Page 105 of One Reckless Night

“Clair!” Jared’s growl had us both jumping, which made me wince. “I told you no shop talk. Look, you’re stressing her out.”

“No, she didn’t,” I said.

“Go.” Jared ordered.

Clair smiled and rolled her eyes. “Like I said, you’re in good hands. I’ll see you soon.”

Jared walked over to my bed. “What hurts?”

“I’m fine. Just stiff.”

“Are you sure? I don’t like the way you look.”

“That’s a nice thing to say,” I teased.

“You know what I mean.”

“Jared, I’m fine. I’m just a little stiff. And weak.”

“This would’ve been easier if you had a head injury,” he muttered.

I blinked, then laughed—a real, genuine laugh that surprised even me. Jared’s lips twitched into a smile.

“You are just full of kind words,” I said.

“Well, I can fix a head injury. Your dinner will be delivered shortly. You’ll eat and then sleep.”

“Yes, sir.”

Later, the doctor came in to talk to us. She explained that I needed to take it easy for a while but would make a full recovery. There was no reason I wouldn’t carry to full term as long as I followed the bedrest orders. Jared asked a million questions, but the doctor handled him with patience.

“I’d like to take her home,” Jared said. “Being in the hospital is never good for anyone.”

I wasn’t sure if he meant back to the lab, to my condo, or with him, but based on how serious he was, I had a feeling he wasn’t going to let me out of his sight anytime soon.

The doctor nodded. “That’s fine, but I want to keep her for another day to make sure she is stable enough to travel. Any kind of strenuous activity can cause more bleeding.”

“She won’t lift a finger,” Jared said. “I can guarantee it.”

When the doctor left, Jared started building himself a little nest in the corner of the room, turning the couch into what looked like the most uncomfortable bed either of us had ever seen.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

He looked up, his expression serious. “Making my bed.”

“Your bed? Wouldn’t you be more comfortable in a hotel?”

“I’m staying and trust me when I tell you, you don’t want to argue. You won’t win.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I said, though a part of me was relieved he was here.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he replied. “Now, sleep.”

I didn’t argue. Instead, I lay back against the pillows, my hand resting on my stomach. I didn’t know what all of this meant, but I was good with letting him watch out for me… for now.