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“That’s great, A.B. Does the hero happen to be a tall, handsome stranger with an adorable lab?”
“Maybe.”
“I like it already.”
“Well, I might let you read the second draft.”
The hospital sat tucked back off the highway, partially hidden by large pine trees. Jared parked on the back side and they both grabbed a large black trash bag and filled it up with gifts.
“Do you have your Grinch voice down?” Jared asked.
She cleared her throat and talked out of the side of her mouth. “Hello...children.”
Jared chuckled. “That’s hot. You may have to do that for just me, later.”
Anna Beth’s cheeks flushed beneath the makeup. Although they’d made out, their intimacy hadn’t gone beyond kissing and light petting. But Jared’s comment made her think about the red plaid bustier she’d bought to wear under her black dress on Saturday. It came with matching cheeky undies and Tammy convinced her it would drive him crazy.
Although she’d thought about being in bed with Jared, Anna Beth didn’t know how ready she was to take that step. What if they were awkward together?
They passed through the front doors to the information desk. As the staff caught sight of them, everyone smiled.
“The Grinch,” the receptionist said.
“Yes, what do you want?” Anna Beth said, already in character. When the group laughed, a giddy sensation spread through her.
“They are here to see the kids,” a guy in blue scrubs said.
“Sure, just sign here and Kayla, the one in the pink, will take you down.”
After they showed their IDs, they were handed visitors passes and followed Kayla down the hallway to the elevators. Sweat coated Anna Beth’s skin beneath the green fur suit and she resisted the urge to wipe her forehead.
“The kids know they are getting a special guest, but we didn't give them any other details. They are going to be really surprised. Props to whoever did your makeup, by the way.”
“Thanks,” Anna Beth said.
They stepped out of the elevator and passed through a doorway lit by a string of green garland dotted with tiny red bows. Kayla waved at a short woman in business casual attire.
“Oh my gosh. I’m Janet, Peds Director. I want to thank you both for doing this. Officer Cross, you make an adorable Max.”
Jared barked and Anna Beth laughed.
“And you must be Anna Beth.” Janet took her hand and squeezed it. “Welcome. I’ll take you around to each room. We’ll start with little Hunter. He’s four.”
“Can we set the bags somewhere and take the individual presents around?” Anna Beth asked.
“Absolutely. Right through here to my office.”
Once the bags were stashed away, Anna Beth followed behind Janet into Hunter’s hospital room. The little boy sat up in bed in a blue hospital gown, watching cartoons. His mother looked up from her book when they entered, her face brightening.
“Hunter, there is someone here to see you,” Janet said.
Hunter turned big hazel eyes their way, his short brown hair mussed.
His face split into an excited smile. “The Grinch!”
The IV tube in his arm moved as he crawled closer to the edge of the bed.
“Hello, Hunter. What are you in for?”
