by Claire Adams
I wasn’t about to tell him it was a favor for Allison. I didn’t want him to know who I was. “I’m a nurse who cares about her patients. Even the ones who try their hardest to shock me. It makes no difference if you’re here or not, and honestly, they’ll probably release you later this evening if I let things take their course.” I glanced back down to his chart. “Maybe that’s best.”
“No, no. I’ll go nuts if that happens. Get me the hell out of here!” The desperation in his voice made me smile. No more Mr. Tough Guy.
“Say please.” I smiled, but he gave me a look that questioned my seriousness.
He deflated as I folded my arms, but then finally he obliged. “Please.”
I held up my index finger. “Give me a minute. Don’t go anywhere.” He gave me a nod, and I hurried out and down the hall to the nurse’s station where I found Dr. Rob.
“Lexa.” He smiled wide at me, his pearly whites contrasting nicely against his dark eyes. “How’s it going with Mr. Walker?”
“He’s fine; are you planning to release him later?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. Why? Do you think there’s a setback?” He narrowed his eyes in concern.
“Not at all, but he’s ready to go now. He’s already taken out his IV on his own, and he’s ready to walk out of here.”
“I’ll go ahead and order his order his release, but you’ll have to wait until things are processed.” He placed his arm on mine and smiled. “I wanted to ask you, what’s your favorite restaurant?”
I glanced to see if anyone else was around, but no one was paying attention. “Carter’s across town.” He gave me his signature wink and headed off in the opposite direction.
I hurried to make sure things were in motion and then before I went to Aiden’s room, I found a pair of scrubs.
When I walked into his room, he was lounged back in his bed turning channels on the TV. “I’ve got good news.” I tossed the plastic-wrapped scrubs to the bed, and he stared at them.
“You want to play doctor and nurse?” He picked up the packages and opened them.
“I didn’t think you’d want to try that naked thing. The only ride you’d get would be from the police. Which reminds me, they’ll be in touch.” I took the plastic and tossed it in the trash.
“I’ve already talked to them.” He shrugged like it was nothing. I imagined for him, it wasn’t.
“I’ll step out so you can change.”
He grabbed my arm to stand and untied his gown. “No need; it’s not like you haven’t seen me, right? Besides, what if I get dizzy again?” His eyes burned with a fine line between sensuality and aggression. It stirred something inside me, but I wasn’t sure what it was. Part of me feared him, but another part wanted him.
I swallowed hard and stepped away. “I think you can manage. Besides, I’m about to be off work soon. Someone will be in shortly with your discharge. I’m going to call in another favor for you before I leave.” I turned and headed for the door, thinking he’d fit in one last cocky remark. I couldn’t decide if he was acting like an asshole or if that was just his shield.
“Thank you.”
I paused a moment before continuing out. It’s funny how two little words can surprise you.
Chapter Seven
Aiden
“Dammit.” It was bad enough knowing my bike was ruined, but my phone being dead, that was another whammy. The screen was shattered, but I hoped a dead battery was the only other issue it had. Regardless of its fate, I’d left the hospital in such a damned hurry with it that I hadn’t thought to call a ride, and since my bike was in Harley heaven, I didn’t have a way home.
I stood out front of the hospital dressed in my scrubs and wishing the accident had put me out of my misery when the world’s greatest nurse drove up in a hot little red Camaro.
Her window lowered as her brake lights lit up. “Didn’t anyone walk you out and make sure you had a ride home?”
“They tried to get me in a wheelchair, but I told them to fuck off.”
“So, do you have a ride?” The smug look on her face made me want to tell her to fuck off, too, but something stirred in me as I realized the smart-mouthed little lady was the only person helping me.
“Are you offering to call me one? My phone’s dead.” I held up the device so she could see the shattered glass.
“I could, or I could give you a ride if you need one.” She looked up at me with an expression was so full of pity, it turned my stomach.
“I don’t need your pity.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized I didn’t have many options.
