Page 84 of Break Me

He seemed taken aback, his shoulders tensing. “I didn’t know her condition could be fatal.”

“Yes, although not very often; that was the worst attack she’s had.”

“Was it the pizza or something I did?”

He was asking real questions, which kept the smile on my face. I placed my hand on his, feeling the sharp draw of electricity yet refusing to react. “It’s nothing you did. She had a wonderful time tonight. It can be anything. Dust. Smoke. Allergies.”

“What did the pulmonologist say?”

I squeezed his hand because I knew how he’d react. “He hasn’t arrived yet and don’t be angry. He was in Reno on vacation and they called him in.”

“There’s only one fucking pulmonologist on staff?”

“You asked for the best. Remember? No, you demanded the best.”

“Which is what I want.”

I couldn’t believe his vehemence, but I had to admit, I kind of liked it. “Do you always get what you want?”

“Yes. Hell, yes.” He realized he was being a bit obnoxious and his features softened. “I know how important Emily is to you and I wanted to help.”

“What you’ve done is… amazing. Thank you so very much. She’s stable right now and as soon as she sees the doctor, I’m hoping we can go home. They’ve given her an intravenous medication and she’s breathing much easier although still on a ventilator. The doctor will be here any time, so I was told.”

“What has your other pulmonologist told you?”

I hated laughing, even nervously. “We’ve been working with her pediatrician over the years. She’s very good at what she does.”

“Evidently not if she’s still sick.”

My usual reaction was to bristle just like he was doing, but I knew he meant well. “There isn’t much that can be done. Maybe a surgery, but that’s iffy and expensive and the doctors are hoping she’ll grow out of it. Many children do.”

His entire brow furrowed. “That’s not good enough. But I’m glad she’s resting. Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“Maybe in a little while. If it’s okay, I’d just like to sit here with you for a few minutes. I mean if I’m not keeping you from something important.”

He could be such a gentle person, which was what he was when brushing hair behind my ear. I knew I must look a mess. I’d grabbed the few pieces of clothing my fingers managed to grasp, not caring about what I looked like. “What part about I’m not leaving you do you not understand?”

I laughed. “You definitely don’t like being told what to do.”

“Nope.” I’ll be damned if he didn’t pop the p.

He was also a mess, which honestly made me feel a little better. With his disheveled hair and a shirt he hadn’t bothered to tuckinto his trousers, he looked a little rode hard and put away wet. Which was sexy as hell. I placed my hand on his chest over the stain. “You know what? The stain looks a little bit like dried blood as if you had a dangerous moment before coming here.”

“Well, I did.” His grin was even more boyish. Was it possible I could actually like spending time with him? The answer was far too easy. I did.

“I bet you’ve never had a date quite like this one. Have you? What am I saying? It’s dangerous for us to date at all.”

He scratched his head. “I admit it. Not a single one. This one was much better. The last one wasn’t so bad either. Minus what happened with your daughter tonight. She’s a great kid though.”

“How did you know about this hospital?”

“My cousin Nina was born prematurely and spent the first nine months of her life in this hospital. They performed miracles in saving her life.”

“That’s wonderful. I can only imagine what her mother went through.”

His face immediately clouded. “She died in childbirth. It was… a very difficult time.”

“I’m so sorry.” Why did I have a feeling that the loss was even more significant than he was letting on? “But Nina is doing well?”