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Morgan jolted awake from her sleep. Something was wrong. Very wrong. She opened her eyes to find the ceiling spinning, the entire room tossed about as if placed inside a washing machine. Her stomach churned, a sour, bitter taste rising in her throat.
“No, no, no...”
Morgan struggled to sit up, the simple motion making her world spin even more violently. She forced herself to her feet, legs weak, stumbling toward the bathroom where she knelt before the toilet. Her stomach cramped, expelling everything inside, even bile, the bitter taste making her want to vomit more. Finally, when she was certain her stomach was empty, Morgan slumped against the cold bathroom wall. She closed her eyes, feeling the cool tiles and the throbbing in her temples.
“Great. Just great.” She murmured weakly.
For a single mom with three kids, getting sick was nothing short of an apocalypse. Ludo was out of town for a wedding, not returning until tomorrow. Fuck, he really knew how to pick the time. Now she had absolutely no one to lean on, and three demanding, underage kids to care for.
The pitiful sight of it made her eyes sting. But Morgan Gillory wasn't one to cry easily. She could juggle three kids' needs, crack complex cases, and crack jokes all at once. She'd even raised their precious daughter without Roman. She never broke. But now, leaning against the cold bathroom wall, with no one to lean on, she felt utterly miserable. She really wanted to cry. She desperately needed a solid, warm hug right now. One that would let her temporarily drop her tough act and admit she was vulnerable too.
“Pull yourself together, Morgan. The kids need you. Don't cry like a baby.”
She struggled to her feet, gripping the sink as she stared at her reflection. Pale, disheveled hair, deep dark circles under her eyes.
“Look lovely.” She said with a bitter smile.
She rinsed her mouth with cold water, trying to wash away the sickening taste. The coolness brought her slightly back to her senses, though her head still spun.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Sunday morning, just past five o'clock, who would be ringing the doorbell this early? She moved slowly toward the door, each step deliberate as the world still spun faintly. Peering through the peephole, she recognized a familiar figure.
Adam Karadec.
Her partner, dressed in his signature suit, holding a file, looking like he'd just stepped out of the office. Morgan took a deep breath and opened the door. “Karadec?” Her voice sounded weaker than she intended.
“Morgan, I found...” He stopped. His face shifted from focused to concerned.
Morgan knew she looked terrible. She was in her pajamas, hair a mess, pale as a ghost. She wanted to say something, to tease him about disturbing her so early in her usual witty way. She wanted to say, “Karadec, you know normal people sleep in on Sunday mornings?” But the words wouldn't come.
She just stood there, her glassy blue eyes brimming with tears, looking utterly vulnerable. She hated herself for it. Hated appearing so weak in front of him.
“Morgan? What's wrong? You okay?” Adam's voice held a tenderness she'd never heard before. Morgan shook her head. She knew if she spoke, she'd cry. She hated how she always wanted to cry when she was sick.
Then, unexpectedly, something happened. Adam suddenly pulled her into his arms. That Adam Karadec, the one with the germ phobia, the one who always kept professional distance, pulled her into an embrace.
“You're burning up.”
Morgan clung tightly to his waist, burying her face in the crook of his neck. He smelled like laundry detergent and his usual cologne, fresh, and reassuring. His embrace was solid and warm, exactly what she needed. She felt tears slip down her cheeks, but she didn't care anymore.
“I'm sorry, I just...feel bad. Ludo out of town, the kids...”
“Shh, it's okay. I'm here.”
They stood hugging in the doorway for a moment. “Come on, let's get you back to bed.”
He placed one hand on her lower back, guiding her toward the bedroom. “Where's your room?”
Morgan weakly pointed toward her room.
As they entered, Adam noticed Chloe awake in her crib, playing with her little hands. He guided her to sit on the bed and tucked her in.
“Where does it hurt?”
“Dizzy, nauseous. I just threw up. I don't think there's anything left to throw up.”
“Do you have any fever reducers?”
“In the bathroom cabinet. And if you could get me a glass of water...”
“Of course.”
He walked into the bathroom, and Morgan heard him rummaging around. Minutes later, he returned with a medicine bottle and a glass of water.
“This?” He showed her the bottle.
“Yes.” Morgan said.
He poured out two pills, handed them to her, then passed the glass of water. Morgan swallowed the pills and took a few sips of water.
“Thanks.” She said, offering a weak smile. “You know, you should've worn protective gear coming in. I might be contagious.”