If I called Layne, he’d give me a lecture I didn’t want to hear, though I was sure he’d already heard about the accident. The cops who’d spoken to me would most likely tell him. If I called Glen, he wouldn’t be able to leave his bar to come. I’d learned from too many of my rides home with Scott the Uber driver that he attended college during the day. Calling Mattie wasn’t an option, either. She didn’t drive downtown, not even for my sorry ass.
“If that’s the way you see it, never mind then. I’m sure you can manage.” She lifted her shoulder in a casual way, lowered her sunglasses from her head, and then her window started to rise.
Shit. “Fine, I could use a ride.” Her window stopped, and her brow cocked over her shades. “Please.”
“Get in.” She released a breath so deep she seemed to deflate, and I hurried around the car and got in.
“Thanks.” I put on my seatbelt, and she handed me a phone charger, which I plugged into my phone.
“Maybe it will charge enough on the way so you can see what the damage is. Have you contacted anyone since the accident?” She pulled up to the highway and put her arms out. “Where am I taking you?”
“I’m at the Olde House in the historic plantation district.” She turned out on the highway, and I waited for her to remark on my address.
“Nice area. I love the old trees out there. They’ve always been my favorite part of its charm.”
“Yeah, it’s beautiful.” I had mumbled the words and stared out the window hoping to avoid conversation.
She gave me a nudge. “So, have you? Contacted anyone, that is? You never answered me.”
“There’s no one to contact, really. I don’t have any family, or friends for that matter. But then again, it’s nice not having anyone ask me unnecessary questions all the time.” I gave her a blank look, hoping to make my point.
“Wow, Aiden, you’re a real peach. It’s hard to believe you don’t have any friends.” Her phone buzzed, and she gave it a glance.
“I suppose a girl like you has enough for the both of us.” I turned to stare out the window as she changed lanes and took the next exit, which led to my end of town.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean? A girl like me?” Her tone told me she was offended, and I tried hard not to smile.
“Come on; you’re not taking a special interest in me because of my sparkling personality.”
I wondered if she knew who I was. She didn’t seem surprised that I lived in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Savannah, and my name wasn’t exactly unheard of. The accident had been all over the news, sure, but my family had great influence in the community.
She held her hand up over her shoulder as if she could slap the piss out of me. “Excuse me?” Her hand fell to her chest. “You act like I came onto you in some bar. Might I remind you that I’m the only person who has given a damn, despite you behaving like an asshole.” She shook her head and then gripped the wheel with both hands, white-knuckled.
I shifted in my seat to face her. “Because you probably know who I am. You can’t tell me my name’s not familiar, especially considering where I live.”
Her face fell, and she didn’t deny anything. “Maybe your wealth doesn’t mean shit to me. Have you ever considered I’m not some poor little gold digger after your money? My bank account is nothing to sneeze at.”
“So, you do know who I am? And,
I’m to assume that’s why you’re being so charitable.”
“Not at all. I guess if I was in your situation, I’d hope that someone would help me. That’s all. Nothing more, no hidden agendas. But trust me, I understand.”
“My situation.” I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Yes, being in the hospital after a horrible accident.” She turned down my street and then approached my gate. “You know, I don’t care if I ever see you again after today; you obviously have issues with trust, and while I can understand that, your defensive nature is a tad too much for me.”
Her words hit me like a brick. I hadn’t considered myself defensive, but I guess that was one way to size me up. “I don’t do well with pity. I guess it makes me a little defensive. Eighteen fifty-five.”
“Eighteen fifty-five?” She seemed confused, and I smiled.
“The gate code.” I pointed to the small black box by her window.
As a soft, tiny laugh escaped her and broke the tension between us, I realized I wanted to see her again. “Could you come inside for a drink?”
She lowered her window and punched in the code, then as she drove through the opening gate, she sighed. “I don’t know. I’ve worked a long night, and I wouldn’t want you to mistake my company for pity.” I let out a breath, and my jaw clenched. I didn’t like her fucking with me.
