'It's certainly hyperthermia. Her temperature isn't too low but it's borderline and worrying. Got any wheat packs or hot water bottles?' The Doctor queried looking at Darlene.'I reckon I could rustle up a few but isn't there something better than that?'
'Of course body heat is best but to be honest my dear you're a tad too scrawny for the job'
Brave boy, Ethan thought.
With a smug look Darlene said 'Perhaps David the driver could snuggle up to her. Oh I know, that hunk Beau from next door or better still his single parent dad, James. Or all three!' Darlene was on a roll.
Shocked at the thought Ethan blustered. 'There's no need to wake anyone. I'll… do it, that's if you don't think it's inappropriate?'
'Depends if it's more than just body heat you're planning on sharing.' Quipped Roger with an overly dramatic wink.
'Very funny.'
'Whatever you decide do it now as she isn't going to warm up quickly enough by herself.'
'I'll just go and change into my most demure pyjamas while you Darlene get Lauren into hers.'
'Actually briefer the better, for you both.' concluded Roger. 'Check her temperature at 1 hour intervals. There should be a gradual rise. You'll know she's improving when she starts to shiver. Shows her thermal regulatory system is kicking back in. If there's no improvement in 3 hours call an ambulance though the need will not likely arise. I'll call around in the morning to check her condition.' Glancing at his watch the doctor yawned and said to make that later, much later in the day.
Ethan left Darlene to it and entered his own bedroom where he quickly changed into some boxers and a robe.
What have I got myself into? Surely it would be better if Darlene got into bed with her. Ethan had been fantasizing about Lauren and bed for a while now and nowhere in the scenario were a cold, unconscious partner, pyjamas and hot water bottles featured. Spontaneous combustion with a conscious partner was more like it.
He returned to Lauren's room after checking if Darlene was finished. He adjusted the controls on the room's thermostat and approached the pale form in the bed. She always struck him as child like though his tightening groin anticipating getting up close and personal reminded him his feelings for her were far from fatherly.
Without a backwards glance Darlene left him to it the slight smirk at the corner of her mouth suggesting to Ethan that his volunteering his body heat was more than what the doctor ordered. It was what Darlene ordered.