The Academic Bride

by Lucy McConnell

  “Both. It’s ’40s dress, isn’t it?”

  “I think so.”

  “Sounds like fun.” Being with Carter was easy and she could use a night out.

  “It’s a date.”

  “Okay.” Mia stepped back as he pulled away. A date? They’d never called going to the movies a date before.

  What was that about?

  Mia scrubbed at her scalp. She watched the truck stop at the edge of the lot; Carter checked both ways, and then he pulled out.

  “That’s what they call an epic fail,” she said as she got into the car. “Maybe I’m the one with the head problems because I keep talking to myself.” She set the box in her back seat. The closer she got to the hospital, the calmer she felt. This was all going to be okay. She was going to walk into the hospital room, and Ryder would be awake and smiling in that beautiful way of his and he’d know they were not engaged, and things would be normal again.

  As she waited in traffic, she checked her lipstick. Oh snap. I am not trying to pretty up for a guy in a hospital gown.

  Mia gripped the wheel. She would not check her hair. She would not adjust her blouse. And she would not freshen her lipstick! She would get in, get the papers signed, and get out. What Ryder did or did not tell his family was his business—not hers.

  She pulled into the hospital and looked for the forms. Crap! She forgot the papers.

  Throwing her hands in the air, she let out a yell. Nothing could go her way today. If she couldn’t check everything off her to-do list, then at least she could check off something. Grabbing the box, she strode through the sliding doors. Dropping off his things would allow her to tell Sandra, truthfully, that she’d been in to see him. Vowing to review her employment contract for the clause that said she had to visit handsome patients, Mia trudged through the hospital corridors.

  Chapter 5

  Mia forced her eyes to remain on the carpet and not on her reflection in the shiny elevator walls, determined to play the situation cool. Come on, the guy had been in a drug-induced nap for almost twenty-four hours; there’s no way he looked good enough for her to feel the need to primp. Quite casually, she put her fingers against her scalp and rubbed to create a little volume at her crown. There. That’s it. No more.

  The elevator doors opened and she hurried toward Ryder’s room, determined to make this a short and sweet visit. She was about halfway there, could see the green trim around his door, when a woman with short black hair and a set of red-rimmed glasses stepped in front of her. “Are you here to see Ryder Montgomery?”

  “Um, yes?” Mia pulled her purse to her chest and hung on. She’d been so focused, it took a moment for her mind to wrap around this intrusion.

  “I’m Terri, from administration.”

  “Okay.” Mia looked over Terri’s shoulder at Ryder’s open door.

  “I have a few forms here I need you to fill out regarding his insurance information.”

  Mia’s eyes focused in on Terri’s very small face. Seriously, her features were crowded around her nose as if they were having a cocktail party. “Why can’t Ryder fill them out?”

  “He’s not awake.”

  Mia grabbed the woman’s forearm. “Is that, is that normal?” He should have woken up by now. She’d pictured him sitting up and eating gelatin, his face pale and yet somehow still handsome. His eyes alluring. His hospital gown stretched across his broad chest. Not still lying down with tubes and monitors.

  Terri adjusted her glasses. “I don’t know. I’m not a doctor. I’m from administration.”

  Mia yanked Ryder’s wallet out of her pocket and retrieved his driver’s license and insurance card. Shoving them at Terri, she said, “Here. I need to see him.” She pushed past Terri’s protests and bustled into Ryder’s room.

  Gripping the bottom of the bed, she stared at his peaceful face. Dear Lord, please let him wake up.

  Lillian, the nurse from yesterday, came in to check the monitor. “You doin’ okay, sweetie?”

  No. “Yeah.”

  “It’s hard to see them like this; I know. Don’t give up hope.”

  Give up hope? Her gaze dropped to the huge brace on his knee. Should she be worried about him not waking up, or learning how to walk? What was she supposed to be not giving up on? Mia’s knuckles turned white. “Should I give up hope? Do I have a reason to?”

  “The doc should be here in a while to answer your questions. In the meantime, hold his hand.”

