CHAPTER 439

“Uh-huh. Want me to get it?”

“Please.” Kane watched the uneven rise and fall of Ginger’s chest. Choppy breathing. Flushed face.

Sweat soaking her skin. He swiped away a few stray tendrils stuck to her damp neck. “Ah sugar, what am I gonna do with you? You still won’t ask for help when you need it.” He ran the backs of his knuckles down her cheek and murmured, “I’m stickin’ around to take care of you, whether you like it or not.”

Hayden returned and handed him the thermometer.

Kane hadn’t a clue how to use it. “How does this thing work?”

“You hafta put it in her ear. Probably she should be awake.” Hayden stood in front of Kane and shook Ginger’s shoulder. “Mommy?”

No response.

Hayden whispered, “I couldn’t wake her up before, either.”

It pained him to do it, but Kane pinched the underside of her arm.

“Ouch. Stop.” She mumbled, “Leave me alone,” and attempted to turn away.

“Mommy?”

She rolled flat, blindly reaching for Hayden’s hand. “I’m here. Just give me a sec.”

“We need to take your