“Stormy already gave me hers, and I’m waiting to catch Archer when he arrives today. In the meantime, Sparky will give you the rundown of the territories, and Bear will present the last attacks. I’ll be back this afternoon around fifteen hundred. I have some things to take care of before we leave. Liam, you’re free to go, and we’ll catch you up later,” Leo said, standing.
The team nodded, and the mood grew somber as everyone knew Leo’s argument with his wife, Catherine. Liam saw the worry on the close-knit team’s faces as they watched their boss go down the hall and leave a few minutes later.
The team got to work, leaving Liam with free time. He went to his SUV and sat there, debating whether to go to the hospital or text Addy. She might not appreciate getting interrupted at work, but he needed to see her. Liam wanted to ensure she didn’t have any misgivings about their night together. If anything, the unforgettable night made him want her even more.
* * *
Addyson checkedthe charts on two new admissions.
“Abby, where are the medications for the new admission to room 416?” she asked as she entered his information into the chart.
“I wanted to talk to you about it. He has a prescription for pain meds, which he filled two weeks ago. The bottle’s over half empty, and he demanded something stronger when he arrived from the hospital.”
Nodding, Addyson made a note to visit the new admissions room.
“Where’s the discharge paperwork for room 219?” she asked Clara.
“He didn’t bring them. I’ve already sent a request to his primary physician’s office,” the nurse informed her.
“Code Blue Room 244, Code Blue, Room 244,” the intercom announced overhead.
Addy ran down the hall, directing her team. Doc entered the room and took over, and the two of them worked the code. When they stabilized the patient, Doc turned to her.
“Didn’t I give you three days off?” he asked as they walked down the hallway.
“Liam and I got everything replaced yesterday except the furniture. Oh, crap. It’s arriving today,” she said, glancing at her watch.
“Annabelle’s here. When did you schedule the delivery?” he asked as he noticed his wife walking toward them.
“It’ll be here in an hour,” she said in dismay.
Kassie smiled as she gazed at Addyson. “I distinctly recall saying no work for three days. Did you come to pick something up?”
“I needed to finish some paperwork before you met for patient updates, and then we have two admissions. The nurses seemed busy, so I helped input their information.”
“Good,” Kassie said, putting her arm around her. “It’s the perfect time for you to leave,” she said, steering her toward the door. “We’ll see you in two days.”
“But there’s a lot to do,” she protested.
“And it will still be here when you come back,” Kassie assured her. “It’s the beauty of the hospital. Have a great two days off, and I’ll see you Thursday morning.”
Addyson muttered as she went out the door, recalling she had left her purse inside. Wanting to avoid her boss, she walked to the ER entrance and went in, then headed to the locker room. She grabbed her purse and keys, then headed to her SUV. As she opened the door, an SUV pulled in beside her. Immediately recognizing the vehicle, Addyson rushed to get into hers, needing a barrier between her and Liam. Heat flooded her face as the memory of the night before resurfaced, reminding her why she ran like a chicken before dawn to avoid him.
Liam tapped on her window and motioned for her to roll it down.
“Shit,” she muttered under her breath as she cracked the window. “Hi, Liam. I’m on my way out.”
Gazing at her, Liam sent her an arched brow.
“Why do I get the distinct feeling you’re running from me?” he asked gently.
“I’m a… not. I came in to finish admissions and forgot about the furniture people arriving. Kassie sent me home,” she explained.
“Oh, it’s good timing then,” Liam said, keeping the amusement from his face as Addy squirmed uncomfortably in her seat. “I didn’t show you how to set the alarm. I came to ask what time your shift ended. Then I can show you how to use it.”
“I’m sure I can figure it out,” she assured him as she started the SUV.
“And if you don’t? The entire team and the police will be at your house in minutes. It’ll take me ten minutes at best to review it with you.”
