Henry fell into a coughing fit, covering his mouth with the crook of his elbow. The coughing doubled him over. When he was finally able to draw a breath and straighten, Claire's cool hands were on him. One went to his forehead the other to his neck. Henry closed his eyes, her hands felt so good on his skin. Not only because they were cool, but because they were her hands.
" Jesus Henry, you're burning up, why did you even come in?", Claire said softly.
Henry shrugged, eyes still closed, " I've never missed a day"
" Well, you need to go home and get in bed", Claire said firmly, her hands now cupping his scruffy face.
Henry shook his head and drug his eyes open, " I barely made it here", he muttered, pulling off his glasses to rub his watery eyes. " Do you know how to drive a stick?", he asked, putting his glasses back on so he could see her.
" Yeah. I'll drive you just let me tell Asher that we're leaving", Claire said, her thumb stroking his stubbled cheek.
Henry nodded. When Claire moved away, he leaned against his office door. Shit, he's never felt so weak in his life. He had no idea the last time or if he's ever been this sick. Claire returned a few minutes later and intertwined her arm with his.
" Come on Henry, lets get you out of here", She said quietly and led him out of the office to the parking garage where he had parked his car.
Claire glanced over at Henry as they sat at a red light. He really looked bad. His head was back against the headrest and his eyes were closed. Every once in a while he'd have a coughing fit which ended with a miserable groan. Henry set the navigation with his address so Claire was able to follow that instead of having him give her directions. It was about a 45 minute drive, but Claire finally pulled into a gated drive.
" Hit the button on the visor", Henry grumbled next to her.
Claire did as she was told and the gates swung open. She drove through and the gates started closing behind them. Claire had been blown away by the car Henry drove, not that she was surprised, he was a CEO of a major advertising company. And as Henry's house came into view, Claire was blown away all over again. It was a Tudor style mini-mansion. Jesus Christ, he must be loaded.
Henry had her pull into the garage, where she shut the car off and they both got out. Henry shuffled weakly towards the door to their left. Claire went over and slid her arm around his waist. Henry let her, draping his arm over her shoulder.
" My whole body hurts", Henry groaned.
Once inside his gorgeous house, Henry and Claire headed upstairs to Henry's bedroom. Claire wasn't surprised by the masculinity of the bedroom. It was all dark wood, leather and dark blues. His large bed with black leather head and footboard was made with a navy blue comforter and sheets.
" Your house is gorgeous", Claire murmured as Henry shrugged out of his jacket as he headed towards the bed.
" Thank you, Darlin'", he breathed wearily.
Henry tossed his jacket onto the end of the bed then went to sit on the side of it. He yanked at his already askew tie, pulling it apart and letting it fall to the floor. Claire moved to stand in front of him as he kicked off his shoes and started on his cuffs.
" Do you have aspirin somewhere?", Claire asked.
" In the medicine cabinet in the bathroom", He said, pointing behind her.
Claire turned and went into the bathroom that was attached to his bedroom. It was a gorgeous bathroom, all marble and glass. The shower stall was floor to ceiling clear glass. There was also a jacuzzi tub. Claire would love to soak in that thing for hours. She went to the mirror above the sink and opened it. She found the aspirin then filled the glass that was on the sink counter with water. She brought them out to Henry, who was now shrugging out of his dress shirt, which left in him in just a white wife beater.
Claire could not stop her gaze from raking down his beautifully muscled arms and defined chest. She could also see the six pack under his tight beater. Claire understood that Henry had to be somewhat built to look so fabulous in his suits but she hadn't expected him to be all rippling muscle. And she really loved the glasses and stubble. It was so un-Henry-like but damn he made it look good, even as sick as he was.
Henry hung his head like he just couldn't kept it up any longer, " Claire, I know this is totally unprofessional but can you please help me get undressed, I just don't have the strength", he sighed heavily.