Page 7 of Softest Touch
I didn't sleep much, so I get up and make myself some coffee while preparing food for Grandma and making some chicken soup to bring to Mr. Cocky. After waving goodbye to my grandmother, I head to the office to grab the drawing pad he asked for and then go to deliver it to him.
The doorman greets me, directing me to the floor where Mr. Cocky lives. Upon reaching the top floor, I knock on his door a couple of times. When he opens it, I struggle to suppress a moan; he's shirtless and incredibly sexy. And he's my boss!
“Good morning, Melinda. Come on in.” He steps aside to let me in. As soon as I cross the threshold, a Labrador approaches me, wagging her tail.
“Good morning, Mr. Wilson,” I greet him as I bend down to cuddle the puppy.
“Call me Derek, please. And this is Sissi.”
“Hi, Sissi! I'm Melinda. Oh my gosh, you're such a cutie,” I scratch behind her ear before standing up. Sissi hops around me, making me laugh.
“Here's the sketch pad. How are you feeling today?” I ask, noticing his pale face.
“I hate having a fever,” he complains as his fingers brush over mine.
“I brought you some chicken soup. I hope you're not a vegetarian.” He looks up from his sketches, and I suddenly feel unprofessional. “I'm sorry, I shouldn't have, but my grandmother says it's the best cure.”
“Thank you, Melinda. My mother used to say the same thing. You really shouldn't have, though. I could have ordered it from a restaurant.”
“It was my pleasure,” I reply while Sissi brings me her leash.
“Sissi, sit! I'll take you out later,” Derek orders her. She lies flat on the floor, whining.
I shake my head at him, fetching Sissi's leash. “I'll take care of her. You go back to bed.”
The surprise on his face makes him even more adorable. “Are you sure?”
“Of course, I love dogs, and she's lovely. Come on, Sissi,” I call her, placing the bag on the table and taking out my cell phone.
“Here.” He hands me the keys, and I take them as Sissi starts pulling me toward the door.
“Be patient, princess. I'm coming,” I scold her.
We head to the park not far from his apartment. Watching her play with her ball makes me smile. I've always wanted a dog but never had the time between university, work, and caring for my grandmother.
“Come, Sissi. We need to go home,” I call her, and she obeys.
Upon re-entering the apartment, I find Mr. Cocky drawing in the living room. I remove my jacket and wash my hands before approaching him. Sneaking a peek at his drawing, I'm amazed by his sketch. He leans back in his chair, sighing and closing his eyes. Instinctively, I touch his forehead.
“Hmmm,” he smiles. “Your hand feels so good.”
“And you're burning up,” I say, worried. “Please, go lie down.”
“I think I will,” he agrees, standing up but gripping the table for support.
I hold him close. “Lean on me. Is your head spinning?”
He massages his temple. “A little, but it'll pass. Don't worry.”
“Okay, let's go to the bedroom,” I say, wrapping my arm around his waist as I place his arm around my shoulder. “Which way?”
“That way, the second door on the right.” He points toward the corridor. “But I can walk.” His knees buckle, and I tighten my grip.
After helping Derek lie down, I silently thank God he didn't faint or trip; otherwise, he'd have brought me down with him. Heading to his bathroom, I wet a handkerchief and place it on his forehead.
“Thanks,” he mutters, holding my hand as he falls asleep.
I freshen the handkerchief periodically and find some Tylenol in his cabinet. While he sleeps, I head home to get my laptop and change into something more comfortable. I call Lizzie, one of our secretaries, and ask her to cover me for today while forwarding me any new emails.