Page 102 of Contentious

“I was sorry to hear what’d happened to your friend, Ms. Dane. I hope he makes a speedy recovery.”

“That’s so kind of you. He’s doing quite well, thankfully.”

“Glad to hear it. Good luck to you both.”

“Thanks.” Cresley took off for the elevator, bursting with excitement to see him now that she was so close. Outside the ICU, she rang the bell and asked to see Carson Remington. “He’s expecting me.”

“Is this Ms. Dane?”

“It is.”

“Come in.”

When the buzzer sounded, she pushed through, amused that Carson had charmed them into breaking the rules to allow her in. At the nurses station, one of the young women said, “We’re big fans, Ms. Dane.”

“Thank you so much. Call me Cresley, please.”

“Faints,” the woman said with a goofy grin.

“Oh stop,” Cresley said. “Thank you for letting me in.”

“That man of yours is a smooth operator.”

“Believe me, I know.”

His face lit up with a big smile as she entered his room, her heart fluttering with excitement and anticipation.

“You came.”

“I was summoned.”

“I was lonely.”

“I’m here.”

He held out a hand to her. “I’m all better now. Get up here and snuggle me.”

“Are you sure that’s okay?”

“I’m very sure. Hurry up about it.”

“You’re bossy tonight.” She kicked off her flip-flops and moved carefully to join him on the bed, mindful of the IV and monitors still attached to his right arm.

He wrapped his left arm around her. “Ah, that’s what I needed. You weren’t followed, were you?”

“No, I made sure, and I found out that Marlene has a concealed carry license and never leaves home without protection.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I know you’re not comfortable leaving Ty right now.”

“Auntie Marlene is providing security along with Anthony.”

“Good, now kiss me.”

“You’re supposed to be recovering, not kissing.”

“Kissing is how I recover.”

She rolled her eyes and gave him a soft, sweet kiss that made him moan.