Page 91 of The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad

“‘Course you did,” Colton said. “Go home, Sadie.”

I shook my head. “Sorry, no can do. I need to take your temperature again in thirty minutes.”

Colton’s scowl couldn’t have been deeper. He was running a 101-degree fever, and his arms were crossed in the petulant pose kids do when they can’t have their way. His forehead was covered by the cool, wet cloth I’d just applied, warning him not to take it off or else. With that, the red nose and messy hair, he looked absolutely adorable.

I wanted to smack myself. Oh geez, I thought, giving myself a mental slap that did absolutely no good. If I could still be attracted to him, even grumpy, disgruntled and sick? It was too late. My feelings were too deep. There was no turning back now. I was a goner.

“Pride and Prejudice,” he said. “Is this the one with the almost kiss?”

“No, this is a different version.” Clearing my throat, I said, “It’s great. You should give it a chance.”

“It looks dumb,” he said.

“Well, it’s not. It’s a love story about a rich guy and a poor girl and how their opposite personalities and social statuses should keep them apart, but only end up pushing them together, making them perfect for each other. It’s really soothing, and I thought it might help you relax. Plus, it’s romance,” I said, gesturing around his room. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed your books. There’ve got to be at least what? 20 romances? And some of them are very naughty.”

Colton’s mouth tipped up in a grin. “And how would you know that?”

“Well,” I sputtered. He had me there. “I read a few to the Shady Grove residents, and others I picked up because they looked good.”

Tempting, I thought, was a better word.

Kind of like the guy beside me when he chuckled that raspy laugh.

“No need to be ashamed, Sadie,” he said, patting my thigh, nearly making my heart leap out of my chest. “So, you’re saying this period drama is a little naughty? If so, I’m in.”

“Umm…”

Nodding to the screen, propping himself up, he said, “Go ahead, push play. I’ll try to stay awake.”

I re-started the episode, deciding not to tell him there was absolutely zero naughtiness, and the main characters didn’t even kiss until the end.

Colton made it through the first two episodes, but his eyes were drifting closed by the third. I couldn’t blame him. Despite the appeal of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s many misunderstandings and hidden attraction, he was truly not feeling well, the guy’s body fighting off what was either a nasty cold or something worse.

Mom had texted to check up on me a moment ago.

Mom:Hey, everything okay?

Me:Yes, Colton’s sick, and his mom’s at work, so I was helping him.

Mom:Oh no, poor kid :(. Anything I can do?

Me:Nah, I’ll be home in a bit.

Mom:Okay, if you or Colton need anything, let me know. Love you, Sadie.

Me:Love you, Mom.

I looked down at Colton, whose breathing had finally evened out. The last time I checked his fever was down to 99.8, and he’d just taken his medicine again 10 minutes ago. The movie had done its job. He was resting peacefully.

It was my cue to leave.

Trying not to disturb him, I turned off the TV, slowly rose from the bed. I was just about to go when I felt a hand on my wrist. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Colton’s eyes were still closed.

“Stay,” he said quietly.

His grip was light. I could break free so easily, and he’d probably go right back to sleep. In fact, I wasn’t even sure he was awake now. The word had been little more than a whisper, and with the fever, he might not have realized what he was saying.

But I wasn’t strong enough to go.

---