“I still don’t understand Micah.”
I nod and finish my explanation, hoping she’ll forgive my stupidity. “You’re so tiny. So delicate.”Her eyebrows shoot up. “Every time I saw you after that day, all I could think about was that someone hurt you. And it made me fucking insane. I have never hated you.”I clear my throat.“Never,” I say strongly. Praying she’ll believe me.
I shift in my chair, uncomfortable with this next part. “I am so sorry I made you afraid of me. You never have to fear me. I would slit my own throat before I ever raise a hand to you.”
Holly’s eyes shift away, her mouth tight. I wait, breathless for the verdict. “It’s not just hands that hurt, Micah.” She whispers. Her eyes jump back to me at the sound of pain I can’t hold in.
“I…know,” I say. She studies me while I sit there awaiting judgment. I will take any punishment she wants to dish out. She sighs heavily, leaning back on the raised head of the bed.
“I think we can move on from…all of that.” She says carefully. “But I don’t think staying with you is a good idea.” She’s wringing her hands together in her lap. “Maybe I can stay with Becca?” Her voice is so hopeful. I’m tempted to say yes.
“Becca’s taking over for you at the garage. Then she has her classes to teach too. Kade’s at work all day, too. You can’t stay alone.”
“You’ll be working too.” She challenges.
I smile and shake my head. “Nope,” I say. “I pushed all my jobs back. I’m yours for three weeks.”
Her eyes widen. “You…can you do that?”
I have to laugh. “I have a three year waiting list Holly. If they can’t give me three weeks, then they’re free to go elsewhere.”
“But the money….” She trails off in embarrassment.
“Brash Auto doesn’t need their money. I don’t need their money. I work because I enjoy taking something damaged and making it beautiful again. But if I never worked a day in my life, I’d still have more money than I could spend in a thousand lifetimes. Next objection?”I ask, raising my eyebrows at her. I know she’s got more tucked up in that worried mind of hers.
“What if I need a shower or help…you know? I’m not comfortable with you…” Her face is beet red. I hate that she’s embarrassed, but I fucking love the view.
“I have a nurse coming. She’ll come twice a day. Morning and bedtime. I can help you to the bathroom during the day. I’ll wait on the other side of the closed door. I promise I will respect your boundaries. I just want to take care of you.”I swallow roughly, “Please…let…me,” I beg. I’ll get on my knees for her if she needs me to.
She’s considering it. I hold my breath, waiting for her next objection, but she surprises me. “Ok,” she mumbles. I manage to stop myself from yelling. But I can’t hold back my smile. I don’t give her any time to change her mind.
“The doctor will be in soon. He’s going to discharge you, then we’ll head home.”
The doctor’s entrance saves her from answering. He checks her over carefully, asking her about her pain levels and concussion symptoms. He gives us a big list of discharge instructions and then heads out to inform the nurses. The older flirty nurse, Mary, is with us in minutes, the benefits of being a VIP, and helps Holly into an air cast. I pay close attention to her instructions, committing them to memory.
“You can take it off to bathe, love. But don’t you dare put any weight on this ankle for at least a week. At that point, you should see the rehab team so they can assess how it’s healing. Ok?” Holly smiles and murmurs her agreement, looking a little overwhelmed by the Mom energy coming off the nurse. “Now let’s get you into some going home clothes. I’m sure your handsome fiancé has something lovely for you.”
Holly’s eyes widen comically when Mary calls me her fiancé. I rush to explain, “I told them we’re engaged. They wouldn’t let anyone in otherwise. They wouldn’t have anyone to call, and I couldn’t let you be alone here.”
Holly looks flustered, and her eyes narrow. I’m positive she’s about to out me, but instead tugs at her gown. “I don’t have—“. She stops when I grab the bag next to the bed, placing the soft dress in her hands, the bra and panties tucked inside. “I…you?” She asks, her eyes glassy.
I stand, backing away from the bed. “Becca did some shopping for you yesterday. You’ve got a whole wardrobe waiting for you at home.I’ll give you some privacy.”The nurse is already tugging Holly’s gown away, so I head into the adjoining bathroom to regroup.
She’s coming. She will be in my home, under my roof. In my bed. That last one sends a bolt of lust through me. I eye the large shower, wondering if it would be inappropriate to take a quick cold one, but the nurse’s call sends me spinning back into the room.
Holly and I scuffle a bit over me lifting her into the wheelchair, the nurse laughing at us, but I finally win. I insist on pushing the chair. The nurses all wave, watching us walk out. I turn and meet the older nurse’s eyes, shaking my ass at her as we leave. Her laughter rings out brightly. Holly’s hiding her face in embarrassment while I wave, saying, “Bye,” to everyone. She’s ok, and she’s coming home, so I’m pretty damn chipper.
My car’s waiting right out front thanks to the VIP hospital parking. I pull the wheelchair up to the door, setting the brakes the way the nurse showed me. I pull open the door, then reach down for her. I know better than to just scoop her up, instead coming in close, slowly sliding my arm under her knees, the other under her back. I lock eyes with her anxious ones. “Ok?” I ask, waiting for her nod. Finally, she nods and I stand slowly with her in my arms, taking a few seconds to appreciate her warm weight. I slide her into the car, buckling her up carefully, then closing the door. I run around the car to my side with a spring in my step. She’s coming home, and I’m going to be so fucking good to her.
She’ll never want to leave.
11
HOLLY
He’s smiling.
Ever since I agreed to stay with him, he hasn’t stopped. And I haven’t been able to take my eyes off of it. Micah’s always been a compelling guy. I can admit that I’ve been drawn to him since the day I met him. But the scowling and glaring made it easy to stay removed.
