The doctor returned before Sean could press for more.
“Agent Malone, you’re a very lucky man. The scan was normal, so I’ll release you. Since the concussion is mild, I think the reason you passed out was the pain from the dislocation. I’ll give you a prescription for painkillers because I’m sure you’ll need them when the Demerol wears off. Ice your shoulder on and off for at least forty-eight hours. You’ll be sore for a few days, but if it goes longer than that, I suggest you follow up with an orthopedist.”
Relief swept through Grace so fast she had to catch her breath. No hidden damage. Just bruises, road rash, and a shoulder that would ache for a while. “I’m a physical therapist, Doctor. I’ll take care of him and take him to an ortho if needed.”
The promise slipped out before she could second-guess it.
The doctor smiled. “Perfect. I’ll send the nurse back in with the discharge papers, and then you can get out of here.”
“Those are the best words I’ve heard all day, Doc,” Sean said. “Thanks.”
She smiled as he leaned back against the pillows. Now she could finally get him home, where she could take care of him and make certain he stayed put long enough to heal.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Twenty minutes later, Grace watched Sean ease himself into the passenger seat of her car, his face pinching as he lowered himself with care. His injured arm stayed tucked in the sling the nurse had fitted before discharge, the white fabric stark against his dark T-shirt.
Dan had taken Bonnie home, while Brian and Matt headed back to the sheriff’s department to meet with the task force and compare notes. Before leaving, Brian had promised to call or stop by later to keep Sean updated.
Grace was grateful for that. It meant Sean had one less excuse to push himself before he was ready.
She started the car and backed out of the parking space, steering toward the hospital exit. The late-morning sun spilled across the windshield, forcing her to lower the visor. “We’ll stop at the pharmacy on the way home.”
A sigh drifted from the passenger seat. “I don’t need the prescription filled. I’ll be fine.”
Grace shot him a look. “Uh-uh. I can hear the pain in your voice, and it will only get worse when the Demerol wears off. You heard the doctor. Trust me—you’ll thank me later.”
He said nothing, and she took his silence as reluctant surrender. Good.
He might be tough enough to brush off pain when the job demanded it, but this was her territory. She knew exactly what the next few hours would bring once the medication wore off. The last thing she wanted was to watch him suffer when it could be prevented.
Stubborn man.
When they reached the pharmacy, she expected him to stay in the car while she ran inside. Of course, he refused.
He followed her in, moving with a stiffness he tried and failed to hide. While she waited at the prescription counter, he wandered toward the over-the-counter aisle and returned a few minutes later with a box of acetaminophen in his hand.
She glanced from the box to his face and fought the urge to roll her eyes. “Fine, but I guarantee you you’re going to want something stronger in about two hours.”
A faint smile tugged at his mouth. “We’ll see.”
The man was impossible. And far too handsome for his own good.
Shaking her head, she took the box from him and set it on the counter. “Why don’t I run next door and order a pizza to take home for lunch? I only had a bagel for breakfast, and you have to be getting hungry. If you’re not, I can reheat it later for you.”
“I could eat some pizza. Go order, and I’ll meet you in there when I’m done here.”
She leaned in and brushed a quick kiss across his lips. “Don’t you dare show up without the Vicodin, or I’ll have a headache for all of next week if you get my drift.”
The warning carried enough truth beneath the teasing to make her point.
Starting the next day, she intended to begin some gentle physical therapy on his shoulder to help him heal faster. It would help in the long run, but there was no getting around the discomfort that came with it. Sheriff Griffin had already ordered Sean to stay home for a few days, and his team could manage without him.
Whether Sean liked it or not, she planned to make sure he followed orders.
“Yes, ma’am.” He gave her a wink. “You know, I like this take-charge Grace a lot. She’s turning me on.
Amusement bubbled up, and Grace fought to keep a straight face.
