Expired Getaway (Last Chance County #7) - Lisa Phillips Page 0,38

gone.”

She shook her head, even though it seriously hurt.

“Time for you to go to the hospital and be seen for real.”

“Fine.”

“Wow, that was easier than I thought.”

Only because she wouldn’t stay. Right after the doctor saw her, Bridget would leave. For her peace of mind, and everyone’s safety, she was getting out of Last Chance.

As quickly as possible.

Thirteen

When Dean walked in the door, Aiden lifted his chin. Even though Bridget had her eyes closed, he didn’t think she had lost consciousness. “The list of her injuries is pretty long.” Aiden worked to keep the worry from his voice, but knew he hadn’t succeeded when Dean clapped him on the shoulder.

The medic crouched. “Guess you guys drew the short straw because you got me.”

Aiden tried to smile but, unfortunately, it was similar to his attempts to keep worry from his voice.

Bridget opened her eyes. “Uh, hi.”

“So you’re the Bridget everyone’s talking about.”

Her brow furrowed. Aiden’s eyes widened, and he shot Dean a look. “Can we make sure this woman isn’t in medical distress before we get into the banter, please?”

“What can I say? I’m in a good mood.” The former Navy SEAL and town trauma therapist unzipped his duffel and pulled out a stethoscope. While he assessed Bridget physically, Aiden took a look at her from up close in a way he hadn’t been able to before.

Her clothes were stylish and not bargain-basement. The boots she wore appeared to be comfortable and broken in like an old friend. Her dark brown eyelashes were so long he wondered if they were fake. He remembered her eyelashes being short and very red.

“You’re staring at me.”

Aiden felt his cheeks heat. It might have been six years or more since the last time they saw each other, but he couldn’t deny that time had not dulled the attraction he felt for her. Not even when Dean glanced over again.

Aiden met his gaze. “What’s the verdict?”

“Given everything you’ve told me, our friend Bridget here has been through the wringer. But she should be safe to be transported to the hospital.”

“Good.”

“Your friend Bridget is right here, and legally responsible for herself.” She sat up with a groan.

Aiden’s body temperature dropped from the loss of contact.

She slid around on her behind but didn’t get up. Instead, she tugged her knees to her front with a wince and wrapped her arms around them. “I need to know if Millie is okay.”

“As far as I know, she is,” Dean said. “Eric will be in surgery as soon as he reaches the hospital.”

“I should get there. I need to talk to her.”

Aiden bit back the urge to argue with the logic of that.

Dean stood and stretched out his hand. “I’m sure Aiden will give you a ride to the hospital. You can talk to her as soon as the doctor clears you.”

Bridget took his hand and stood. “Thank you for coming out. I appreciate it.”

Aiden realized he was the only one still on the floor. If he wanted a shot sticking around with Bridget, he needed to get moving. “We can take your car if you want. I can have someone drive me back to mine later.”

She lifted her chin. “We can take your car. And when we get mine back, I want Butch as well.”

“Fine by me.”

Dean glanced between them. “Oh-kay. Glad you guys have this all figured out. My work here is done, and I get to torture Jess with a juicy story she hasn’t yet heard.”

Aiden was about to object when he realized it was true. Jessica Ridgeman might be one of his best friends, but he hadn’t even told her about Bridget yet. How was that possible? There just hadn’t been time.

He checked his watch. He still had a couple of hours until he needed to pick up Sydney. Until then, he wouldn’t mind having a conversation of his own with Millie.

When he glanced up at Bridget, he realized she was confused about the interplay between him and Dean. There wasn’t time to get into all that right now. “Let’s head to the hospital. You look like you’re about to fall down.”

She breezed past him. “That’s what happens when you tackle a man into a bathtub a day after a cop hits you with his car.”

He followed her out. “Don’t forget the gunshot wound to your arm.”

“Or the fact he turned my stun gun on me. Or what happened at the office, and before that.”

Aiden shut the door and then trotted after her. “You went up against