By the time we made it to the small hospital, I was actually grateful to be there. My head didn’t hurt, but my right cheek and jaw did.
Within under a minute, I was rolled into the emergency room that was the size of a shoebox where two nurses rushed over, slid a curtain closed on all sides, and maneuvered me onto a new bed.
They quickly took down my stats while listening to me tell them my version of what happened. It wasn’t until I heard my sister’s voice on the other side of the curtain correcting those events that I felt at ease.
When the nurse opened the curtains, I saw both Billy and Stacy standing there with worry laced through their expressions.
“She’s going to get x-rays,” one of the nurses explained. “And then we’ll bring her right back. I’ll have someone bring in another chair.” She looked at Billy and I caught a blush running up her cheeks.
Billy didn’t seem to notice, instead keeping his gaze on me.
“Did you get the bikes back?” I asked.
“We did, but don’t worry about anything.” My sister tapped my shoulder as they wheeled me by, and I felt like shrinking into the mattress.
Out of the many encounters when I’d seen Billy, there was only one time where I appeared halfway decent. There was no way this was endearing or cute.
By the time I got wheeled back into my room, Billy and Stacy were laughing and having a great old time.
“She’s never been known in our family for being graceful.” My sister chuckled and then straightened up the moment she saw me.
“I’m not the one who fell off the roof when sneaking out,” I teased as the nurses locked the bed in place and began tending to my cheek and jaw.
Apparently, there was quite a scrape along my face because everywhere they touched stung like my skin was on fire, but it wasn’t distracting enough to take away the pain from my wrist and ankle.
“I’m Dr. Bellatone.” An older gentleman walked into the room holding a tablet and shook my hand. “Good to see you, Billy.”
“And you as well. Just wish it was under different circumstances.” Billy pressed his lips together and walked over to the bed, resting his hand on my shoulder as a nurse put in an IV.
As the doctor went on to explain that I’d fractured my ankle and only sprained my wrist, all I could think about was Billy’s touch on my shoulder and then those feelings swirled together in a hazy world as the pain medicine kicked in and I fell asleep.
“Oh, please don’t worry. We’ve got it covered. When I leave, our parents will be coming out here and—”
“I insist. It’s not a bother,” Billy’s voice woke me right up.
I’d expected to still be in the hospital, but I was back at the house with Lucky sprawled out on the bed next to me.
“She’s up.” My sister sounded gleeful and Billy spun around.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, moving closer.
“Out of it.” I smiled, noticing a huge lump at the end of the bed. “What’s that?”
“You’ve got a pretty large plaster cast on,” he explained. “It’s hot pink.”
“Hot pink?” My brow arched.
“You’d already fallen asleep when they started, and I thought you might like something other than boring white.”
“Right.” I glanced down at my arm and saw a brace from my hand to my elbow.
“You have a bad sprain too.” Stacy sat down next to Lucky.
“This is no way to start a vacation.” I shook my head. “I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry about.” My sister patted my good leg. “I’m going to go get some dinner going.”
Billy flashed her a grateful smile, and my sister nearly bounced out of the bedroom. Seemed like they got along while I was passed out.
“Life is never dull around you, is it?” He sat down on the bed next to Lucky.
“I swear it’s not usually like this for me.” I laughed, feeling the tightness in my cheeks.
“I’d like to believe that for your sake,” he shook his head, “but I just don’t know.”
The doorbell rang and I attempted to sit up.
“Your sister will get it. You’re supposed to stay in bed for the next couple weeks.”
“What? I can’t do that.” I shook my head and panic swam through my veins. “Lucky needs me.”
“And he’ll have you.” Billy smiled. “You’ll be right here for his every need. We’ve just brought in a little help for some of the more complex tasks.”
My sister knocked on the door and peeked her head in. “You’ve got some visitors.”
Hildie walked in carrying a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Chance and Maddie were right behind her.
I never in a million years expected to get any visitors and seeing these friendly faces made my heart warm.
“We heard the news,” Hildie said, shaking her head. “Leaves can be such a hazard.”
My cheeks blushed, and I managed to scoot up farther in the bed so I was at least upright.
“They brought dinner,” my sister told me.
My gaze flew to Hildie’s. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“It was actually Chance’s idea.” Hildie patted her son’s shoulder.
“We hope you start to feel better soon,” Maddie added. “If you need anything, call day or night.”
Hildie set the flowers on the table at the foot of the bed while Chance and Billy traded a look I couldn’t quite place.
“Well, we only wanted to drop by so you knew someone was thinking of you.” Hildie smiled. “And again, if you need anything…”
“You guys are too kind.” I shook my head, feeling the swell of tears rise.
I didn’t know what had gotten into me since the accident, but I felt far more emotional.
“Not at all, dear.” Hildie smiled.
“I put in extra dessert,” Chance said and patted Lucky on the head.
“That made the accident all worth it.” I laughed.
“We’ll let you be. Take care.” He smiled and gave a slight wave to Billy and me.
“Thanks again,” I told them all as they filed out of the room.
My sister followed behind them and I just sat in shock.