“I'll take that risk.” Adam said, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Just then, Chloe stirred, letting out a small whimper. Morgan immediately tried to sit up.
“No.” Adam pressed her shoulders down. “Stay lying down.”
“But Chloe...” Adam was already moving toward the crib.
Morgan watched as he carefully lifted Chloe. The little girl blinked at the unfamiliar man, then broke into a wide grin.
“Hey, kid, good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“You better hand her over. She's a little vomit machine. You won't like it. And her diaper...”
“I can handle it. You rest. Where's the diaper?” Adam said, gently rocking Chloe.
“In the drawer under the TV stand, with the wipes. But Karadec, you really don't have to...”
“Morgan, rest. That's an order.” She watched Adam carry Chloe out of the room, then closed her eyes.
When Morgan woke again, sunlight streamed through the curtains. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. 12:00pm
Her first thought was the children. Ava and Elliot must be awake. They needed food. Chloe needed feeding. God, she was a terrible mother. Though she was sure Ava and Elliot would have taken the opportunity to have a snack party.
Then she heard laughter. Children's laughter, coming from the living room.
Had Ludo come back? But he wasn't due back until tomorrow.
Then it hit her. Adam.
Adam had come over this morning.
Morgan struggled to her feet. She felt better, at least the nausea had passed, and her head wasn't spinning so badly. She shuffled out of the bedroom toward the living room. The sight that greeted her made her freeze.
Ava sat at the dining table eating potato chips. Elliot sat beside her, chattering excitedly about something. Adam was feeding Chloe cereal, and the little girl was making a mess everywhere. Cereal was smeared across her face, hands, and bib. Some had even splattered onto Adam's shirt. But Adam didn't seem bothered by it.
He patiently scooped up a spoonful of cereal, waited for Chloe to open her mouth, and then gently fed her. When Chloe grabbed the spoon with her hand, making an even bigger mess, Adam just smiled and wiped her little face with a wet wipe.
Was this really Adam Karadec? The one with the germ phobia, the constant hand sanitizer use, the meticulously organized desk?
“Mom! You're awake!” Elliot spotted her first.
All three children and Adam turned to look at her.
Ava immediately stood up and walked toward her. “Mom, are you okay? Adam said you were sick.”
“I'm fine, sweetie.” Morgan said, giving her daughter a tight hug. “I feel much better now.”
“Adam made us breakfast and lunch, well, not made, ordered. It was delicious! And he taught us a new card game!” Elliot said excitedly.
“Really?” Morgan looked at Adam, who was wiping Chloe's hands with a wet wipe.
“I hope you don't mind, I let them choose what they wanted.”
“Not at all, thank you.” Morgan said, heading toward the table.
“You look much better.”
“I feel much better too.”
“You should eat something. I have chicken soup here.” Adam said, standing up and picking Chloe up.
“You cook, Karadec?” Morgan raised an eyebrow.
Adam rolled his eyes. “There's this marvelous thing called takeout, ever heard of it? And yes, sometimes I cook.”
Morgan rolled her eyes too. “Right, Mr. Smarty Pants.”
Minutes later, he returned with a steaming bowl of chicken soup. She took a sip, letting it warm and soothe her stomach.
"You know you don't have to stay. I mean, thanks for helping, but you must have other things to do..."
“Do I look that bad to you? I'm not going to leave my sick partner and her kids to fend for themselves.” Adam's voice carried a hint of hurt.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just... I'm not used to having someone to rely on.” She murmured softly.
“Sometime is okay to rely on others. And I’m here for you.”
Morgan nodded and continued sipping her soup. She managed a few bites before her stomach churned again. She took her medicine and felt exhaustion wash over her once more.
“I think I need to lie down for a bit longer.”
“Go ahead. I'll take care of them.”
Morgan stood up and headed toward the bedroom. At the doorway, she turned around.
“Karadec?”
“Mm?”
“Thank you. Really.”
Morgan returned to bed, but sleep didn't come immediately. She listened to the sounds drifting from the living room.
“Alright, who wants to play UNO?” she heard Adam say.
“Me! Me!” Elliot shouted excitedly.
“Me too.” Ava said.
Morgan smiled and closed her eyes.
For the next few hours, Morgan drifted in and out of consciousness. She could sense Adam entering her room several times to check on her.
Once, she felt someone gently shake her shoulder.
“Morgan, you need some water.”
She opened her eyes dazedly as Adam helped her sit up and handed her the glass.
