Evers & Afters (Dare With Me #2) - J.H. Croix Page 0,3

I said sweetly.

“I was only a little cranky,” Elias added. “I even let the doctor think she’s my girlfriend.”

Flynn’s eyes went comically wide at that. “Damn. I guess that means she is your girlfriend.”

Elias actually laughed, and then immediately grimaced.

“Take it easy,” Flynn said.

“It’s my fucking ribs, man.”

“I feel you,” Flynn replied, patting his own side. “You know I cracked a few. I’m still sore.”

“Yeah, but you’re not in the fucking hospital,” Elias muttered.

“Dude, it’s only been three days,” Flynn said.

“Yeah, but you’re free. You didn’t have to spend the night,” Elias argued.

“Yeah, well, I didn’t get stabbed in the side with a branch and a piece of metal. You did.”

Elias rolled his eyes with a sigh. “I’m gonna have a hell of a scar.”

“Well, scars are badass. Right, Cammi?” Flynn glanced toward me.

“I prefer for my friends to not almost die,” I said sincerely.

“Let me see that side anyway,” Flynn commented, stepping closer to the bed.

A wash of heat blasted through me when Elias slid one arm out of his hospital gown and bared his chest and abdomen. I’d never actually seen him without a shirt. Now, I knew for sure he had a genuine six-pack, maybe even an eight-pack. My fingers twitched. Oh my God. I was getting hot and bothered over a guy in a hospital bed.

Elias pushed the fabric over further, and I gasped. He had a wound, probably eight inches long on his side, about halfway between his waist and armpit. There was a tidy line of stitches and it appeared to be healing nicely. I didn’t like thinking about what it must have looked like before it was stitched up. The entire area surrounding it was still bruised.

Flynn whistled through his teeth. “Ouch. The bruising is ugly, so that means the swelling is going down. You’re well on your way,” he offered encouragingly, unperturbed at the sight of Elias’s injury. “So, it’s that and your broken ankle, right?”

Elias nodded. “Yup. They had to repair my spleen where it got nicked and put a pin in my ankle.”

My heart twisted in my chest, and I wanted to take Elias home, wrap him in a warm comforter and ply him with tea and coffee and sweets. My response to Elias made me feel a little crazy. It alternated between pure lust and this sudden desire to take care of him. As if Elias needed anyone to take care of him.

“What time is your get out of jail card scheduled for tomorrow?” Flynn’s question drew me back into the conversation.

“The doctor said in the afternoon. They have to clear me before they truly agree to set me free.”

“I’m bringing him coffee in the morning so he’ll be in a better mood,” I offered.

Flynn chuckled. “Daphne is making him something special for dinner. You’ll get spoiled when you come home.”

“I’ll stay out in the other house,” Elias muttered.

“No can-do,” Flynn said. “A nurse called this morning to make sure somebody could help when you change the dressing on that injury, and you still can’t get around on that leg. Daphne’s gonna set you up downstairs. It’s a win-win.”

“Okay, I know you’re crazy about Daphne, and I think she’s awesome, but how do I win?”

“You get a bed downstairs and amazing food, plus all your friends get to visit.”

My phone rang, and I slipped it out of my purse, glancing down to see my friend Susie’s name flash on the screen. I stood and glanced between them. “I should get going. I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” I said, casting a last smile at Elias.

Chapter Three

Elias

“Why?” Daphne demanded.

“Because I don’t need it,” I muttered, trying to keep the frustration out of my tone.

At that moment, Flynn came walking in the room. His gaze arced from me to Daphne. “Babe, I know you want him to take more pain medication, but he’s not going for it.”

Flynn’s girlfriend let out a little huff of frustration. “Fine. Then, I’ll make your favorite muffins.”

My lips tugged into a reluctant smile. “Food will definitely improve my mood, especially anything you make.”

She gave me a worried smile. Crossing over to my bed, she pointlessly adjusted the pillows behind me. “Are you sure your leg is comfortable?” she asked as she straightened.

I looked up at Daphne, who had stolen Flynn’s heart so neatly and completely, I think he was still occasionally shocked by it. He called her princess, because she looked like one. Or, rather, she had the vibe. With auburn hair and stunning green eyes, she