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Someone knocked on my door, and when it opened, I was surprised to see Kit and River. I thought Thatcher was coming to get me, but maybe that was a hope and not a fact.

“Hey, guys.”

Kit stepped closer and held my good hand. “JD, Thatcher contracted food poisoning. He called and asked if I could bring you home so he could take care of you, but I stopped by to check on him, and I can tell you he’s not in the best shape. Riv and I are going to take care of you both.”

Oh hell. I tried not to have anyone take care of me ever. I could take care of myself. “No. If Thatcher’s sick, then just let me get a rideshare and go to a motel. I’ll be fine.”

River stepped forward and laughed. “You’re crazy or still high on painkillers. We’re taking you back to Thatcher’s, and I hope like hell he’s feeling better, but he insisted we bring you home. His words, not mine.”

I sighed. Man, I had a lot of great people in my life…and I was still high from the painkillers. Now I wasn’t sure what was real.

Nurse Diana returned with her kind smile. “Jordan, we need to prep you for discharge.” She turned to Kit and River. “If you’ll step out for a minute, I’ll set him up with the pain pump and get him dressed. You can go to the nurses’ station and pick up his orders.”

My friends left, and Nurse Diana rigged me up. “You’ll need to see the doctor tomorrow to remove the pain catheter. She’ll give you a script that you can fill tomorrow. Rest as much as you can. The office will call later today to check on you and make an appointment for you to come in tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

Diana helped me dress in the sweats and T-shirt I wore to the hospital that morning, and after the charge nurse came in with my orders, followed by River and Kit, we were allowed to leave.

“Is Thatcher okay?” I asked as I was wheeled out of the surgery center. Kit’s SUV was parked at the curb, ready for us.

Kit laughed hard as he took my hand and helped me into the back seat of his vehicle. “He’s got a bad case of food poisoning, but he’s anxious to have you home.”

I giggled. Once Kit had me strapped into the seat, he chuckled as he closed my door and opened the front passenger door for River. They exchanged a sweet kiss before Riv hopped in and turned in my direction.

“You okay, JD?”

I flipped my good hand in a “never mind” gesture and smiled. “I’m fabulous, Riv.”

I didn’t remember the ride home, nor did I remember how I ended up in an unfamiliar bed, but I felt no pain. It was glorious.

A gentle touch moved my hair over my shoulder. The soft breath over my neck sent shivers down my body.

“How are you? River dropped off your pain pill prescription, and I’m taking you to the doctor’s office at noon. I’ll make you some toast.” It was Thatcher’s soft voice, and I felt it wrap around me like a warm blanket.

I turned to see we were in the same bed, which was surprising. “How’d I end up in your bed?”

Thatcher chuckled. “River determined it was better if we were in the same bed so he only had to come into one room.”

“What happened to you?” God, I hoped he hadn’t been injured in a fire. I didn’t remember what was wrong with him.

Thatcher laughed. “A tainted chicken-and-rice casserole gave the whole station food poisoning. I’ve been drinking Pepto like it’s a milkshake. I’m better, but I’m sorry I wasn’t able to pick you up from the hospital.”

That was sweet of him to say. “Don’t worry about it. I’m here, and you’re here. What we’re going to do going forward is more important to me.” Okay, I was still on painkillers, but it had been weighing on my mind. I wanted to know where I stood with Thatcher.

Thatcher kissed my cheek and snuggled closer. “Do you want—”

He jumped from the bed as though he’d been shot and rushed into his bathroom, slamming the door closed. The sounds coming from that room weren’t anything I wanted to hear, but I doubted he wanted me to hear them either. I felt horrible for the poor guy. He was going through hell.

River rushed into the bedroom carrying a tray with two bottles of water and two mugs. “I guess he’s still under the weather. I brought Thatcher some ginger tea for his stomach and some chamomile for you to relax. Do you think either of you want some toast?”

I shook my head as I scooted up to lean against the headboard with my good hand offering support. “Has he gone to a doctor?”

Riv shrugged. “I have no idea, but you’re my worry right now. How are you feeling, JD?”

My hand was still completely numb, and I was still a bit groggy from the surgery I’d had the previous day and the painkiller still pumping into my arm. I was set to go to the doctor for a post-surgery checkup, but I just wanted to fucking sleep next to Thatcher.

“I’m worried about Thatcher. Is he consuming electrolytes? He’s probably dehydrated, and maybe he shouldn’t be moving around alone, should he?”