Page 32

“I’m going to need more information.” She pointedtoward the cup on the tray. “Am I allowed to have water?”
He lifted the straw to her lips. “Let’s just say your dad wanted to know my…intentions.”
She coughed, and a little water dripped down her chin. “How awkward for you.”
“Not really.” Keaton smiled. “I like your dad. He’s cool.”
“Yeah, he is.” She glanced around the room. Cards and flowers lined the windowsill. She pointed.
“None of those are from me.” He arched a brow. “Though I have half a mind to toss out that bouquet.”
“Why?”
“Because they came from Fenton.”
She rolled her eyes. “You have my blessing to burn them.”
Keaton frowned. “Is he the reason you don’t like it when a man gives you flowers?”
“No.” She sighed. “I’ve never really been a flowers girl—partly because my mom demanded them from my dad for every single occasion. But mostly because the guys who gave them to me did so because they had done something they needed to apologize for. Usually lying or cheating or both.”
“Ah, I see.” He strolled over to the window, snagged the largest arrangement, and stuffed it in the garbage. “Well, if I ever get you flowers, it won’t be for those reasons, that’s for sure.”
“They’re kind of a waste of money.”
“Maybe someday I can change your mind aboutthat.” He eased back on the side of the bed. “Do you need anything? Are you in pain?”
“I honestly don’t know what I am.”
A tap at the door filled the room, and a young man pushing a tray strolled in. “Oh, good. We’re awake. That will make my job easier,” the man said. “I just need to check your blood pressure, temperature, change out your IV, give you some more IV antibiotics, and escort you down for some X-rays.” He nodded to Keaton.
“She needs more? Why?” Keaton asked.
“It’s standard procedure with a surgery like hers,” the man said.
“The doctor didn’t say anything about that.” Keaton furrowed his brow.
“I’m not sure what to tell you, but it was in her orders this morning.” The man shrugged. “I’m sure the doc just wants to make sure there are no complications from surgery before she sends her home. It’s going to be a little while. Why don’t you grab yourself a fresh cup of coffee? Or better yet, some food. I hear you’ve been here all night and day.” He lifted the chart at the end of the bed. “Unfortunately, Trinity missed dinner. You could grab her something from the cafeteria. Nothing too heavy on the stomach. Soup would be good. Or some ice cream. Something like that.”
“Are you hungry?” Keaton asked, glancing at Trinity.
“Even if she isn’t,” the man said before she could even open her mouth. “She should have something. The chicken noodle soup isn’t horrible.”
“I could eat that.” Trinity let out a long breath. “And maybe some hot tea.”
“I’m on it.” He squeezed her hand. “I won’t be too long.”
“Thank you.”
“Anything for my princess.”
She cocked her head. “I might be one, but I don’t belong to anyone, and the only person who can call me that is my dad.”
He chuckled. “I couldn’t help myself.” He leaned over and brushed his lips over her mouth. His tongue snagged hers in a possessive swirl, letting her know that while he might not own her, he certainly didn’t want her accepting any other suitors.
Not that she would. Wow. Was Keaton her man? Were they dating? Exclusively?
That was enlightening.