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Chapter Nine
Dalia fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. Sienna slipped in beside her, musing about the spontaneous hug earlier. She’d never imagined she would welcome Tyler’s attention, but then she’d never expected he would look at her with such longing. His response to her hug had betrayed desire. Fortunately, he’d drawn away quickly.
Still annoyed with herself, she turned over and noticed the glow from the living room. Tyler had probably lit a fire. She slid out of bed, threw a shawl over her shoulders, and grabbed her bottle of water before gliding to the living room.
Sprawled in his chair, deep in thought, Tyler contemplated the fire. She sat on the sofa, facing him.
“I thought you were going to bed.” She leaned against the three pillows he’d piled up for her.
“How was your—” they started together, and stopped short, laughing.
He raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to speak.
“My day was good, the pain more bearable, if that’s what you’re wondering. The Tylenol helped. I’m thinking of driving Dalia to school tomorrow. She’s too bored to stay home. I’ll stop by the principal’s office, explain about my surgery, and ask for three more days off. This morning I just called in sick.”
“Hmm...” His lips twitched. “If you insist on speaking to the principal face to face, I can drive you and Dalia tomorrow morning. You can leave her there for the day, and I’ll bring you back before continuing to the hospital. I’ll pick her up on my way back.”
“But—”
“Even if you feel okay, don’t push yourself. I would prefer to drive you and make sure you and Dalia are safe. You could get dizzy and have an accident.”
Hearing him mention Dalia’s safety scared the hell out of her, reminding Sienna of her terrifying search for her daughter last Friday.
“Okay. How about you drop us off, and I’ll get a taxi back.”
He nodded. “That’s a good solution.”
“Glad you approve, Dr. Kent.” She chuckled. “How wasyourfirst workday after the weekend’s commotion?”
“It was so-so.” He mentioned his successful surgeries and described his meetings, one with the nosey boss, which amused her, and the other with his colleague from the ER.
“Ah, so your ER doctor is attracted to her. Good news for you, right?” She couldn’t hide her smile.
“Exactly. When he asked me the reason for our breakup, I said I got cold feet.”
“A perfect and generous explanation. You’re not casting blame on your ex-fiancée.”
“But she still insists she’s pining for me.”
“Smart woman. She won’t give in to the ER doctor too easily.”
“You think so? Interesting.”
Sienna would bet Beverly would find a way to prolong her hospital stay until she had her new beau hooked. Would Tyler relax now and stop seeing her only as a patient?
“Quite the busy day.”
“I’m not finished yet.” He related his dinner with a nurse.
Bummer, if he’d shared dinner with a pretty nurse tonight, chances were others would follow, until a newBeverlywon the challenge and garnered a commitment.
Sienna sobered. “It’s none of my business, but isn’t it too soon to start dating after breaking off a serious relationship?”
“My opinion exactly. I’m not planning to date anyone. I’ll share lunches and dinners until I’ve convinced the female staff that I’m seriously afraid of commitment.”
“I see.” She frowned, not liking this one bit, but she kept her thoughts to herself. What right did she have to be jealous? Especially when he’d chosen to confide in her as a trusted friend.
His mouth curved into a thoughtful smile. “You don’t approve?”
