Page 55 of Don't Call Me Sweetheart (Something Borrowed 1)

“Yes, I’m very contagious, so you should get out of here before you contract it.”

“Just open the door, Marley, I’m not worried about getting sick.”

A rush of wooziness overcame her and she pressed her hot forehead to the door. “Please, just go away. I don’t want you to see me like this.”

“You have two choices. You can either let me in, or I’m going to sit out on this porch all day, singing your name until your neighbors call the cops.”

Odious man, he probably would do that.

“Fine, but I warned you.”

She opened the door, and waved a hand. “Well, come on in.”

As he stepped past, she noticed the two grocery bags and the bouquet of summer flowers in his hand.

“What are those for?” she asked.

He shook his head and held them out for her. “For you, dummy. To make you feel better. I remembered you telling me you liked bright colored flowers instead of roses because the roses always seemed depressed.”

She’d told him that when Sonora had been ranting and raving a few weeks ago after Marley had suggested something other than white roses in her bouquet and centerpieces. Marley had backed off, and let her order what she wanted, but she was still convinced the wedding could use some more color.

She tried to ignore the squeeze in her chest because he remembered something so obscure about her. “Thank you. They’re lovely.”

“Good. Now, where can I set up?”

“Set up?”

“Yes, I brought all the provisions you need to kick this cold’s ass, along with some comfort items.” Luke headed for her kitchen without her permission, slowing a bit when he spotted Butters eating breakfast. “Whoa, you have a rabbit?”

“Yeah.”

“And he just runs around your house? Where does he shit?”

“In his litter box. You can train rabbits, you know.”

/> “Huh. Didn’t know that.” He set his bags on the counter and squatted down. “What’s up, bunny?”

His voice had taken on a creepy, high quality and Marley cringed. “Don’t do that voice.”

“Why?”

“Because you sound like a serial killer.”

To her astonishment, Butters hopped closer and butted Luke’s hand with his head, encouraging pets.

“He seems to like it.”

Suddenly too weak to stand anymore, she lay down on the couch. “Only because he is a whore.”

“That’s not very nice thing to call this cute little guy.”

“Why are you tormenting me?” she groaned. God, she was tired, and sore, and just wanted to sleep.

When a cool hand pressed against her forehead, her eyes flew open. Luke leaned over her, a concerned look on his face.

“You’re burning up. Have you taken any Tylenol?”

“No, I hate cold medicine. It makes me feel drunk.”