“Drink.” She obediently took a few sips before lying back down.
“What time is it?” she asked indistinctly.
“Three. Are you okay?”
“Mm. The kids?”
“They're fine. Elliot's telling me all about dinosaurs. Did you know Spinosaurus was actually bigger than Tyrannosaurus rex?”
Morgan laughed. “He's obsessed with dinosaurs lately.”
“Now I know. Sleep.”
When she woke again, the room had grown dark. She glanced at the clock. 8:00pm
Goodness, she'd slept all day. But she felt much better. The fever had broken, her head no longer spun, and her stomach wasn't churning, just a bit weak. She got up and left the bedroom. In the living room, they were all sitting on the floor playing cards.
“Alright, you two, it's time for bed. School tomorrow.” Morgan said.
“But mommm, I want to play with Adam a little longer.” Elliot started to complain.
“Next time, I promise.” Adam said.
“Really?” Elliot's eyes lit up.
“Really.” Adam held out his hand.
Elliot high-fived him, and so did Ava.
“Goodnight, Adam.” Ava said.
“Goodnight.” Adam replied.
Morgan put the kids to bed. She went to Elliot's room first, tucking him in.
“I like Adam. He's cool.”
“Is he?” Morgan smiled.
“Yeah, he knows a lot of stuff. And he doesn't pretend to be interested in what I say like other people do. He actually listens.”
Morgan's heart warmed. “I'm glad you like him.” She kissed Elliot's forehead. “Goodnight, buddy.”
“Goodnight, mom. Will you be better tomorrow?”
“I will. I'm feeling much better already.”
Then she went to Ava's room. Ava was already in bed, looking at her phone.
“Don't stay up too late.”
“Okay. Mom, you and Adam... are you friends?” Ava looked up at her, raising an eyebrow.
“We're partners.”
“Just partners?”
“Ava...”
“I'm just saying, he's been here all day. Taking care of us, taking care of you. That's not what normal partners do.”
Morgan didn't know what to say. “He's a good man.”
“Obviously, and the way he looks at you...”
“Enough.” Morgan cut her off, blushing. “Bedtime, young lady.”
Ava laughed. “Alright, alright. Goodnight, mom.”
Morgan gave her a hug and a goodnight kiss before leaving the room.
When she returned to the living room, Adam was washing dishes, a baby carrier strapped across his chest with Chloe nestled asleep against him.
Of course, he wore rubber gloves.
Morgan couldn't help staring at him. There was something inexplicably sexy about him with a baby strapped to his chest. Not that he wasn't sexy normally, he'd always been attractive, tall and broad-shouldered, with solid muscle definition and a deep voice, every feature inviting. But this version of him, sleeves rolled up, a sleeping baby cradled against his chest, washing dishes, was even more compelling. More real, warmer, and more human.
“You're staring.” Adam said, without turning his head.
“I'm not.”
“You are. I can feel it.”
“I was just...I was just thinking, this is quite a sight. Adam Karadec washing dishes.” Morgan said, walking toward him.
“When will you ever think I'm normal?” Adam couldn't help rolling his eyes.
“I know, but you're washing dishes with a baby strapped to your chest. And that baby is drooling all over your shirt.”
Adam glanced down at Chloe, then shrugged. “She sleeps better here. I don't want to wake her.”
Morgan's heart warmed. Thanks, Karadec. Really. Thanks for staying today."
“It's what partners do.” Adam said, turning off the faucet and removing his gloves.
“You spent the whole day with a teenage girl complaining about everything, a boy who's like Wikipedia, and a drooling baby.”
“Sounds rough, but I survived.” Adam said, raising an eyebrow.
Morgan laughed. “I owe you a mountain of hand sanitizer. I'll start collecting coupons for it.”
“I'll remember that.” Adam said.
They stood there, silently watching each other. Until Chloe's soft snore against Adam's chest broke the silence.
“I should put her down.”
“Let me.” Morgan said, carefully unfastening the baby carrier and lifting Chloe out.
“Hey baby girl, let's go to bed.” The little girl stirred but didn't wake. Morgan carried her back to the bedroom and gently placed her in the crib. Chloe rolled over and continued sleeping. “Good night, mommy loves you.” Morgan kissed Chloe lightly on the cheek.
When Morgan returned to the living room, Adam was packing his things.
“You're leaving?” she asked, trying not to let the disappointment show in her voice.