  Mia tucked her fists under her arms. “I couldn’t.” Yesterday, she’d been caught up in the moment and the emergency and touching Ryder had been fine. Besides, after he’d looked at her like … that … she couldn’t help herself. With him lying there and not asking to have her near, she felt like she was nudging her way towards stalker.

  “Don’t be silly.” Lillian took her by the shoulders, gently guiding her around the bed. “Studies show that they are aware of what’s going on.”

  “I hope not!”

  The nurse pushed her into the chair next to Ryder’s bed. “Go on.”

  Mia reached for Ryder’s hand, resting on the white blanket. When she got close, a visible spark jumped between them and Mia jerked back. “Is that normal?”

  “Static electricity. Don’t worry about it.”

  “Felt like more than just static electricity.” She rubbed her still tingling fingers.

  “Lillian?” said a man from the doorway. “Room 304 needs a catheter.”

  “I’m on my way.” Lillian patted Mia’s shoulder before hurrying out of the room.

  Mia reached for Ryder’s hand again, her arm still pleasantly zinging. Now that she’d had a taste of him, she found it impossible to deny the want and need she had to be near.

  His hands were warm. Warmer than hers. She leaned close so that no one would be able to hear her from the hallway. “Well, if you really are aware of what’s going on around here, then you should know that a lady from administration has your driver’s license and insurance card.”

  Ryder’s hand twitched, and Mia let out a gasp. Was it really possible that he could hear her? She stared at his face, hoping for some sign that he was coherent. A blink. A wink. Heck, she’d even take a hiccup. When nothing happened, she decided to try something a little more drastic.

  Leaning close, she brushed her fingers over his temple and back through his hair. “Um, you should probably know that we’re engaged. Well, not really, but everyone around here and at work seems to think so. But that one’s on you.” She smiled, thinking that if he were awake, he’d say something cute and flirty back, and then their eyes would lock and they’d …

  “Go easy on him—he’s had a rough day.”

  Mia dropped Ryder’s hand and scooted to the back of her chair. “Hello, Doctor.”

  “I’m glad I caught you.” He slid an x-ray onto the light wall and hit the on button. “Ryder’s scans all look good. He has a broken arm and his knee was dislocated, but his spine looks fine.”

  “Why can’t he wake up, then?” Mia picked up his hand and held the back of it to her cheek. He was like a little heater. Not in a fevery kind of way, but in a way that balanced out her body temp. They’d be perfect snuggling partners.

  “Trauma like this can make the body sleep for long periods of time while it heals, and the pain medications he’s on can also make him drowsy. Once he rests and heals a bit more, he’ll most likely come around. Then, when he’s on his feet, you can take him home. You should probably bring in some clothes; we had to cut his others off.”

  Mia cringed, thinking of the name brand ski clothes Ryder wore. Over fifteen hundred dollars cut away in a matter of minutes. Ouch. “Right.” Mia nodded and the doctor left. Carter could go into Ryder’s home and get his things. Or maybe not. Carter said they hadn’t spoken for months and there were things they needed to clear up. What did that even mean?

  What if Ryder didn’t want them in his home? She had to face the truth—she was alone in this. Until Ryder woke up, taking care of hi
m was on her shoulders.

  Gazing at his serene face, she felt something stronger than attraction growing inside of her. Lightly touching his arm, she asked, “Is it possible to fall for someone who doesn’t know you’re in the room?” He didn’t respond. “Looks like it’s just the two of us.” Her hand slid down to his. “I’m going to your house. If you don’t want me to, then move, just a little.” Nothing. “Okay. Then I’m going to go into your house and rummage through your closet and dig through your drawers.” Her cheeks grew warm. “The dresser kind of drawers, not the underwear kind.” The warmth turned into a flame. “Okay, the underwear kind too, but I’ll just grab whatever is on top.” He still hadn’t moved. “I’m taking that as permission.” She chuckled. “Now, I just need your address.” It was probably on his driver’s license, which was with Terri from administration.

  Mia pulled out her cell to call HR. Over the years, she’d made friends with a few families and they kept in touch through Christmas cards and such. So when she asked for a guest’s address, they gave it to her without a fuss.

