change your mind about us keeping the kids tonight, just let me know. It’s really no trouble.
Me: Have I told you lately how happy I am that you’re marrying my brother?
Waverly: He’s kinda grown on me. Now, enough texting. Go get some more rest.
Me: You sound like Duncan.
Waverly: Good. Let him take care of you. He needs it and you deserve it.
Me: Will do.
Waverly: See you in a bit. XO
Me: XO
Fate was on Finn and Waverly’s side from the beginning. How else did you explain a chance meeting while on vacation between a billionaire with a stalker and an FBI agent? It was the right place at the right time with the right person. My brother gave infatuation a whole new meaning when he moved his company from New York to Huntington for a woman he’d only known for seven days. Turned out to be the best decision he’d ever made…for both of us.
The door to the basement opened, interrupting my thoughts. Duncan stepped out wearing a black tank top with matching basketball shorts. His muscles contracted with even the slightest movement, reminding me of the way they rippled when he held himself above me. Heaven help me, I could feel the blush creeping up my neck. Duncan noticed it too.
“Are you okay?” He rushed to my side, placing his lips on my forehead for a few seconds. “You don’t feel warm.”
“I’m good,” I blurted.
His eyes searched mine. When his look of concern turned into a knowing smirk, I knew he’d solved the mystery behind my reddened flesh. Thankfully, he was too much of a gentleman to call me out.
“I’m going to grab a quick shower.” He kissed my cheek. “Can I get you anything before I head upstairs?”
“Actually, can I join you? I’d love to shower and change. I’m sticky after shedding three pounds of sweat when my fever broke.”
“I’ll agree on two conditions.”
I cocked my head to the side. “Let’s hear them.”
“One, you let me know right away if you start feeling off.”
“Easy enough. And the second?”
He moved around the sofa, hoisting me into his arms.
“We conserve water.”
“If it becomes too much, just say the word. I’ll kick them out,” Duncan muttered, handing me a bowl filled with delicious smelling soup.
“You worry too much.”
“Can’t help it, Sunshine.”
It was quarter after four. Keaton, Noah, Koen, and Nelson were milling around the kitchen, piling their plates with everything from sliders to quesadillas to baked potato skins topped with mounds of bacon and cheese. Lanie was with me in the living room, munching on the biggest burger I’d ever seen. The food looked incredible. Unfortunately, my appetite was abysmal. It’d be a miracle if I was able to finish the small bowl Duncan had given me.
“It’s weird watching you be all lovey-dovey, Duncan.”
“There’s an easy solution to your problem, Agent Biggs,” he replied.
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”