“I just have this awful fear she’s going to trapped in this state until her heart finally gives out. It kills me, because she was always such a vital, alive person.”
“Just be assured she is getting the very best care possible. Come on, let’s get out of here. Brianne is very well protected and you look exhausted. It’s been quite a day and you need a break.”
She wanted to tell him he was the one who needed it the most, but she’d take care of that when they got back to his place.
“You’re right.” She rose and leaned over to place a kiss on her sister’s forehead. When she turned, Nolan was standing there next to Blaze.
“She’s my number-one priority,” he assured her.
She managed a smile. “Thank you for that, but I know you have many patients to take care of.”
“And they all get the same attention,” Blaze declared. “This is Wonder Doc.”
Nolan chuckled. “Not really. I just love my patients. Go on, you two. Get out of here. Brianne is well-tended and well-protected. You two look like you fought the wars today.”
Peyton wanted to tell him she felt like it, but her focus now was on Blaze. He had said little on the drive to the hospital and she could feel the tension radiating from him in thick waves. She could hardly imagine what he was feeling, knowing the man who had been responsible for the death of most of his team was mixing it up in his life again. She’d made up her mind that tonight it was her turn to take care of him.
After one last check with everyone, Chuck reminded everyone to check in regularly. Then, finally, they were headed away from the hospital.
“I want to make one last stop,” Blaze told her as he pulled away from the parking lot.
“For what?”
“Let’s take a moment to check you out of your hotel. I don’t want you going back there for a lot of reasons. Besides, I guess you’d probably like to have some clean clothes.”
She’d been thinking exactly the same thing. She’d showered that morning, but she felt less than fresh in yesterday’s clothing.
“I’d really appreciate getting some things, but are you sure you want me to check out?”
He waited so long to answer that Peyton wondered if she’d even like what he had to say.
“Here’s the thing,” he said at last. “I’m going to be real honest with you.”
“Good,” she interrupted. “Honesty always works best.”
“I don’t know what’s going on with us, but whatever it is has hit me harder than anything I’ve ever had with another woman. It scares the shit out of me, but at the same time I want it. A lot.”
“Uh, okay.” Where was he going with this?
“Besides keeping you safe, which is a top priority, I want you with me. In my home, in my bed. So I figure the hotel room is just a waste of your money.”
Peyton swallowed a smile. He sounded as if he was sitting on the head of a pin, unsure of her answer, which she felt was an unfamiliar situation for him. She had the idea he wasn’t ever unsure of anything. Until now.
His hands tightened on the wheel.
“If that’s a bad idea, just say so.” His voice was strained. “We’ll do whatever you want. It’s not an order. If I misread your reactions, I’ll just drop you off at the hotel and pick you up in the morning.”
For the first time that day, she relaxed and laughter bubbled from her mouth.
“That’s not a problem, Blaze. I was just startled. I mean, I didn’t think you wanted me around every minute.”
He grabbed one of her hands and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“To be totally honest, I’m kind of shocked myself. I thought maybe in the beginning I was just horny and you were exceptionally attractive. But,” he hurried on, “it’s more than that. How can I tell in less than forty-eight hours? I don’t know, but my gut tells me this is right. It also tells me this is probably the wrong time to get into this with all that’s going on.”
Peyton mentally shook her head. She was sure this was probably the least romantic proposition or whatever it was that she’d ever had, yet it warmed her the most. She pushed away the misgivings that wanted to crowd into her brain. If this turned out to be a mistake, when everything was over, she’d just walk away. She could do it.