Chapter 287: Fever

The man lying in bed wasn’t just flushed—his whole body radiated heat. Summer had no idea how he was still upright earlier. She was about to get up when Fraser grabbed her hand. His brows were slightly furrowed. His voice was hoarse. “Where are you going?”

Summer shot him a look. “Do you even realize how high your fever is right now? It’s not 102—I’d say it’s closer to 199!”

Fraser let out a dry chuckle, the corners of his lips curving faintly. “You think that’s funny?”

“You’re worried about me.” He pulled her hand to his cheek. The burning heat spread from his skin to her palm, running up her arm, wrapping around her.

“I’m not worried about anything.” She yanked her hand back and stood up, heading into the bathroom. She grabbed a towel from the rack, soaked it in cold water, wrung it out, and returned to the bedroom.

By the time she came back, Fraser’s eyes were closed again, his brows still slightly scrunched in discomfort. Gone was the usual cocky, laid-back version of him. Now, he looked vulnerable. And for some reason, that vulnerability made her chest ache.

Summer sat beside him and gently placed the cold towel on his forehead. Just then, the doorbell rang. She walked out to open it.

Xavier stood at the door with a medical kit in hand. He froze for half a second when he saw her but quickly recovered. “Hey, Summer. We meet again.”

She gave a small nod and let him in.

“Fever,” Summer said simply.

Xavier let out a low whistle. “This guy’s built like a bull and never gets sick. Honestly, Summer, this might be a trick to get your sympathy.”

Before the words even finished, Fraser’s eyes snapped open, sharp and cold. “You always been this good at reading situations?”

Xavier felt a chill down his spine from that glare. “Hah… just kidding.” He quickly changed the subject. “Alright, let me check your temperature.”

Xavier moved to the bedside, pulled out an ear thermometer, and scanned Fraser. “One hundred and five!” He gawked. “Holy shit, you’re actually burning up.”

Fraser shot him a withering look. But Xavier, seeing him weak and miserable, just smiled like sunshine. Fraser turned his face away, clearly annoyed. “Is it contagious?”

Xavier smirked, savoring the rare chance to get back at him. “Fever itself? No. But in your condition, I’d avoid getting too worked up. Don’t forget Summer’s pregnant.”

Standing nearby, Summer flushed bright red. “Get out,” Fraser said, deadpan.

In the living room, Xavier handed Summer some meds and went over what to watch for. She listened intently. “Is that temp dangerous?”

“Mm, probably not. But it could be. That’s why you need to stay by his side. If it hits one twenty, we’ve got a real problem.”

Summer’s eyes widened. “That serious?”

Xavier nodded solemnly. “Yeah. Sick people are usually grumpy and needy. You’ll need to be extra patient. Just let him have his way for a bit.”

She was completely thrown off by how serious he sounded. Xavier grinned to himself.

After he left, Summer poured a cup of warm water and brought it into the room with the meds. She sat on the edge of the bed. “Time to take your medicine.”

Fraser looked at her with heavy-lidded eyes. “You feed me.” She helped prop him up so he could lean against the headboard, then held the pills and water to his lips. She wasn’t sure if he was doing it on purpose, but when he swallowed, her palm suddenly felt damp. She looked at him sharply—his face was as calm and innocent as ever.

“Lie back and rest. If you need anything, call me.”

“You’re not staying?” Fraser looked at her with soft eyes, his expression laced with just enough pitiful charm. Summer remembered what Xavier said.

“I’ll go get you some more water. Be right back.” She went to the kitchen and refilled the cup with warm water. When she came back, she placed it on the nightstand beside his bed.