Page 60 of Wicked Love

“It will be all right. Trust me, I have your back.”

I nodded. “I do trust you.”

He grinned. “I know. Find him for me.”

“Okay.”

For the next twenty minutes, I paced the hallways of the Burn Unit, about to dig a groove into the linoleum floor with the soles of my sneakers. No way would I go back to the waiting room where I knew my mother would be.

When Philip exited the room, wrinkles surrounded his eyes. He looked tired. And older.

“Grace, you can go back in. I have to talk to your mother first, then will come to find you afterward.”

I twisted my hands before me. “Am I in trouble?”

“No. I learned things about Clarissa’s treatment of you I need to tackle with her. In private.” His palm pressed my shoulder in a comforting gesture. “I don’t want you hurting. Never. I’m sorry I didn’t realize what was going on under my roof sooner.” He sighed. “And for what it’s worth, while we’re at it, I’m glad Joe has you. You brought my son back, Grace. He’s happier than he’s been in years. I have you to thank for his change of attitude.” Emotions filled his eyes. With a hand, he messed up his hair. The simple motion reminded me so much of his son right now. “We met with the doctor, and I have faith his hands will heal. We’ll talk later. Then we’ll all go to bed. I booked a hotel down the road. Got you your own room.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s the least I can do, honey.”

He disappeared after he passed through the double door, and I returned to my boyfriend.

“Have you talked to my dad?” Joe asked as soon as I sat next to him.

I swallowed. “Yeah. He said he’d take care of it. Whatever you told him, thank you for having my back.”

“Anytime, baby.”

“Any news when you can get out of here?”

“They’re keeping me for the night. The doctor wants me on IV for a bit longer. I should leave in a day or two, but I’ll require medical care to change the bandages and stuff.” He motioned me to come closer with his chin. “And I might require you to keep me busy while I heal. Think you’re up for the challenge?”

I snickered. “Are you planning to take advantage of me, Mr. Crawford?”

“Yup. Fully.”

We sat next to each other, my head resting on Joe’s shoulder.

“When they release you, I’d like for us—”

A sound coming from the pile of Joe’s clothes set on a chair in one corner of the room made me realize I had forgotten DH was sleeping there. I was surprised he hadn’t woken up yet.

I grabbed the bundle of fur and cradled it next to Joe, who nuzzled his head. “Baby, I can’t believe he’s been here all this time.”

“Where did you want me to put him? We’re homeless for the night. Your dad got me a hotel room. I wish you could share the bed with me. I don’t like being alone. And after tonight, I’m not sure I’ll enjoy the darkness ever again.”

“I know. Just for a night. And then we’ll make up for the lost time. Dad went to drive your mom to the hotel. He’ll come back to pick you up once they’re done talking.”

I sat beside him on the bed. “It’s not the Christmas I had in mind.”

“It’s not the birthday I had planned for you either. We’ll have a do-over, I promise.”

I snuggled by his side. “Don’t worry. We’re alive. That is all that matters.”

“Not good enough for me. I wanna celebrate you. Turning eighteen is a big deal.”

A loud yawn exited my mouth.