Page 103 of Fatal Intent

When the sun finally crested over the horizon, the noises and conversations in the hallway increased in volume, and Grant stirred.

Rayne turned toward him. She smiled as his eyelids rose. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself. You good?”

Of course he’d be more concerned about her than himself. “I am now that you’re awake. How do you feel?”

“Decent. At least I don’t feel like puking my guts out.”

“Definite progress.”

A tap sounded on the door. Teagan looked inside. “Dr. Green is here.”

“Send him in,” Grant said. “I’m ready to get out of here.”

Twenty minutes later, Green left Grant’s hospital room after giving orders for the operative to take it easy for the next six weeks.

Elias returned to Grant’s room and shut the door.

Rayne knew better than to hope Grant would follow the doctor’s orders. He’d be more inclined to treat the orders as suggestions.

Rayne waited in the hall a few minutes to give Elias time to help Grant with his clothes, then knocked on the door. Grant’s teammate opened the door and motioned her inside.

Grant sat on the side of the bed, pale with perspiration beaded on his forehead.

“You okay?” she asked.

“I will be.” His tone was grim. “I want to get out of here.”

“The doc is springing you?” Elias asked.

He nodded.

Elias stared. “You just had surgery. You must have twisted his arm to get him to agree to that plan.”

“Maybe.”

“We heard the doctor telling you to take it easy for the next few weeks.” Rayne folded her arms across her chest. “Will you follow his orders?”

“I’ll rest when my family is safe.”

She and Elias exchanged glances. That’s exactly what she’d been afraid would happen. “If you ignore his orders, you could set yourself back and extend your time off of work.”

“I’ll be careful.”

“When can you leave?”

“As soon as the nurse brings my discharge papers.”

“I’ll check on the nurse’s progress,” Elias murmured and left.

Rayne wrapped her arms around Grant. When he sighed and rested some of his weight against her, she tightened her hold. “Promise me you won’t push too hard.”

“Rayne….”

“I want your word. You would never lie to me, so I want your promise that you won’t push yourself too far. I happen to have plans for you, Mr. Bowen.”

“Oh, yeah?”