“You need rest, and you look much better. I'll tell Soto you won't be coming in tomorrow.”
“Stay.” Morgan blurted out.
Adam paused, looking at her.
“I mean, it's late. And you've been taking care of us all day. You must be exhausted.” Morgan said, suddenly feeling embarrassed.
“Okay.” Adam sat down on the couch.
“You’re not sleeping here.”
“You want me on the floor?” Adam joked.
Morgan rolled her eyes. “This little couch won't fit you. Sleep in my bed.”
“Morgan...”
“I really don't mind. The bed's big. You'll thank me tomorrow.”
Adam looked hesitant. “I'm not sure that's a good idea...”
“Karadec, please. You've helped me so much today. At least let me give you a comfortable bed.”
“Fine.”
“Great. I'll go get you a clean towel.”
Thirty minutes later, they were both ready for bed.
Morgan ate dinner while Adam showered. He took a long time, and Morgan guessed he'd used every different kind of body wash she owned. He came back wearing his dress shirt and suit pants.
“You can borrow Ludo's pajama bottoms and a T-shirt. He left some here.”
“I'm fine.”
“Karadec, you can't sleep in dress pants.” Morgan said, walking toward her wardrobe. “Here.” She tossed him a pair of sweatpants and a loose-fitting T-shirt. Adam caught them, looked at the pants and shirt, then looked at her.
“Go change.”
When he emerged, Morgan had turned off the lights and was lying on her side of the bed waiting for him. Morgan couldn't remember the last time she'd waited like this for someone to return to her bed. He carried the same scent as her, making her cheeks flicker with warmth.
After setting the alarm and placing his phone on the nightstand, Adam hesitated before carefully lying down on the other side of the bed. A safe distance remained between them. The room was quiet, broken only by Chloe's occasional soft sounds. Adam watched her soft golden hair, thinking she was already asleep.
“Karadec?”
“Mm?”
“Why did you come today? Did you find a new lead?”
“Oh, right. I was looking through files all night and noticed a detail, but it doesn't matter now. You need rest.”
“I've rested all day. Tell me.” Morgan said, turning to face him. In the darkness, she couldn't make out his face clearly.
“Are you sure?”
“Sure. I want to know.”
He told her about the detail he'd found, his theory, and what he thought their next move should be. Morgan listened, occasionally interjecting her own thoughts. It was normal, they often discussed cases. But in the darkness, on her bed, it felt different. More intimate.
“You're really good at this.”
“What?”
“Seeing things others miss. Connecting the dots. Your brain works in a special way.”
Morgan felt herself blush, glad he couldn't see it in the dark. “Thanks. Not many people say that.”
“I mean it. You're the best partner I've ever worked with.”
“I thought you found me annoying?” Morgan teased.
“Annoying but brilliant.” Adam said, and she could hear the amusement in his voice.
They were quiet again for a moment.
“Karadec?”
“Mm?”
“Thanks for staying today. I know you didn't have to. Taking care of your partner and her kids.”
“Morgan...”
“You're a neat freak, but you dealt with baby spit and all the messes all day. You didn't even complain.”
“They're good kids.”
“They like you. Elliot said you're cool. That's high praise coming from an eight year old.”
“He's a smart kid. They all are. You're doing great, Morgan.”
Morgan felt a lump in his throat. “Sometimes I'm not sure. Emm...you know, being a single mom is hard.”
“But you're doing great. They're happy and healthy. And they love you. I told them you were sick, and they were worried.”
“Thanks.”
Another silence fell.
“She's an idiot.”
“Who?” He asked, confused.
“Your fiancée.”
Adam sighed. “Morgan, you don't know me.”
“I know you're a good man, Adam.” Before he could reply, she fell asleep.
Adam could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. Fuck. Was he falling for her? His partner? He must be crazy. But how long had it been since he'd felt this dizzying flutter?
He watched her relaxed face in silence, realizing only now that he’d never truly studied her features before. It was also the first time he had seen her face without makeup. Moonlight spilled across her face, letting him see her more clearly. Were her eyelashes always this long? Did her lips usually look this soft? Was her scent always this rich and sweet? A strand of hair slipped down, covering half her face. He resisted the urge to tuck it behind her ear. In her sleep, Morgan shifted closer to him. She lay against his chest, her arm wrapped around his waist. Adam held his breath, daring not to move until she settled. He gently placed his hand on her arm, inhaling the scent of her hair. Soon, exhaustion overtook him.