“Why are people so nice here?” I asked.
“I spent the first few years asking myself that too and then I realized they just are.” He grinned. “It’s got to be something in the water.”
“It’s kind of refreshing.”
“You had me pretty scared.” Billy’s eyes softened and my heart skipped a beat. “You were pretty roughed up.”
I touched my cheek and felt the sting as I tried to see myself in the window’s reflection.
“I’ve moved my first couple meetings and—”
“What do you mean? For when?”
“Your sister tried to get additional time off, but it didn’t work in her favor, and I volunteered to be here with you the day after she leaves before your parents get here.”
“My parents? This is such a mess,” I groaned and pushed my body back into the pillows.
“I’m actually kind of happy about it.” He smiled.
“Happy?”
“Well, I won’t have to beg to spend time with you any more. You just kind of have to put up with me.” The twinkle in his eyes reappeared.
“After that kiss, I didn’t have any doubt about having fun with you.” I smiled and felt the raw skin stretch along my jawline. I really wanted to see how it looked.
“Listen,” his voice was a little strained, “I don’t want you to think that I’m seeing anyone else or—”
“I haven’t given that much thought. It’s not really my place…” I glanced down at Lucky who was still sound asleep. “I think just sticking to having fun is the best thing.”
Billy laughed and shook his head. “And I still can’t figure out which kind of fun we’re talking about.”
“At this point, I haven’t a clue either.” I leaned back against the pillows a lit
tle more to adjust the throbbing sensation in my ankle. “But I have noticed that wherever I go, women seem to fall all over you.”
“Hardly.” He chuckled.
“Well, let’s skip right over the woman who jumped in your arms and kissed you and go to the nurse who turned scarlet from merely being in the same room as you.”
Billy scratched his chin and let out a long, deep sigh. “I didn’t even notice.”
“Which one didn’t you notice? The woman sticking her tongue down your throat or the nurse.” I grinned, rubbing Lucky’s ears.
“Well, it was hard to miss the first one, but I certainly missed the second. Are you sure it wasn’t just the pain making you see red?”
He slid his hand to my good leg, and even through the fog of pain medicine, I felt a spark run through me.
“Positive.” He relaxed a little. “Truth is I don’t date much.”
“But you collect lots of numbers.” I wiggled my brows. “Let’s be honest. You’re sexy as hell. You’ve got an amazing personality. You have Lady and you own your business. It wouldn’t be hard to find someone if you really wanted.”
His smile only widened. “Maybe that’s exactly it. I haven’t really wanted to.” His eyes held mine and I felt heat stirring inside.
“Maybe you’re like me and only want a little fun.” My voice cracked slightly as he slid his hand up my leg a little.
“Maybe that’s it.” He glanced toward the door. “Or I might not be cut out for anything more.”
“That probably makes two of us.” I smiled and slid my hand over his. “So fun it is with a girl in a cast who’s bedridden.”
“Do you realize how much fun I could have with that scenario?” He leaned over and kissed me, but it wasn’t as gentle as before.
His mouth was strong and demanding pressed against mine. A riot of emotion swirled through me as our kisses deepened and I knew to keep my guard up. My gut instincts with him were right. He was a player, but I didn’t mind playing on my terms.
Chapter Twelve
My sister came bounding into the bedroom with Lucky. She’d taken him for a walk while I’d finished breakfast. Billy’s kiss last night managed to keep my mind active, but I’d only been in bed for a day and was already going stir-crazy. I couldn’t imagine having to do this for weeks. Not to mention the little things like going to the bathroom or showering had turned into an ordeal not cut out for the weak-minded.
Lucky leaped onto the bed and immediately rolled over for a belly rub.
“So, mom and dad are super excited about coming out next week.” My sister plopped on the bed next to Lucky and handed me my pain medicine.
“I can’t believe this happened.” I groaned into a pillow.
“It could be worse.” My sister patted my leg until I sat up. “You could have to go back to a job you hate like me.”
“Have you thought more about what I’d mentioned?” I asked, stretching my one good leg and washing the pill down with orange juice.
“About what?”
“Doing your own thing.”
She shrugged. “I’ve thought about it a little. I just don’t want to fail.”
“There’s bound to be some failures on your way to success, but you can’t let the fear of failing hold you back. You love what you do. You just don’t care for whom you do it for.”
“True.” She nodded. “But let’s not talk about work stuff. Tell me what happened with Billy.”
“Well, we kissed.” Just the thought of his kiss made my world spin. “And I think we’re both looking for the same thing.”
“Which is what?” She looked intrigued.
“Nothing!”
“Well, great. Another wonderful start to a perfectly healthy relationship,” she teased.
“It’s not a relationship,” I protested. “We’ve been on one date.”
“Speaking of, he’s got you an appointment at an orthopedic specialist he knows for your follow up. The doctor’s on Fireweed Island, and Billy will be here any minute to pick you up.”
I froze. “Billy’s taking me?”
“Well, it made the most sense. That way I can stay with Lucky and he knows where the doctor is so…” My sister’s mouth curled into a large smile. “Is that a problem?”
