Page 62 of Drive Me Crazy

"Well, I'm proud of you for charging in and taking control like you did, although it was stupid." She giggles. There's a knock on the door just as it swings wide.

A man in a white coat strolls through with a cheesy grin. "Mister Willis, how are you feeling?"

"Like I need to go home." I grumble.

"You're in luck, I agree that you can go home. Keep your wound clean, it's mainly superficial." He scribbles in the file, finally looking at me. "Your girlfriend will be a few minutes, but you can wait with your family."

I cut my eyes at Emerson. "She's my friend, not girlfriend."

"But she said..." he trails off, lowering his brows. "it doesn't matter, she'll be ready to go within the hour."

I clear my throat when my breath hitches, playing it off. "Good, I'm ready to get home."

"Alright get dressed. I'll get these finished and you can hit the road." He offers his hand; I take it with a quick shake.

"Thanks, Doc." I nod as he walks from the room. I glance at Em, smiling. "Are you helping me get dressed?"

She shoots up from her seat. "Ew, no! I'll be in the waiting room."

I swing my legs off the bed, flexing my hand to work out the soreness. "Fucking dumb ass, of all the times to fuck something up, you pick now."

Sliding off the bed, I walk over to my clothes and yank them on. Stepping into my shoes, I run my hand through my hair and head toward the front of the hospital.

I can hear the low rumble behind the doors from halfway down the hall. This bunch is loud and as soon as the door opens, I’m overtaken with love. I'm swarmed with hugs and kisses.

"Thank you, Ridge. We deeply appreciate you and all you've done for her." Landon pulls me into a manly hug, including a pat on the back.

I wave him off, knowing I screwed up. "No man, I should've waited with her. She would've never been out there if I had stayed with her."

"We both know, you would've gone to help Scout too." Landon holds her close to his side.

"I'm so happy you're okay." I lean in, slipping my arm around her for a hug.

She pats my back. "You can't get rid of me that easy, what happens if I need to replace him."

"Good point." I wink at her. "Can someone tell me what happened? I thought I had kicked the gun far enough away he couldn't get it."

"You did." One places his hand on my shoulder, reassuring me. "He had a second one in the back of his pants, when the agent saw him pull it, he made one command and fired. Weston's gone."

My jaw ticks, thinking of what might've happened had he not been there. "I heard nothing except her, I was blind with rage. I went in all hot headed and stupid. I could've gotten her killed."

"You could've gotten killed, I think you made the right choice and I refuse to allow anyone to second guess it. Including you." One stares at me as if to say, stop now.

My shoulders shag, and I continue my demolition in private. "I hear ya."

"Harper will be released soon, then we can all go home." Harper's dad announces.

I rub my stomach when it knots and make my excuse. "I think I'm gonna head on out. Mack's blown my phone up and I want to get everyone settled in for the night, I know tensions are still high."

"Oh, yeah. Sure." Landon gives me a curt nod. I side eye One, hoping to duck out before he can catch me.

I wave at Harper's parents and walk through the doors. By the time I hit the pavement, I take a steadying breath, thinking I've skirted the worst.

"Ridge." One's voice carries across the lot. "hold up."

I wince, turning around to find him with another man as they approach me. I shift my feet; worried Harper will be out here before I can leave.

"What's up?"