“When my family died, everyone was treating me like a ten-year-old orphan. I finally had enough of it and let all of the staff go, even the groundskeeper, as you can probably tell.” I wasn’t sure why I was telling her that, but I hoped it would help her understand the reason I hated being pitied.
She stopped the car just outside the front entrance and shifted in her seat to face me. “This place does look like hell, but it won’t take much to get it back to its glory, I’m sure.” She reached out and stroked my beard, and my blood rushed right to my cock at her touch. “The hedges aren’t the only things that need a trim. I have a feeling there’s a good-looking man under all this.”
“Or a complete asshole, right?” I opened my door, but she grabbed my arm before I could stand.
“Wait.” She reached for my phone and unplugged it. “Maybe there’s enough charge to see if it works?” She pushed the power button, and as I took it from her, it lit up.
“It seems fine. A new screen and I’m all set.”
She placed her hand on mine where I held it. “Good, so maybe you can test it out and add my number? Maybe call me back over sometime for that drink? Like, when I haven’t been working all night.”
“Sure, but I’m not shaving my beard.” I opened up my contacts and handed her the phone.
She typed in her number and handed it back. “I think I could get used to it. Or maybe I’ll shave it myself. I’m just as handy with a razor as I am a pair of scissors.” Her face reddened as she laughed.
It took a second to realize what she meant. “You really cut my clothes off? Was I ass naked in front of God and everyone?”
“In nothing but all of your glory in front of a roomful of nurses — yes, you were.” Her laughter made me want to kiss her. “But don’t worry, we’ve seen it a thousand times. No one was gawking at you.”
“Well, why the hell not? I like to be watched.” I braced for her elbow as it sailed my way, and then I realized I needed to ask one more thing. “This might sound terrible since you’ve seen me naked, scrubbed my wounds, and given me a ride home, but I don’t know your name.”
The blank expression on her face made me feel horrible, and I tried to remember her having a name tag. But then she offered me a smile that put me at ease. “I have a lot of junk hanging off my name tag at work, so no worries. I’m Lexa. I put it in your phone.”
“Thank you, Lexa. For everything. Maybe next time I even the score and take off your clothes?” I gave a friendly laugh to let her know I was kidding, but then she shook her head and giggled.
“You’re terrible.”
“So I’ve been told, but hey, fair is fair.” I wanted to kiss her, but I’d wait for another time. I had a feeling I was walking a thin line, and I really wanted her to come back for that drink. I got out of the car, and she giggled again as I shut the door.
“Goodbye, Aiden.” She drove forward through the circle, and I stood and watched her go until she was well down the road.
Chapter Eight
Lexa
I rolled over and the warm sun of Saturday morning hit my face. I winced at the light and threw my arm up to protect me. I had left the shades up the day before and hurried to my feet to close them. I was glad to be done with my night shift duties for a while and hoped to enjoy my first full day off in weeks.
It had been a couple of days since I’d dropped Aiden off, and though he’d texted me to ask for instructions doctoring his wounds, he hadn’t gotten personal. I had made up my mind that was probably for the best, even though something inside wanted to get to know him better.
My phone rang as I heard a car pull up outside. I unplugged it from the charger on the nightstand and answered it as I walked downstairs to make a cup of coffee and answer the door. “I see you outside, Bre, but thanks for the ten-second head’s up.”
“Hey, I didn’t want to show up unannounced.” She giggled through the phone, and I could hear her on the other side of my front door.
I opened it up and hung up the phone. She held hers up and winked. “Like my new phone case? Isn’t it adorable? I got it on sale for half price at the mall. I got you one.” She pushed past me and hurried into the kitchen where she placed the case she bought for me on the counter and headed to my Keurig. “So what’s going on this morning?”
“I was about to make a cup of coffee. I only opened my eyes three minutes ago.”
