Page 51 of Golden Ruin

I smile, watching him rebandage my arm.

“I will.”

“I mean it. Do you have a good rapport with your boss?”

The question has my thoughts shifting to Matt, and I’m guessing Sterling’s have too, based on the deep sigh he lets out.

“Uh, yes. I do.”

“Good,” Dr. Haddon says. “You need to discuss restrictions with him. No unnecessary tension on your arm, no lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk, and you’ll want to keep it clean and covered at all times. Understood?”

I nod but keep to myself that I’ve picked up Jax more times than I can count at this point.

“Got it.”

He nods. “I’ll have Pamela write up the paperwork then. Your employer may request it for your file when you return. Will you need a copy for school as well?”

“Eventually, yes, but I’m not going back until I find a new place and get my son settled. Can I just reach out when I’m ready?”

“Of course. Pam can take care of that, too, when the time comes. Any further questions?”

I think for a moment, then shake my head. “Nope, I’m all set.”

He turns to Sterling next. “And how about you?”

“No, you explained everything clearly. Thanks for taking care of her.”

“It’s the least I can do for a hero,” Dr. Haddon says, and I feel my face getting warm with the compliment.

“Couldn’t agree with you more on that one,” Sterling adds, and more heat rushes to my cheeks.

“Well, if either of you thinks of something later, just give the office a call. Otherwise, enjoy the rest of your day.”

He leaves, and Sterling stands. I slip my hoodie over my head, but when I’m ready to work my arms into the sleeves, Sterling intervenes, holding them out so they’re easier to maneuver into.

My eyes flit to his once as I pull the hem down to my waist. “Thanks.”

“Welcome.”

His hand shoots out toward me next, and he holds mine as I hop down off the exam table. I check out at the receptionist’s desk while Sterling grabs the envelope with the letter I need for work, then I set up my next follow-up appointment. After that, we head back into the lobby.

I stop in my tracks at the sight of paparazzi gathered outside. “How the hell did they find us?”

Sterling’s jaw flexes when I flash a look toward him. He stares out, assessing the situation before we step out into the snake pit.

“Shit,” he grumbles, barely loud enough to hear. “Okay, look. They’ll swarm us, so stay close. Head straight for the truck and don’t say anything. I’ll lead the way.”

I nod as he turns to face me, then reaches to pull my hood over my head. He removes the sunglasses from the collar of his shirt next and slips them over my eyes.

“You good?” he asks.

My heart’s racing like mad, but I nod again. “Yeah.”

He holds my gaze as I breathe, and it’s like I sense the apology he isn’t speaking aloud, the guilt he’s carrying just beneath the surface. But he holds it all in, faces forward again, and we step outside the building and into the whirlwind.

There’s no time to process when his arm slips around my waist, or when he pulls me into his side as we rush toward the truck. Questions and camera flashes come from all angles, but I ignore it all, like Sterling told me to.

We make it to the truck, and he helps me in. I’m only marginally more relaxed than a moment ago when he closes my door, but the tinted windows definitely help. Sterling forces his way through the crowd to the driver-side and climbs in.