“Leo yelled for me to move, and a missile exploded. Patch sent me back to have my implant checked.”
“Oh, Liam,” she said worriedly as she covered his ear and leaned him into the water. Squirting shampoo in her hand, she scrubbed his scalp, massaging it. He placed his hand on her hip, needing to touch her. He rinsed his hair and grabbed her sponge, scrubbing his body from head to toe.
“I’ve missed you, Addy,” he murmured as she knelt to wash his feet. “You don’t have to do this.”
“I want to,” she said softly. “I know you’re concerned for your friends, and from the bags under your eyes, you haven’t slept.”
“Do I still have some clothes here?” he asked, feeling his body relax.
“I washed your pants and shirt before we fought. I’ll get them while you dry off. Do you want me to make you something to eat?”
“No. I need to see Whiskey, Bear, Archer, and Stormy,” he said, as she rinsed him off. “We need supplies, and I’m hoping Stormy will talk to Sparky about Ice. She’s determined to go back.”
“I’ll make you a sandwich while you dress. I’m accompanying you to the hospital. Stormy will be worried about Cole. Ty will be beyond himself when he hears about Sparky,” she said, handing him a clean towel. “I’ll be dressed in a minute.”
“I love your hair,” he said. “You got it cut. I like how it frames your face.”
“Thanks,” she said, smiling as she pulled off the shower cap and combed it out.
She disappeared around the corner, and he took in the little things she changed since he left. The walls were covered in color. A small vase of flowers sat between his and her sinks. Drying off, he walked into the bedroom and saw Sam’s picture on her dresser, no longer sitting by her bed. In its place, he picked up the frame holding a selfie of the two of them, making him smile.
It seemed like Addy changed during his absence.
Bustling into the room, she handed him a sandwich made with fresh bakery bread and piled high with meat, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
Taking a bite, he watched as she slid into a pair of her silk panties and a matching bra. She marched to her closet, pulled out a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and then passed him his clothes.
Taking her brush, she combed his hair down and sat beside him.
“This is the best sandwich I’ve ever tasted,” he moaned.
“I’m enjoying buying the fresh bread from Bryanna’s. I sometimes grab a coffee and visit with her while she makes those pastries. I don’t know how she stays slim when she makes all those goodies.”
Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, he said, “It sounds like you’re making friends.”
“You’re right, ya know. I did stop living when Sam died. I’m finding myself again. I don’t think I’d have done it if you didn’t point things out to me.”
“Sometimes we all need a kick in the pants. I prefer getting into yours instead,” he quipped as she pushed him playfully.
Setting the plate down, he put on his clothes and kissed her.
“Thank you for this,” he said.
“Let’s go check on everyone,” she said, tugging him to his feet. He reluctantly stood, only wanting to pull her back to the bed, pull the cover over them, and shut out the world.
Addy drove them to the hospital, and they held hands as they entered the ER. Chase saw them in the hallway. “Can you do me a favor?”
“Name it,” Liam said.
“Gabby thinks she’s coming in with Claire to have a meeting. Claire’s aware of the situation. When they arrive, page Kassie. I’m taking Cole to surgery.”
Stormy ran inside with tears streaming down her cheeks. “Where is he? Where’s Cole?”
Chase put his arm around her. “He’s fine. Cole caught a piece of shrapnel, and I’m taking him to surgery to remove it. Why don’t you come with me and see for yourself?” Knowing Stormy suffered from severe anxiety, Chase handled her with care.
“I’ll watch for Gabby. Go see your teammate,” Addy urged.
Walking into Knight’s room, he smiled at seeing his brother sitting up in the bed. “I hope this means you feel better.”
