Page 57

Zane was devastating enough when he was awake. Asleep, he was gorgeous, peaceful. She fought the urge to call in sick to work and curl up against his side. It would be easy to forget her responsibilities for another night, and that was exactly why she’d insisted the two of them enjoy one night and no more. She was already risking making her situation more complicated than she was capable of handling.

Bridget stood in front of him, watching him a moment longer before touching his knee. She pulled back when he jerked awake. He sat straight up, his hand hovering over his gun in his side holster.

“Zane. It’s me. Relax.”

He blinked as he stared up at her, and then he collapsed against the cushions, his hand rubbing his face.

“Shit. I’m sorry. I don’t usually sleep that soundly. Some bodyguard I’m being right now.”

She smiled. “You should go home and rest. I can drive myself to work. The hospital has security. I’m sure one of the guards can walk me to and from my car. I already told you Seth works on a different floor, so there’s no reason for our paths to cross.”

He stretched his arms over his head and then stood. “He’s not there.”

“Really? How do you know that?”

“Payton asked her social worker friend at the hospital. Jay had her call and check, so we’d know what we were dealing with when you went back to work. He’s not been at work since he was arrested. Her friend said the rumor is he took an indefinite leave of absence.”

She nodded. “That’s a relief. I’m a little surprised though. I would have thought he would have shown up to defend himself. I’m sure word has gotten around about what happened. A hospital is a hotbed for gossip, as you know.”

He encircled his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. “I’m relieved too. I hated leaving you at work when he was there, even if Sam watched over you.”

“You’re leaving me at work? I mean, that’s fine, but I thought you were my security detail for the night.”

He kissed her. “Sorry, baby, but I have something going on tonight with another case. Sam said he was good to wait at the hospital during your shift. He’s going to meet us there.”

She ignored the pang in her chest and planted a smile on her face. “I understand. It’s probably good you’re not there. I have to focus on work, and you would make it too tempting to sneak into an empty room and have a little fun.”

“Are you having second thoughts about our one night?”

Her attempt at levity backfired, and she hesitated, wondering if she would scare him away if she told him the truth. His eyes watched her intently, and she realized he would see right through any lie she told. How he’d come to know her so well in a short time was beyond her.

“Maybe having conflicting thoughts is a better way to put it.”

He fingered the strands of hair at her temple. “Tell me.”

Bridget sighed. “I want more than one night, but it’s not a good idea. Last night was incredible, but if we keep it up, we’re making things complicated. We were trying to avoid that, remember?”

“I want more than one night, too.”

She couldn’t fight the smile which split her face. “So you had fun last night?”

He returned her smile. “Yeah, I did. We could always take it one night at a time. No commitments, no plans, no strings.”

“Why does that seem unrealistic? I mean, can two people really make a no-strings-attached relationship work?”

“We’re not like everyone else. This doesn’t have to be about anything more than what it is. Than what we want it to be.”

She rested her head against his chest, squeezing him around his middle. “I hope you’re right.”

Zane tightened his embrace before nudging her away. “Come on. Let’s get going, or you’ll be late. Then later, I’ll be here when Sam brings you home. We’ll spend a few moments together before we go pick up Mathias and Marlowe. I’ll even make breakfast.”

“You know how to cook?”

“Oh, baby, there’s so much about me you don’t know.”

She laughed, and together they stepped outside. They talked about nothing in particular while he drove them to the hospital. He placed his hand on the small of her back when he escorted her inside the lobby, where Sam waited for them. She wished she could kiss Zane goodbye, but with Sam watching, she settled for him squeezing her hand and heading back out to his truck.

“How are you doing?” Sam waited to ask her until they were alone in the elevator.