  After saying goodbye Mia screwed up her courage to find Ryder’s house and break in. Well, not break in. She smiled. She did have his keys.

  Chapter 6

  For St. Patrick’s Day, Mia donned her favorite horrible leprechaun sweater and a pair of tight-fitting black jeans. She’d gotten up an hour early so she could stop by Ryder’s house without the neighbors looking on. After leaving the hospital yesterday, she’d done a drive-by but hadn’t dared stop as he lived in the kind of area where moms pushed strollers, kids played in yards, and neighbors checked up on who was coming and going. Arriving early in the morning seemed like a covert option.

  Her trusty steed—more like rusty steed—crept along the street as she counted off house numbers. “374, 380, 392.”

  Pulling alongside the curb in front of number 402, she stared at Ryder’s house. The front had river stone half way up and then a light grey siding to the roof line. There were several large windows and the front door was navy blue. Very manly.

  The flower beds sported little green shoots—tulips and daffodils probably. She wondered what color they’d be. Any pop of color would look good against the home. The grass would need trimming in a few weeks. She stopped to pull a tiny weed. The longer Ryder was asleep, the more responsibility she felt for him, darn it all. That sense of responsibility was spilling over to his house. She’d have to watch herself or she’d end up washing his car.

  Living on a street like this, with well-kept homes and yards, was something Mia wanted out of life. Which was why she’d taken the new job. Which was why she approached Ryder’s front door, his keys swinging from her hand. If she wanted to stay employed, she needed to act like it and do what the boss asked.

  “Hello?” called a woman from over the short fence.

  Mia kept on walking. She can’t mean me …

  “Hey! You, with the leprechaun sweater.”

  Mia looked down at her bright green shirt and cringed. With an I-am-supposed-to-be-here smile, she stopped.

  The neighbor walked quickly over. She had long brown hair and wore a pair of skinny jeans with a green and white chevron print shirt. She looked vaguely familiar … maybe from the library …? “Are you house-sitting?” she asked.

  “Sort of …”

  “I’m Jennifer, my husband Kirke and I live next door.” She pointed over her shoulder. “I don’t mean to complain, but Jasper has been barking a lot and keeping us up. He does better when someone stays with him.”

  Gah! Ryder had a dog? How long had Jasper been alone? Did anyone feed him? “I’ll see what I can do.” She was not going to sleep in Ryder’s house. That was not an option.

  “Thanks so much!”

  She was about to put the key in the lock when there was this deep bark that indicated Jasper wasn’t a little guy. Her hand shook. What if he attacks? She wasn’t afraid of dogs per se, but she also hadn’t been in charge of one. Mia checked over her shoulder. Sure enough, the neighbor was still there. Didn’t she have anything to do at six in the morning?

  Jasper barked again, causing Mia to jump. He’s probably hungry and tired. I just need to get on his good side and then we’ll be friends—I hope.

  She opened the door and poked her head in. Jasper stopped barking and stared.

  “Hey, big fella. I just want to come in and get you some food.” She sniffed the air. Two days locked up in the house should have left an unpleasant dog stench, but the air smelled clean. Mia cooed at the huge brown lab. “Are you hungry?” She slid through the door and shut it behind her. “I wouldn’t taste very good, but I can get you some food.”

  The dog turned and trotted out of the entryway. Mia followed, looking around every corner and keeping one hand out in front of her in case the dog changed its mind and decided to charge.

  The home was in a state of disarray. Couch cushions lay scattered around the front room and one of the pillows had been torn open, the stuffing everywhere. “I’ll bet you had fun with that one.”

  The dog glanced over his shoulder and continued into the kitchen area. Mia stopped at the threshold. A huge bag of dog food had been dragged into the middle of the room and ripped open. Little doggie bits were everywhere.

  “I guess you know how to survive.” She saw a small mud room and an open door. Further inspection revealed a water closet with a half-empty toilet bowl. “Remind me not to let you kiss me.”

  Jasper wagged his tail.