“I’ll make it for you. So, I bet you’re glad to be off. Any plans?”
“Not yet, and it’s kind of nice. I want to take things slow, so the day lasts as long as possible.” I hadn’t had a day like that in ages, and I was afraid Bre would try to pull me out to the mall for another one of her shopping trips. She had a bit of a shopping addiction.
“I’m off to the flea market today, if you want to come. I’m on the hunt for a new table for the breakfast nook. If I can’t find one I like, I’m painting the old one. I’m thinking a tiffany blue, what do you think?
“That would be pretty, but no thanks. I’m hoping to stay off my feet as much as possible, and I know the way you drag me around. I can’t keep up.” I’d come home with blisters and a sunburn the last time she’d forced me to go.
“I understand, but I want us to go hang out. I feel like between Daniel and your crazy hours, we never get to spend enough time together.” She passed me the coffee and then inserted another cup for herself.
“I know, and I really need some girl time, what with this damned lawsuit bringing me down. My parents are acting like I don’t exist again, including my suffocating father, which comes as a shock. I think he’s being weird because the whole thing was Mom’s idea.” I pulled the coffee cup to my lips and blew softly before taking a sip.
Bre shook her head. “Do you really believe that, or is it easier to think since you’ve always been a daddy’s girl. I mean, they both seemed pretty on board at dinner, and he didn’t bat an eye about it.”
I took a deep breath and raked my hands through my hair. “You’re probably right. They’ve both changed, and I don’t know why anything either of them does surprises me at this point. I’m not used to being the only child. I miss Shawn.” My heart broke over and over each time I thought about my brother, and what sucked the most was nothing was ever going to change that. Not time and not circumstance.
My phone vibrated, and I glanced at it to see Aiden’s number. “I’ve got to take this.” I stepped into the other room after a shrug from Bre. I hadn’t had a chance to tell her about Aiden, and I supposed I’d have to after the call. “Aiden?”
“Yeah, who else did you expect calling from my number?” His warm laugh was a welcome tone, but
I had mixed feelings about its effect on me.
“I didn’t think I’d hear from you.” I pulled my lips into a tight line, regretting the way the words may have sounded.
“Didn’t think you would, or didn’t want to? I can hang up if you like.” His tone was back to the familiar bitter one I’d come to know and loathe.
“No, don’t. I didn’t mean it that way; I’m glad you called. What’s happening? Are you healing up well?”
“If I say no, will you come over here and kiss my boo boos?” The suggestion made me warm all over, and I could imagine the smirk on his face matched one I’d seen before.
“You should be so lucky. I’ve been told my kisses are magical.” If he wanted to flirt, I could give it right back to him. I wondered if he hoped to shock me.
“I can imagine. But on a serious note, I wondered if you’d consider coming by for some lunch. I’d like to thank you for taking such good care of me and pulling strings to get me out of there so fast.” The original offer had been drinks, but lunch sounded much better. I had hoped we’d have more time to talk.
“Sure. I have the day off, so I think that’d be great. What time?”
“Noon is fine, if it works for you?” His tone was hard to read, but it was almost as if he didn’t care if I showed up or not.
“I’ll be there.” We said a short goodbye, and I hurried back into the room where Bre waited with her coffee.
“So, that sounded like plans were made.” She gave me a nudge as I across from her and sipped my coffee.
“It was.” I took a deep breath knowing it was time to tell her. “That was Aiden Walker.”
Her face fell, and she sank back from me. “The Aiden Walker? As in Allison’s brother, Aiden Walker?” I nodded, but I knew she wasn’t finished. “So, did you reach out to him because of the suit?”
“He had a wreck on his motorcycle and ended up in my ER. I tended his wounds and then drove him home.” I closed my eyes and shook my head. I didn’t have to tell her that I had other thoughts; she was my best friend, and if she couldn’t tell by looking at me, then she didn’t need me to admit it.