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ChapterForty-Four
TESS
“Paging Dr. Crane,” I croak when Spencer fills the doorway. He freezes, surveying the space. The air smells of hospital soap and rubber gloves. There’s a metal contraption next to my bed that’s got an IV bag hooked to it. Fluid drips into a tube running between the contraption and me.
When Spencer eyes the needle taped to my arm, he gulps. The Adam’s apple travels the length of his throat. “You’re okay,” he says.
“And you’re very… umm… what’s the word … medical.” My tongue feels cotton-ball dry. And thick. “I love that you’re a librarian, but sexy doctor works for me too.”
Hmm. Did I just call Spencer sexy? And did I sayI love that you’re a librarian? I mean Idolove that, and heissexy. But I might be a little loopy.
He glances down at the blue scrubs like he forgot what he was wearing. “Yeah.” He looks up again and adjusts his glasses. “Some nurse handed these to me.” He blinks. “Not just some nurse. A very nice nurse.”
“You’revery nice,” I say. Okay. I am definitely loopy. But I still know exactly what I’m saying. I’m just not sure everyone else will understand.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
I tilt my chin and consider the question. I’ve got a headache and the upper half of my leg with the bite is throbbing. But the numbness from before I lost consciousness is better. Kind of. I think.
I don’t know.
“I’m pretty good,” I say. “Thanks to you. My hero.”
“Nah. I’m the reason you got bit.”
“Uh uh.” I scrunch up my nose. “I’m the klutz who fell on a snake. Whodoesthat? Poor lil guy. He was just chilling in a bush, and then BAMMO. Tornado Tess takes out his house.” I curve my lips into a smile. “I’m like the Wizard of Oz.” I’m not sure I’m making sense to Spencer, but I definitely make sense to myself.
Spencer shakes his head. “Whatever you say.” He pulls a chair over from across the room, shoving it right up next to my bed. Then he sits, grabbing my non-needle hand. He’s clutching me like I’m the life-preserver he needs to haul himself into a boat.
“How areyoudoing, Dr. Crane?” I point at his face. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“You gave me a good scare. Not gonna lie.” His eyes dart to my leg, bandaged and swollen. He frowns. I frown. I don’t want Spencer to worry. I don’t wantanyoneto worry. I just wanted to make everyone proud.
“The doctors say I have to stay here for a day or two,” I tell him. “Because of the shock and stuff. But I don’t want to. Camp needs me.”
He skates his free hand up my arm, fingers skimming light and tender. Then they go down again. Shivers ripple my skin. How can this feel so good when the rest of me feels so bad?
“Of course no one can replace you, but the camp will be okay.” His hand, with the death-grip, squeezes mine. “You’ve got the place running so smoothly—all the schedules planned out ahead—Jill can cover for you, no problem. You just work on getting better.”
My nose tickles. “I love Jill.”
“Yeah.” His voice is husky. “And she loves you back. A lot of people do. There’s a whole waiting room out there full of people dying to get in here and tell you how much.”
“But you’re in here,” I tell him. “Because I wanted you. Out of everybody.” And there goes my cotton-ball tongue again. Saying stuff I maybe shouldn’t. “Is that okay? Should I not tell you that I want you the most?”
“No.”
My nose tickles some more. “No, I shouldn’t tell you?”
“No, it’s not wrong. And yes, it’s okay to tell me.”
“Ahhh. Ahhh.” I wiggle my nose and sniffle. Spencer lets go of me long enough to snag a tissue from the box beside the bed. And after grabbing hold of me again, he uses his free hand to dab at my nose. It’s like he was too busy holding my hand to realize I could’ve done that for myself. Ladies? Get yourself a man who’s willing to wipe your nose.
“Better?” he asks.
I nod. “You’re the sweetest man. And you’re sexy. And smart. And superman …” This makes absolute sense to me.
“Thanks.” He meets my gaze, eyes boring into mine.
