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Before leaving the doctor’s office, I called Cap to let him know I’d be coming in. Checking in. I’m not fool enough to believe I can return to full duty. But I need to let him know I take my job seriously, and I will be back—sooner than later.
He must have told some of the guys I was coming, as I’m greeted by gentle hugs and gruff, “I’ll kick his ass,” comments the moment I walk in the door.
“I know you’ve missed her, gentlemen. But give her room to breathe,” Captain Jimmy Durant’s command parts the way as he approaches. “It’s good to see you, Frankie.” His hug lingers, like a father who’s not convinced his kid is okay. “Let’s go to my office.” His large hand on my back and his impressive scowl ensure we make it with no further interruptions.
“Sit.” He rounds his desk as I take a seat across from him. “How are you?”
“I’m good.” I lean forward, ignoring the discomfort the effort produces. “I’m ready to come back to work.”
He shakes his head, leaning back. “Frankie.”
“At least part-time. I can assess injuries. Stock supplies. Light therapy—”
“No.”
I take a breath to reply when I notice Cap’s eyes are on the door and not me. It’s then I realize thenodidn’t come from Captain but Gabriel.
Cap points to the chair next to me. “Join us, Gabriel.”
“No.” I stand and step to the window. “This is none of your business,” I say to Gabriel. “This is between Cap and me.He’smy employer. Not you.”
Gabriel stands, legs wide, arms crossed. “Cap?”
“He’s right, Frankie.” Cap draws my attention. “You’re in no condition to return to work. Give it two weeks. Then, with a doctor’s note, you can return to work with limited duties.”
“Two weeks?! Limited duties?” I thought for sure he’d let me hang out and slowly get back to full swing.
“You heard the man,” Gabriel smugly replies. “Let’s go.”
“Go?” I look between the two of them who share a conspiratorial look. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“Oh, yes you are.” Mr. Asshole stomps toward me.
“No.” I hold my hand out, which only manages to press against his chest as he pushes me backward. “I have my car. I don’t need you to drive me.”
“You drove!” The sing-song effect of their joined voices has me smiling despite myself.
“Yes. I drove.” I stand a few inches taller, hoping it’ll make them back down.
“What the fuck, Angel?” His hand covers mine, holding it against his chest. His heart is beating rapidly, and his eyes soften as if he’s truly concerned. “I know the doctor didn’t approve you to come back to work, much less drive.”
I open my mouth to reply, but he cuts me off. “Don’t lie.”
A shrug is the only answer I give.
“That’s what I thought.” He holds out his hand. “Keys.”
I narrow my eyes at him and then Cap, who simply shakes his head, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Fine.” I dig them out of my purse and smack them in Gabriel’s palm.
Gabriel tosses the keys to Cap and grabs my hand. “Will you see that the guys drop her car off at my house later?” He doesn’t wait for a reply as he drags me out of Cap’s office.
“I hate you,” I mutter, trying to dislodge my hand from his.
“No, you don’t.” He picks me up with gentle ease as if I weigh nothing, kissing my forehead and whispering against my skin, “You only wish you did.”
LAST WEEK, WHEN I BROUGHT MYAngel home from the gym, it took everything I had not to kiss the hurt off her face. In her eyes, I’m unreasonable. I’m a traitor. I said I’d have her back, and I do. But it doesn’t mean I supported her plan to hurt herself by returning to work and driving too soon.
“What if you had an accident?” I glanced at her beautiful, pouty face as she tried to ignore me from the passenger seat. “What if a kid ran out in the road? Could you have slammed on the brakes and turned the wheel fast enough—with only one arm—to avoid hitting him?”