“No. It’s…” I let out a sigh. “I’m not sure it’s good that I’m around him that much.”
“Why’s that?”
“It’s hard to explain.” I threw off the covers.
“But if neither of you are looking for a relationship, what does it matter?”
I hated that my sister knew me so well.
“It’s a tricky situation. That’s all.”
My sister brought me the crutches and helped me hobble to the bathroom down the hall. She’d already helped me shower earlier in the morning so all I had to do was comb my hair and brush my teeth again.
I’d propped myself up against the counter, and she leaned the crutches against the wall right as the doorbell rang.
“Must be your chauffeur.”
“Great,” I said through a mouth full of toothpaste.
“Don’t try to come down the stairs without me. I can only handle one emergency room trip per visit.”
I rolled my eyes and let out a garbled laugh as I continued brushing my teeth.
A few seconds later, I heard my sister and Billy laughing and chatting quietly before it became silent.
I wiped my mouth off and reached for my crutches to pull toward me, but instead I bumped them, and they fell over clanking against each other on the way down.
I let out a frustrated groan and hopped on one leg to be able to reach them. I was bending down to pick them up about the time Billy and my sister arrived behind me.
“You scared me to death,” my sister said, attempting to catch her breath.
“Sorry. I knocked them over. I’m not quite used to everything yet.” My gaze landed on Billy. “Thanks for finding me the doctor. And taking me.”
“My pleasure. He’s an old friend.”
“Well, it’s really nice of you to uproot everything you’ve got going for me.”
“I’d actually planned on taking this week easy.”
“Well, still. It’s nice.” I smiled and began crutching my way out of the bathroom until I got to the stairs and a thought occurred to me. “How’d I get up to my room after the hospital?”
“Billy carried you,” my sister explained. “If it wasn’t for him, you’d still be in the recliner.”
I stared at the steps and wondered what the best way down was. It wasn’t just that using the crutches was bad; it was that I couldn’t put all my weight equally on each crutch because I had a bum wrist.
“Why don’t you hand your sister the crutches and I’ll carry you down?” Billy slid his hand on my shoulder.
“I’ve got to figure out how to do this,” I said stubbornly.
“I totally agree.” He nodded. “But let’s not start on a day when we have to catch a ferry.”
The way he said we made me overly happy, making me annoyed with myself.
“You know my sister well.” Stacy laughed, and I cast a dirty look in her direction, which only made her laugh harder.
Stacy took the crutches away and before I had time to even situate myself, Billy scooped me into his arms and lifted me up with my legs hanging over his forearm like he did this every day.
“You seem a little too used to carrying around helpless women.” I looped my arms around his neck.
“First of all, you’re not helpless. I’d never fall for that trick.” He grinned as I looked into his eyes, and he carefully carried me down the stairs. “But a chef gets pretty used to carrying around large potato sacks and flour bags.”
“So I’m like a potato sack?”
“Similar but cuter.”
We got to the bottom of the steps and my sister came right behind us, carrying the crutches. Billy cautiously stood me on the floor and made sure I had my balance as my sister hande
d me the crutches.
How sexy.
“Did you need anything else besides your purse?” My sister gave Billy my bag, and I hid a smile watching him confidently hold a pale-pink leather tote.
Lucky finally lumbered down the stairs to see what the commotion was about.
“Nope, I’m all set.”
My sister gave me a quick hug and waved as Billy helped me out the door.
By the time I got to the car, my ankle was throbbing and my wrist had a dull ache, pain pill or not.
After Billy had climbed into the driver’s seat, he noticed me fussing with the seatbelt with one bum arm and quickly clipped me in. His hand grazed mine, and I felt the instant spark again, even with the pills. His eyes held mine captive, and my pulse began to climb at the thought of getting another kiss.
What was it about this man that made my mind so easily swayed?
“You’ve got a little toothpaste right here.” His thumb wiped away the grit, and I laughed.
“Of course I do.” I wondered if I’d ever be put together in front of this man, but before I had a chance to really worry about it, his lips touched down to mine.
I kissed him back, my pulse soaring with some kind of unexpected hope.
He was trouble.
Billy pulled back slightly, and I opened my eyes to see him watching me carefully.
“It’s really hard to be in close quarters with you,” he nearly grumbled as he put the car in reverse.
“The same could be said for you, and I’m not the only woman who feels that way.” I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye and he grinned.
“I went to culinary school with the woman from that night.” My body tensed at the sudden admission as he drove toward town where the ferry terminal was located. “We’d gone on a couple dates before I’d met someone who…”
He stopped himself and cleared his throat. I turned in my seat to get a better look and was surprised at what I saw.
Sadness.
“Who I’d dated seriously,” he finished.
I caught a break in his voice and noticed his grip on the steering wheel tightened.
“She never quite got over me not calling her again after I’d met the other person. Regardless, she stayed in touch through the years and always pops up when I least expect it.” He glanced at me. “She’s not a bad person. Just not exactly the most socially aware.”
Lucky in Love on Hound Island (Island County Series Book 8) Page 10