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She giggles. “Then, Romeo… don’t get caught, okay?”
“Wouldn’t dream of it. Can’t bring the famous North family name into disrepute now, can I?”
“I love you, little brother.”
“Love you too. Don’t work too hard. Stress is a killer.”
She laughs. “So are booze and cigarettes.”
“Well, thank fuck you didn’t say bacon because my life would be over.”
“Hate to tell you this—”
“I’m not listening,” I interrupt her. “Hanging up now.”
She laughs. “Talk to you soon.”
“Later,” I reply, then end the call.
Letting out a heavy exhale, I slide my cell back into my pocket and turn to walk inside. The door to Ingrid’s room opens, and my eyes widen. I jerk the door open, rushing inside to get to her as she slowly walks up to the reception counter.
Briskly, I walk over and gently place my hand on her back for comfort. “You okay?”
She weakly smiles and nods as the nurse hands her some pamphlets.
“We will be in contact with the results within two weeks. Ensure you ice the site for ten to fifteen minutes several times over the next forty-eight hours. No heavy lifting, and try to rest as much as possible. Also, I suggest wearing a bra to bed if you can for the next night or two to keep the site supported.”
Ingrid nods, taking the pamphlets from her outstretched hand. “Thank you. Appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”
The nurse gently touches Ingrid’s arm. “It’s what we’re here for… we’ll be in touch soon. Rest up.”
Ingrid dips her head and then turns to me. “Can you take me back to my place? I don’t think I can take the noise of the clubhouse at the moment.”
I wrap my arm around Ingrid’s body to support her and then help walk her to the door. “Whatever you need. Remember, I got you, angel.”
We walk to the car, and I open the door, helping her slide into the passenger seat. She winces, and I clench at seeing her in pain—pain I wish I could take away. Quickly, I jump into the driver’s side and start the car. “Let’s get you home.”
Ingrid nods, leans back on the seat, and closes her eyes. She lets out a long breath, and I reach out, sliding my hand into hers, giving her the comfort she obviously needs right now. This brave woman doesn’t fight me. Instead, she grips me tight, her fingers intertwining with mine as I start the car and we head for her home.
I let her rest, not saying a single word the entire ride home, even though there is so much I want to say, want to know. But right now, I want her to be calm in the moment.
She will talk to me when she’s ready.
Pulling into her driveway, I turn off the engine, and Ingrid’s eyes don’t make any movements—perhaps she is asleep. Slowly, I unhook our hands and unbuckle my belt, quietly sliding out of the car. I rush around the car and bend inside, sliding off her belt. Then I grab her bag, reach for her keys, and walk to the front door.
I place her bag on the counter just inside the door, then turn back to grab Ingrid. She’s still passed out in the car, so I duck in and slowly scoop her into my arms. Ingrid murmurs, slowly waking, her arms sliding around my neck and gripping tight. “South?” she whispers against my chest.
“Just relax. I’ll get you inside,” I tell her.
She cuddles into me as I kick the car door closed, then walk inside.
This home—it’s exactly how I pictured it to be.
Neat.
Stylish.
Exactly her.
