Page 3 of Bradford (Boston Bay Vikings #18)

FLORENCE

My hands tremble as I'm pulled out of the way.

I have Bradford's blood all over them and my uniform.

I pray that he will survive as I watch others work on him.

I'm trained for trauma situations, but I've never experienced anything like this before.

In that moment, I feel a wave of nausea wash over me.

He got shot because of me. Guilt overwhelms me.

An arm is wrapped around my shoulders, and I turn to see Betty offering me comfort.

I take a deep breath and try to push the guilt away. "He's going to be okay."

"Yes, he is," Betty agrees. "Why don't I make you a cup of tea?"

I don't answer yet allow her to gently steer me toward the staff lounge. I stand in a state of shock as she helps clean me up. I change into a fresh pair of scrubs before sitting down on the couch, feeling grateful for her presence. "He came after me," I say more to myself than to Betty.

She answers, "That's my fault. I mentioned the man had you. Bradford was off like a shot.” She winces. “Too quick for me to catch." Shaking her head, she goes about brewing up a cup of tea. "He might have hit on you last night while on the good stuff, but that man is sweet on you."

My cheeks heat at her words even though my stomach turns at what that poor man is going through.

Because of me. I shouldn't have been here.

After leaving the hospital last evening, I couldn't stop thinking about Bradford. The man had the most vivid blue eyes I’ve ever seen.

He'd been my last patient, as I'd been a few hours late in finishing my shift.

I'd needed to see him, so that’s why I came back to the hospital, and that had nearly gotten him killed. I should have never let my personal feelings interfere with my professional duties, and then maybe Bradford would be safely in his room instead of fighting for his life in the OR.

Sipping at the hot tea, I remember his friend.

Bradford had called him Maddy while he'd been having an odd effect from the drugs we'd given him.

I'd thought it was a girlfriend. Relief should not have been present in me when I realized Maddy was Madden.

His very male friend who had gotten married that day.

I place my cup on the table and stand. "I need to call Bradford's friend. "

Betty places an arm on my shoulder and gently shoves me back into the chair. "Janice said she would call his father."

I shake my head. "Madden. Bradford kept asking for him last night. I have his number. I'll call him. I think he's still in Vegas with his wife and their friends."

"Of course!" Betty says. "It was on the news last night. He plays on an ice hockey team back in Boston. I'd forgotten about that." She smirks. "If only I were younger." A dreamy look spreads across her face.

"Earth to Betty! I need to make this call."

"Go right ahead. I'll go see what's happening." She straightens and moves from the room as though floating on a cloud.

My stomach turns as I pick up my phone. I don't want to make this call, yet I know I must. Bradford will want his friend here. He did last night.

"Why do I keep waking up to find you hovering over me?" Bradford whispers, his brows knitting together in pain.

"Because you two have a bromance going on," Tessa says with a smirk.

Calling Bradford's friend had been the right thing to do.

The man had been upset and ready to act from the moment I called him.

His new wife was just as worried. I bet they won't forget their wedding night—first, Bradford got hit by a car, and then he got shot trying to save me.

It was a night full of unexpected events.

Feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt, I raise my gaze to the man lying in the bed and find him already looking my way.

Unable to think of anything to say, I'm grateful when his friend chuckles and strides over.

He wraps an arm around my shoulders and moves me into their group.

"Florence Nightingale here has been worrying herself sick about your stupid ass. "

His friend releases me and I lock eyes with Bradford. A blush creeps onto my face from the intensity of his gaze.

He clears his throat. "I'd do it again if it meant keeping Florence safe.”

"No need for that." I shudder. "I hope that was a one-time thing. I mean, me getting held at gunpoint and you getting shot saving me."

"I knew what you meant." The man gives me a lopsided smile, causing my heart to flutter. He really is gorgeous, with his black hair and blue eyes. He's also taller than my five-foot-four frame. He's also incredibly brave.

Feeling awkward and uncomfortable, I slowly start shuffling away from the side of his bed. I don't get far before Bradford grabs my wrist. I see pain flicker across his face.

"You shouldn't move so quickly,” I soothe.

“You're trying to sneak away."

"Hey," Madden says in a wicked tone, "you're mine, babe. Leave the nurse alone. You don't want me to get jealous?" He dramatically waggles his eyebrows.

Tessa rolls her eyes. "Behave yourself.”

My eyes find Bradford's. "I have to get to work."

"Just don't get into any more trouble, okay?"

"I'll try not to." I sigh. "Honestly, the hospital can get loud and chaotic, but that's the first time there's been a gunman since I've worked here.

" Something about last night didn't feel right.

The gunman knew exactly who Bradford was.

The second he showed the man shot him. None of it makes sense.

Then again, people who do that don't really make sense.

To me, anyway. "I'll try to come see how you're doing during my shift, okay? So, behave yourself."

He smirks. "I promise to be a good boy. Scout's honor."

Madden snickers. "No way, you were never a Boy Scout!"

"Madden, shut up!" Tessa and Bradford say at the same time.

I giggle and wag my finger at him. "Behave. I'll be back when I can."

"I'd love a sponge bath," he shouts as I open the door.

"That can be arranged, Mr. Winchester," Nurse Zaire says firmly.

I quickly glance over my shoulder as I leave and see the look of horror on Bradford's face.

I laugh my way out of the room. Zaire is a great nurse who takes no nonsense from the senior staff or patients.

Luckily for Bradford, I know she was teasing him about the sponge bath.

It will give him something to think about for a while.

My heart feels lighter as I make my way down to the locker room.

Helping him with his first injury after the hit-and-run was a mixture of pain and delight for me.

The man was hard all over. He smelled good, too.

I wonder what it would feel like to be in bed with him.

Wrapped up in his arms while he held me.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been held.

Just thinking about him and his protective nature makes me feel warm inside.