Chances Are - By Christy Reece Page 0,71
more days.”
“I’ll feel better at home. There’s nothing more the doctors can do. I just need some healing time.”
“You can’t walk yet.”
She lifted her chin. “So? No matter if I stay here or go home, I won’t be able to walk for weeks. At least if I’m home, I’ll be in my own bed.”
Jake watched her closely. Even though he wanted to keep her here, protected from the world, he didn’t argue. Just seeing the stubborn light in her eyes was worth any additional worry he had that she needed to be completely healed before going home. Compared to how she’d looked three days ago, her recovery was nothing short of miraculous. He would never forget the moment she tried to walk to him and then collapsed in his arms. Her courage awed him.
He had yet to tell her that she wasn’t going home alone. They hadn’t talked about their relationship. Hell, she had no idea that he even wanted one. He had been waiting for the right time but now wondered why he hadn’t already told her. At that question, he stopped. Of course he knew why he hadn’t told her. What if she said no? She didn’t seem to blame him for what happened but that didn’t mean she wanted anything else to do with him. He’d rejected her, slept with her when she was in a vulnerable state, and almost let her get killed by a serial killer. It was a wonder she allowed him into her room.
Remaining cautious, he said, “Let’s see what the doctor says before you get too set on leaving.”
As if she’d been summoned, a knock sounded and Dr. Bittner appeared. “How are we doing today?”
“We’re doing just great and want to go home.”
She smiled. “Now that’s a coincidence. I came to tell you that you’re being released today.”
Angela threw a look at Jake, her eyes dancing with an ‘I told you so’ light. How could she act as if nothing had happened when every time he closed his eyes, he imagined the horror she had endured? Her resilience amazed and humbled him.
“No trying to walk on those feet for at least another ten days or so. I’ll send your chart to your regular physician.”
Jake listened carefully as the doctor issued orders about her feet, the lingering headaches she might experience because of her concussion, and the need to watch for infection of the numerous cuts on her body.
“I was thinking about hiring a nurse,” Angela said. “Just for a few days to help me get in and out of the shower and things like that.”
The doctor nodded approvingly. “That’s an excellent idea.”
Jake could feel McCall’s eyes on him. Yesterday he had informed his boss that he would be taking care of Angela when she was released. The man had been set on bringing Angela to his home and hiring someone to care for her. He’d said Samara was quite intent on the idea. Jake had assured him that Samara was more than welcome to come by for visits but that Jake would see to Angela’s care.
McCall hadn’t argued but had seemed dammed amused for some reason.
“I have the plane on standby,” McCall said. “I’ll let them know we’ll be leaving in a few hours.”
As soon as McCall and the doctor walked out the door, Jake turned to her. “I’m going home with you.”
She blinked at him. “Of course you are. There’s plenty of room on the plane.”
“No, I mean I’m moving in with you.”
“What?”
He grinned, hoping he didn’t look as nervous as he felt. “You told me I needed to find a better place to live.”
“Do I get a say in this?”
Jake swallowed hard, the lump in his throat growing larger. Dammit, she was right. After what happened to her, she probably wanted nothing to do with him.
“Let me do this for you, Angela. What happened to you was my fault. I should have watched your back.”
Dark eyes stared hard at him for several seconds. He withstood the look. If she wanted to slug him for not being there for her, he’d take that, too. It was no less than he deserved.
Finally, with a small nod, she said, “I appreciate the offer. I could really use the help.”
Relieved that she hadn’t just told him to get the hell out of her life, he said, “I appreciate you letting me help.”
“You’re wrong about one thing, Jake. What happened wasn’t your fault.”
He disagreed, but wasn’t going to argue. She’d let him off the hook