Page 105

“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.