  “Oh, so now you’re friendly.” She held out her hand and he stuck his head underneath. “Well, you’re just a lover, aren’t you?” Lowering into a squat, she gave him a good scratch around the ears and under the collar. He leaned into her, and she had her first hint of puppy love.

  A broom was tucked in the corner by the back door, which had a pretty fancy doggie door out to the fenced backyard. “Thank goodness for that.”

  Jasper suddenly scrambled away, meaty bits flying in his wake.

  “Miss you too.” She shook her head and grabbed the broom. A couple minutes later, after half the kitchen floor was visible, Jasper bounded back in, his leash in his mouth.

  “Ah.” Mia took it just as he sat down on the pile of food and wagged his tail, undoing all her hard work. “I give up. Come on, let’s go for a quick walk before work.” The dog had energy that needed to get out—as evidenced by the mound of fluff in the living room. She hooked his leash to his collar.

  They stopped at the front door so she could lock it. Jasper pulled on the leash, making the whole thing difficult. “Why couldn’t Ryder have a fish?” she grumbled.

  Jasper made this pathetic noise—like a whimper.

  “You miss Ryder?”

  He lay down and put his head on his front paws. Mia squatted in front of him. She’d hardly had a second to really look his place over, but she’d been comfortable there. “He is pretty amazing. Come on, let’s go for a walk.”

  Jasper bounded down the stairs. Apparently his brain could only handle one thought at a time and he was something of a drama queen.

  They made good time, Jasper setting the pace and making the route. Mia decided that he probably knew the area better than she did, so she didn’t fight him. Sure enough, they ended up on a walking trail with a small stream beside it. The water ran quick, but it wasn’t deep. Every mile or so there was a parking lot where spandex-clad individuals pulled out bikes and runners laced up their shoes.

  Mia was so intent on watching Jasper by the water that she didn’t see Amos until he and his ancient bulldog were right next to her.

  “Mia, I didn’t know you had a dog.” He looked approvingly at Jasper.

  “I don’t. I’m, um, dog-sitting.” Which was absolutely true.

  “Walk with me for a minute?” He offered his arm, and Mia slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. Jasper followed the bulldog’s lead and walked nicely at her side.

  “How old is he?” Amos nodded to Jasper.

  “I have no idea.�
�

  “How long have you been dog-sitting?”

  “About fifteen minutes.”

  Amos laughed.

  To stave off any more questions about Jasper, Mia asked Amos about one of his favorite subjects. “How long were you married?” Melba, Amos’s late wife, had passed away about ten years ago. Mia had never met the woman, but she loved to hear stories of the spitfire who captured Amos’s heart.

  Amos’s eyes softened and the wrinkles in his forehead weren’t quite as deep. It was as if the mention of his marriage transported him back in time to when Melba was still alive. “Twenty-five years.”

  Something in Amos’s eyes reminded Mia of the way Ryder had looked at her. There was that love sprinkled with endurance. Perhaps not the most romantic thing to find in a man’s eyes, longevity nevertheless sent her heart a stutter. “How did you … know she was the one?”

  Amos quirked his mustache. “Do you have your eye on a special fella?”

  “What? Me? Noooo.”

  “But I thought you and Carter were going to the theater.”

  “Oh, Carter. Right.” Mia’s wanted to smack her head. She needed to set an alarm on her phone so she didn’t miss the date all together. Her first date in two months and she’d forgotten about it completely.

  “Carter is right.” Amos adjusted his hold on the leash. He cleared his throat. “I met Melba at the grocery store. I was bagging groceries and she came through the line. She was something special. I was just twenty-two and such a spirited young pup in my striped shirt and tight pants.”

  Mia whistled.

  “Hey. I could pull it off back then.”

  “I’m sure you were … distinguished.” Mia giggled.

  “Darn right.” Amos winked. “So, I offered to carry her bags out for her and she let me. I was tripping over myself to come up with something witty to say and drew a complete blank. We got to her car, which I found out later was her dad’s, and she reached for one of the grocery bags and this spark went off between us. We stared at our hands for a moment, and then she held hers out. ‘I’m Melba,’ she said.” Amos looked down at his hand. “Do you know, I was so dumbstruck I forgot my own name.”