Page 104 of One Reckless Night

“No. Not really.”

He nodded and reached for my wrist, taking my pulse. “Good. Strong.”

He was looking at me with a doctor’s clinical gaze, but there was something else in his eyes. It was a vulnerability I wasn’t used to seeing. Jared Welch, the man who always seemed so unshakable, was letting me see a side of him that few ever did.

“You scared me,” he admitted quietly, his fingers still resting lightly on my wrist. “When I found you this morning, I thought…” He trailed off, his jaw tightening. “I thought I might lose you both.”

I swallowed hard. “I didn’t mean to scare you,” I whispered. “I didn’t even realize how bad it was. I was a little dizzy, but I chalked it up to pregnancy stuff, like morning sickness.”

“That’s the thing,” he said. “You shouldn’t have to figure it out on your own. I should’ve been paying closer attention. I should’ve been there. I knew you looked pale last night but I just… I’m sorry. I feel like a monster.”

“I was fine when we were doing that,” I said with a soft smile. “You didn’t take advantage.”

“I should have been paying attention,” he muttered. “I’m a doctor. I just, I only saw what I wanted to see. I’m sorry.”

“You’re here now,” I said softly, squeezing his hand. “That’s what matters.”

“Sleep,” he ordered. “Doctor’s orders. All the doctors.”

I wanted to tell him I wasn’t tired, but that was a lie. I had never been more tired in my life. I closed my eyes.

When I opened them again, Jared was sitting in the chair, his phone in hand as he tapped on the screen. I smiled, happy to see him still there. I tried to sit up but gasped when I twisted my wrist.

“What are you doing?” Jared was up and out of the chair in a flash.

“I was trying to sit up.”

“I’ll help. Don’t strain yourself.”

He adjusted the pillows and slowly raised the head part of the bed. “Better?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you.”

“Are you hungry? I’ll have food brought in. You don’t need hospital cafeteria food.”

“I don’t mind cafeteria food,” I said. “I’ve been surviving on it for years.”

“You need to eat something good. High in protein. What do you want? Steak? Eggs?”

I smiled. “Jared, I’m fine with whatever they’re serving.”

He frowned. “I’ll check. Don’t move.”

“I couldn’t if I tried.”

Jared left the room. I leaned back against the pillows, letting out a slow breath. The door opened again. I expected to see Jared returning with a menu or maybe a nurse in tow. Instead, Clair slipped in.

“Hi,” she whispered. “I saw Jared out there giving the nurses hell and thought I would pop in real quick.”

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Shawn and I flew over. You had us all terrified. We’re going to head back now, but I just wanted to say hello. Jared is the gatekeeper. He is not letting anyone in here.”

“I’m sorry.”

She laughed. “Don’t be. He’s looking out for you. The doctor said rest and Jared is making sure you do. I’ll see you when you get back.”

“Oh, I don’t think I’m coming back,” I said. “I have no idea what I’m going to do.”