Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 51210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
When she could breathe again, Saylor apologized. “I’m so sorry. Surely, I didn’t pick up something from my class that fast.”
Max lifted a hand to her forehead and frowned. “Have you felt chilled today, little girl?”
“I always do in the air conditioning. It’s a necessary evil in the summer, but most of the time, it’s too cold.”
“I think you might be running a fever,” he said. His eyebrows drew together in concern.
“That’s silly. I’m hot from standing under the steamy water.” As soon as that excuse escaped her mouth, Saylor sneezed three times in rapid succession.
“Let’s finish your shower and get you wrapped up in something warm.”
“I’m okay. Maybe I’m allergic to Rexy.” Saylor grabbed at possible excuses.
“Are you sensitive to dog dander?” Max asked as she knelt before her to wash her legs.
“No.”
“I think we can take that cause for your illness off the list,” Max said, sounding amused.
“I don’t have an illness.”
“Chills, fever, sneezing, and coughing are all great indications that your body isn’t well, little girl. We’ll check on that when we get you out of the shower.”
Exhausted by the energy it took to pretend she was fine, Saylor nodded. “I probably need to sleep. We stayed up late last night,” she confessed.
“That’s possible. I think a nap is always a good idea for a little girl. Let me wash away the last of the suds.”
“I have junk in my hair too, Daddy.”
“Thank you for letting me know.” Max wrapped an arm around her waist and supported her as Saylor leaned her head back into the spray. She loved the feel of his powerful hands, rinsing the conditioner from her locks.
That sapped the last of her energy. “Tired, Daddy.”
“I know, baby.”
Max kissed her temple before turning off the water and wrapping her quickly in a thirsty towel. He supported her as he rubbed another over her head to soak up the excess moisture from her thick hair. When she sagged against him, Max scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom.
Juggling her easily in his arms, Max tossed the covers back and set Saylor on the bottom sheet. Instantly, she turned and curled up on the bed. Saylor closed her eyes with a sigh of relief as she tugged the covers up to her throat. Almost instantly, she started coughing.
Max helped her sit up and dragged his pillow over to stack on hers. He rubbed her back as she struggled to stop hacking. “Let me get you some water. Maybe that will help.”
When he returned to her side, he handed her a small cup of water. Max steadied it as she lifted the container to her lips. “Sip slowly, baby girl.”
Swallowing the last drops, Saylor nodded to her daddy. “I’m okay now.”
“Let’s prop you up a bit on the pillows. Maybe that will help.”
Saylor settled back on the higher support and smiled. “Better, Daddy. You’re smart.” Hovering on the brink of sleep, she felt him tuck the covers around her and drape a dry towel over her damp hair. When he stopped moving around, Saylor could sense him nearby, hovering over her. Protected and warm, she closed her eyes and didn’t remember anything else.
* * *
“Daddy, I’m sleeping,” she protested, after peeking to see who was rubbing her arm. Her voice sounded rough and weak. Saylor wrapped her hand around her now incredibly sore throat. Those darn germs flying around her classroom today had landed in her throat and set up camp.
“I’m sorry to wake you up, baby. Zale is here to make sure you’re okay,” Max explained.
“Pippa’s daddy? Why isn’t he taking care of Pippa?” Saylor mumbled, peeking up at the two men.
“Hi, Saylor. You sound like the other Littles. How’s your throat?” Zale asked, looking at her with his eyebrows drawn together in concern.
“Bad,” she croaked.
“Has she gotten worse quickly?” Zale asked, looking at Max.
“Her voice was fine when she went down for a nap. She definitely didn’t say anything about a sore throat or have this raspy voice.”
“I’d say she has the same bug as the others do. That sleepover was a super-spreader event,” Zale said.
“I was fine until my class yesterday,” Saylor protested and immediately launched into a coughing fit that had her gasping for air. She crossed her fingers, hoping she hadn’t transported some ailment from campus to the other women.
“Here, baby. Drink some water.” Max held a tumbler of iced water and helped her sit up to drink a few sips.
The cool air in the room reminded her she wasn’t dressed in anything. She held the covers tight to her chest, allowing Max to place the glass at her mouth. The cold liquid felt so good as she swallowed. Saylor nodded her thanks, afraid if she talked again, she’d trigger more coughing.
“Zale is our medic, Saylor. He takes care of the team and our Littles,” Max said.