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“It was irresponsible.” Pointing to the door, he said, “She’s not clued in on any of this. I didn’t want her to think something was up if I pulled out of the run.”
“Well, the next time you have a burst of macho male energy, you’d do well to recognize when your life's on the line,” Dr. Stein warned as he filled out a packet of paperwork, signing things left and right. “We need to replace your batteries and your right atrial lead. I scheduled the procedure for the earliest slot tomorrow. You should be out of here by Monday afternoon.”
The doctor stood to leave, pausing when he reached the door. “Try to get some rest.”
Kenna reentered the room in Dr. Stein’s wake. She hovered by the doorway, as she often did in his office, pinching the skin at her throat.
“Is everything okay?”
He patted the foot of the bed and she couldn’t have worn her hesitation more plainly, pulling in a deep breath.
In spite of her downturned lips, the crease between her brows, she was utterly stunning. Who knew being somber could look so lovely. Kenna settled into the designated spot though she looked unsure of the arrangement and Dayton repositioned his legs to grant her more space.
“I’m having minor surgery in the morning. I’ll miss the first day back. Do you think you could put up a sign outside the office, letting everyone know I’ll be back on Tuesday? I’m going to give the dean a call in a little while.”
“It’s the least I can do.” Kenna kicked off the muddy running shoes, folding her legs beneath her.
He found it difficult to discern whether she was expressing romantic interest or if her kindness simply knew no bounds.
“So, surgery? That’s pretty serious.” She went mute for a beat. “Do you want me to stay?”
She’d spent all day with him as a result of the unexpected hospitalization yet she was offering more of herself.
Kenna was a saint. An angel he didn’t deserve.
“I’ve burdened you enough today. Don’t waste what little energy you have left worrying about me. I’ll be alright.”
“Really, you should go home.”
She’d spent the entire day fretting over his condition and he was kicking her out. Even though he’d insisted that she leave, she saw that he was torn, in deep deliberation with himself. Dark rings clung to his eyes. He looked as though he hadn’t slept in days. His collapse had taken a toll on him.
Why was he being so stubborn? Dr. Merino would benefit from the comfort of a familiar face.
He needed emotional support and that’s what she intended to provide whether he wanted it or not.
“Dr. Merino, with all due respect, I want to stay. You shouldn’t be alone for this.”
“I think we’re past formal titles. You saw me faint, for God’s sake.” He crossed his legs beneath the tangled sheets, insisting, “Call me Dayton.”
First-name basis.
The muscles in her legs tightened and Kenna questioned her brash decision to stay.
She remembered Charlee’s warning. But Dr. Merino hadn’t insisted on callingKennaby her first name. If she personally extended the invitation, would she gain the upper hand? It was all or nothing. Her insides trembled, but her game face was impenetrable.
“In that case, I’d prefer you call me Kenna.”
17
LADY OF SHALOTT
“I can’t believe you’re staying in the hospital with that creep,” Alex complained no less than two seconds after Kenna climbed into the passenger seat of her Kia.
Her expression and tone aligned with that of a disappointed mother. Alex was particularly adept at making those around her feel guilty, a maternal knack that was equally irritating and endearing. Kenna was in no mood to be judged.
Last night had been pure hell.
She’d hardly slept between worrying about Dr. Merino and panicking at his nearness. How had she stumbled into this precarious position, caring for someone she feared?
