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He smiles back at me and cups my cheek. “Right.”
The space between us becomes charged with intimacy, and I resist the urge to kiss him. I lean into his palm instead, soaking in the tenderness of the moment.
We race towards home, with Hayden watching me closely. He doesn’t yank me onto his lap like last time, but I can tell he wants to. He takes my hand in his, threading our fingers, and he doesn’t let go, even when we land.
He leads me from the plane, and the winter air slices through my clothes. Sebastian waits for us next to an idling vehicle, his gaze sharp and assessing. When he takes in my hula shirt, bright orange skirt and sandals, his lips twitch. I make a face at him before burrowing further into Hayden’s coat. It was either this outfit from the tourist shop or my birthday suit.
Once Hayden and I are settled in the backseat, he turns to me. “I know you want to see Harper, but I suggest we run home and have you change into clothes that are weather-appropriate. Plus, that’ll give you a chance to eat something.”
I open my mouth to argue that I’m fine and I don’t want to take him up on his suggestion, but then he says, “I need to make sure you’re taken care of first, baby.”
Shocked into silence, I nod. Hayden never calls me baby unless he’s in a state of emotional overwhelm, and it’s never in public. The endearment echoes in my mind, a reminder of how much this man affects me.
Because I love him.
If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have forgiven him.
After a quick detour to Hayden’s penthouse, the hospital looms into view as we turn into the parking lot. Hayden helps me out of the car and places a hand on my back, guiding me inside. I inquire about Harper at the front desk and get her room number.
We step into the elevator, and the sterile hospital smell hits me, making my stomach churn. As if sensing my unease, Hayden pulls me to his side, tucking my body next to his.
“She’s fine,” he says quietly.
I nod, taking solace in his confidence. However, as we walk down the hall, my anxiety takes over, making my hands shake. When we reach Harper’s room, I pause and take a deep breath before pushing open the door.
My usually vibrant and cheerful friend lies motionless in the hospital bed with an IV line hooked up to her arm and a heart monitor beeps steadily, filling the quiet. Until she sees me.
“Calista! You’re here!”
I rush over and hug her. With a sniff, I sit on the bed. “Of course I came. How are you feeling?”
“Meh,” she says with a shrug. “Honestly, I don’t remember anything. One minute I was hauling ass across the street, and the next I’m waking up in here.”
“Where’s your mom?”
“She’ll be here first thing in the morning. I sent her home because she’s been here so much that she’s getting on the nurses’ nerves.”
I drop my voice to a whisper. “Is she getting you the good shit?” I flick my gaze to the IV.
Harper bursts out laughing. “I’ve missed you.”
“You too.”
“Hey there, Mr. Bennett,” Harper says, her voice chipper. “Thanks for bringingourgirl to visit me.”
Hayden steps forward with the side of his mouth quirking up. “Of course, Miss Flynn. Calista cares about you a great deal.”
“I’m glad she’s here, but I didn’t want to interrupt your getaway.”
“Family first,” he says.
“That’s right.” Harper tilts her head and looks up at him with her gaze narrowed. “So, let’s talk about felonies, Mr. Attorney. I want to know what to do about this asshole who hit me.”
He waves a hand. “Go for it.”
I watch them chat amicably. The tension leaves my body, and I relax for the first time since I heard Harper had been hospitalized. Hayden answers all of her outrageous “how to break the law without actually breaking the law” questions without giving her any attitude. She even makes him laugh a couple of times. Seeing them together soothes my nerves and makes my heart happy.
When I yawn, Hayden ends the conversation. “I better get Calista to bed,” he says, looking at me.
