Page 98 of Praising Haru

We sit outside his house, kissing each other across the centre console.

“I adore you, gorgeous,” I say, stroking his cheek.

“Right back at you, Sir. Thanks for letting me watch you train this evening. I have a new appreciation for rugby shorts.” He winks.

“Sorry you got wet.”

“Were you in control of the weather?”

I laugh and shake my head.

“Then don’t apologise.”

“I’ll text you in the morning.”

He grins. “I’m counting on it.”

We kiss one last time. I watch as he gets out of the car and walks to his front door. He opens it, turns, and blows me a kiss. Then he gets his phone out and types something. My phone buzzes.

Haru

Stop worrying, Sir.

I can’t help it.

I’m fine. Good night.

Night, beautiful.

I’m acting like a mother hen. I’m smothering him. I need to stop. I put the car into gear, check my mirrors, and pull away from the kerb.

CHAPTER19

HARU

I wake, shivering and with a head stuffed full of mothballs. I’m wearing a jumper and socks I don’t remember falling asleep in, and I’m huddled under my quilt, but I’m still cold. My nose is running, and my eyes are watery and scratchy. I have a cold. Great.

I drag myself out of bed, wrap a blanket around my shoulders, and trudge downstairs. Mum is in the kitchen, eating breakfast. Dad must have already left for work.

“Oh, sweetheart, you look awful.”

“Thanks.” I sit beside her and rest my head on the table.

She puts the back of her hand against my forehead. “You’re burning up. Let me get you something to bring your temperature down.” She goes to the medicine cupboard, retrieves a packet of Lemsip, and boils the kettle.

My phone buzzes. The message from Kyle swims, making it hard to read.

Kyle

Morning, gorgeous. How are you feeling?

I don’t want him to feel guilty because I’m unwell, but I don’t want to lie to him either.

I have a cold. I’m going to spend the day in bed.

Mum brings the steaming mug of Lemsip to the table. I sit up, cup my hands around the warm mug, and inhale. The steam helps clear my congested nose a little. I blow over the top of the yellow liquid, forming ripples across the surface, before sipping it. I wince. It’s too hot.

Do you want me to come over after work?