When Hearts Collide - By James, Kendra Page 0,44

The love I deserve.

Did she love him? Molly knew he roused feelings no one ever had. She’d had boyfriends before, yet nothing that felt like this. Could this be love? No, this wasn’t real love. It had to be passion, lust, something other than love.

She turned away. “I need to get back to Gracie.”

Molly felt his gaze on her, boring into her back as she crossed the room. Her cheeks flushed in discomfort. She couldn’t get involved with a patient. Her hands clenched and unclenched, her nails digging into her palms until she drew blood. His feelings for her were distorted. She’d been instrumental in saving his life. It was known to occur. Nurses were lectured, warned how easily it could happen.

Yet what about her feelings for him? Was it ‘Good Samaritan’ syndrome? She’d never had it happen in all her years of nursing, but then she’d never saved anyone’s life at an accident scene before. Yes, she’d stopped to assist several times, but never had she been the only one at the scene, the only one responsible for saving a life. Was that affecting her feelings? Molly straightened her back. She needed to remain professional. He won’t be a patient forever. What about then? Stop it, Molly. You’ve got enough trouble with your career, one problem at a time.

That reminded her, she had to call Carmen and see if she’d found out anything. Who really took the drugs? She needed to have her name cleared and get back to work, but right now her job consisted of looking after one small child who was demanding a push on a swing.

Molly fumbled for a syringe and a vial of sterile water. Her fingers shook as she inserted the needle and drew up the medication. Their earlier conversation still had her reeling, and the sight of him in bed set fire to her imagination. She kept her back to Pearce while she regained her composure. She couldn’t let him see how he affected her.

Sliding the end of the intravenous tubing into the bag, she ran the fluid until the line cleared of air. She took her time, thankful for something to keep her hands occupied. She wasn’t ready to face him yet. Placing the antibiotic in the mini-fridge, she cleaned up the assortment of discarded wrappers, deposited them in the garbage, and wiped off the counter. Finally collected, her heart rate almost normal and her hands no longer shaking, Molly donned her professional smile, and crossed to the bed.

Pearce must have realized she wasn’t going to say anything, yet she saw the sheen of passion in his eyes and knew he still wanted her. Could she block out the reality of their situation as easily as he seemed able to do?

What was she doing? This was a stranger, someone she’d just met. Someone who’d come out of the blue for her to save his life; someone who’d be out of her life again as soon as he was well. Molly jerked her thoughts away, relieved the sheet covered his loose, revealing pajamas.

Chapter 11

Molly assisted Pearce into the wheelchair without breaking a sweat. Not an easy task with someone of his size. He towered over her by at least seven inches. It was accomplished in silence, as if both were afraid to speak, afraid they might say something that revealed emotions they needed to keep tightly reined.

Molly pushed the wheelchair close to the window where he could watch Gracie playing in the sandbox. She needed to know more about this man, needed to understand more about the feelings he roused in her every time she came near.

“Molly, can you help me to go outside? I want to be closer to Gracie.”

They sat on the deck watching Gracie play in the sandbox. Trooper lay close by, keeping a watchful eye on the child. They spent a pleasant hour before Trooper’s barking announced Doctor Graham’s arrival.

The doctor was pleased with Pearce’s progress. After he examined his incision and checked his leg, he handed Molly a bottle of pills and said to Pearce, “I’m changing your antibiotic to an oral one. It will be easier. Keep up with your physiotherapy. You’re making great progress.”

Turning to Molly, he asked, “Have you taken any time off to tour the area?”

“No. I’ve been pretty busy here.”

“Yes, I can see that. You need some time off.”

“But...”

“Doctor’s orders.”

Molly grinned. “A break would be nice, but Gracie and Pearce need me here.”

He flashed a row of straight white teeth. “How about