Chapter 73

Kathie wondered if the fever was making her feel unusually hot.When

Jonathan accidentally touched her bottom, she bit her lip to stay silent.

That tingling sensation spread through her body, leaving her feeling both ashamed and exhilarated.

Now they were both tense.

"You can leave now. I'll call you when I'm done," she said.

Jonathan hesitated. "It's dangerous to have a fever in the bath. I'd better stay in case something happens."

Kathie was touched by his thoughtfulness. "Alright then. Thank you."

Jonathan was indeed suffering-struggling to contain his desire for her.

"How about I give you a massage? It would help you feel better. You can cover yourself with a towel, and I won't see anything," he suggested.

"You're being suspiciously helpful. I think you have ulterior motives," she teased.

Jonathan smiled helplessly."What ulterior motives could I have? If you don't get better soon, who's going to treat me? And who'll take care of the kids?"

"So that's your concern," Kathie said,slightly disappointed that his care wasn't purely for her.

Jonathan mnentally kicked himself for the misunderstanding.

Kathie's body was indeed aching all over. A massage sounded wonderful.She covered herself with a towel. "Ready."

When Jonathan opened his eyes, he could see her long, straight legs even with the towel draped over her. As the water rippled, the towel slid.occasionaly revealing glimpses of her curves. It was a torturous test of his restraint as he soothed her back.

The phone in the bedroom rang. Jonathan brought it to her, and Kathie answered without checking who was calling.

"Kathie, are you lying to me? Randy says he won't divorce me," came Shirley's tearful voice.

Hearing Shirley cry irritated Kathie. "I'm definitely getting divorced. If he doesn't agree, I'll file myself. Stop bothering me." She hung up and tossed the phone aside, already annoyed before Shirley's interruption.

"You're really going through with the divorce?" Jonathan asked.

"Yes. Randyrefuses and is demanding $50 million in compensation. He's lost his mind."

Jonathan laughed incredulously. Usually men paid women alimony, not the other way around. The audacity!

"Let me help you handle this," he offered.

Kathie yawned. "Do whatever you want. I don't want to talk about it."

She closed her eyes contentedly. Having someone care for her so attentively felt nice. If Jonathan truly had amnesia and was still the Seven she knew, she would have kept him by her side without hesitation.The problem was that he was the head of the Berkeley Group, far beyond her reach.

Jonathan noticed she seemed to be falling asleep and worried she might have passed out. He whispered in her ear, "Kathie? Are you okay?"

"Feels nice," she murmured. "Don't disturb me... I want to sleep."

Jonathan's face softened with affection. After rinsing her off, he laid a bath towel across his lap, closed his eyes, and lifted her out. He wrapped her up and carried her back to the bedroom.

He gently placed her on the bed and covered her with blankets before removing the towel. Though he'd stolen a few glances, he maintained some gentlemanly restraint.

As Jonathan prepared to leave. Kathie suddenly grabbed his hand. "Don't go.I'm so cold."

Seeing her glazed eyes, Jonathan knew she wasn't thinking clearly. He couldn't take advantage of her in this state.

"Ill get you another blanket."

"Don't leave!" she insisted.

Jonathan felt her hand-it was indeed ice cold,despite her earlier fever.She must be having chills now.

Kathie felt the warmth of his hand and slowly moved closer, wrapping her arms around his neck. She tried to bring her face to his but was too weak,looking utterly pitiful in her attempt.

Jonathan sighed. "I'll stay and keep you warm, but tomorrow morning,don't accuse me of taking advantage of you."

He pulled back the covers, saw her naked body, and quickly covered her again. He found her pajamas and awkwardly helped her into them before lying down beside her.

Kathie wrapped her limbs around him, her hands caressing his body.Jonathan held his breath, struggling to keep his desires in check.

Moments later. Kathie slipped her hands under his shirt to warm them against his firm chest, a smile spreading across her face at the contact.Then, her hands began to roam freely over his body.

Jonathan couldn't help teasng, "Who would have thought the prim and proper Dr. Cavendish would take advantage of me while she's sick?"

Perhaps understanding his words, Kathie withdew her hands and simply nestled in his arms without further exploration.

Jonathan contentedly held Kathie close. Kathie was the one for him.

The next morning, as dawn broke, the three children rushed to Kathie's room. Opening the door to find Kathie and Jonathan embracing tightly,they quickly covered their eyes.

"Are Mommy and Seven going to have a little brother or sister for us?"Eileen asked excitedly.

Hearing her daughter's voice, Kathie's eyes flew open in shock. Seeing Jonathan beside her and their limbs entangled, she kicked him off the bed in panic.

Jonathan rolled across the floor before coming to a stop,groaning in pain."How could you be so heartless? I'm injured! Are you trying to kill me?"

Kathie,relieved to see she was clothed, demanded, "Why are you in my bed?"

Jonathan wished he'd recorded everything as evidence. "I suggest installing security cameras in the house so certain people can't deny what happened.Try to remember last night."

Kathie's mind was blank. Kyle reminded her, "Mommy had a fever last night. Seven took care of you."

"I saw Seven taking you to the bathroom when I got up to use the toilet."Zachary added.

Eileen chimed in, "And then you slept together."

It came back to Kathie-her fever, Jonathan caring for her, giving her a bath and massage. She remembered feeling comfortable, and then...Though she couldn't recall what happened next, she could guess she had asked him to stay.

Jonathan caught the look of guilt on her face and frowned. "What should you do now?"

Kathie quickly got out of bed to help him back into his wheelchair, full of apology. "I'm so sorry for being impulsive. Let me check if you're okay."

Jonathan waved her off in annoyance. "It's always the same-I'm the one who suffers."

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again."

Eileen took his hand. "Seven, please forgive Mommy this time. From now on,you can cuddle with her whenever you want."

Kathie blushed, that wasn't what she meant at all.

Jonathan sighed, unable to stay upset with her. "How are you feeling? Any better? If you're still unwell, take the day off. I've already asked Ben to take the kids to school."

Though still a bit dizzy, Kathie felt well enough to work. She'd already taken yesterday off, and people at the research institute were already grumbling. If she missed another day,who knew what they'd say.

'"I'm fine. Ben can just drop me at work too." Kathie said.

"I think you should rest another day." Kethrin cheea Sry hosd. Tt be fine. I khow how in eake care of meatr