Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
“They haven’t. The rush order was pushed through, but nothing yet. You should have them by your follow-up with Doctor Gallo on Tuesday.” I deflate at the news. A few more days of sitting around and waiting, exactly what I wanted while being unable to keep my mind busy.
“Okay.” My voice sounds just as deflated, and I’m sure he can tell. “Is there any way I’ll be released soon, at least?” Ugh, I hate the way my voice has a whine to it. Things could be so much worse for me, and being down in the dumps is not the type of person I am.
“I’m hoping within the next hour or so. The nurses told me you went down to over-the-counter medicine, which I’m fine with, but I’d suggest a stronger pain reliever to get you home. I’ll also write a prescription for pain medicine just in case. I’d suggest filling it even if you don’t use it. The bloating will go down the more you move, so while you should rest, still get up every couple of hours and make a few laps around the house.” Well, shit, I haven’t been doing much of that today.
When he crosses his arms over his chest, the sleeves of his coat and the shirt beneath pull up, revealing ink traced along his wrists and forearms. My imagination runs wild, wondering how far they go. Do they climb up his arms into his shoulder only to travel down the length of his torso and run even further down his stomach? What I can see is the bold lines of the design standing out against his deep olive skin tone, drawing my eyes and daring them to linger.
“I can do that. No guarantees on me filling the prescription, though. But I will take you up on a pain pill before leaving.” I’m thinking to myself that Coralynn is driving me home. That could be dangerous. The girl never met a curb she didn’t like, not to mention speed bumps. I love my sister, but her driving is questionable. Maybe I should call Lyric back and ask for one of them to take me home.
“Good.” He goes to add something that sounds like a ‘g’ in the next word but holds himself back. Instead, I’m given a lazy smirk, one that curls up one corner of his mouth, like he’s holding back a secret. Luke doesn’t need to speak. The heat in his gaze and the way he’s carrying himself are telling me everything I need to know. The attraction isn’t one sided after all, and there’s a promise of more. The question is, will I be bold enough to make a move?
“Yeah.” My voice comes out in a husky tone, startling me since I’m not used to hearing myself this way. I pause, trying to regain a semblance of composure, which seems like an impossible task given the man standing in front of me. I clear my throat and sit up a bit, and, of course, the tie at the back of my hospital gown gets snagged between my arm and the side of my body. I’m busy trying to fix myself, one arm near my hip to adjust myself, the other trying to grab at the strings that barely hold the damn thing together, when I feel the fabric slide off my shoulder.
“Shit,” I hiss, realization hitting me that I’m damn close to having a nipple slip situation.
“Here, let me help you with that.” Doctor Camden, or Luke, as his friends call him, is near my side in an instant. I’m regretting not taking my sister up on bringing clothes of my own. The downside of that was shopping with her, and anyone who knows Coralynn is well aware that your outing will last for hours. It’s not my favorite cup of tea to begin with; add on being dragged around the whole day, starting with brunch before hitting the outdoor stores, stopping for coffee, and then moving to the mall, and then you’ll end up eating dinner out, too. No thank you. I’m more of an in-and-out type of girl. I get what I came for, then leave. Better yet, I’ll look for everything I need online, and as long as the website offers free returns, sign me up.
“Thank you.” The tips of his fingers graze the slope of my neck, moving my hand away when doing so. My hair being in a braid keeps it out of his way; it also does nothing to dull the sensations that blossom along my heated skin. It’s not just any touch, either, more like a caress, one that lingers long after he brings his other hand to help re-tie the strings together. It would seem quick and methodical to others if they happened upon us. Yet I can feel and hear the low groan he tries to muffle with a clearing of his throat.