Page 95 of Fatal Intent

“Teagan all right?”

“You saved her, sweetheart. Seth says he owes you.”

“Dad?”

“I don’t know details yet but he’s in recovery, too.”

A slight nod. “Good sign.”

The nurse walked into the curtained area and smiled at Grant. “Good to see you’re awake, Mr. Bowen.” She checked his vitals and asked him a series of questions, appearing satisfied with the answers she received. “The doctor will be here soon. Rest, all right? Give your body time to throw off the effects of anesthesia. Do you need anything?”

“A drink. So dry.”

“Is a clear soft drink all right?”

He gave a slight nod.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She turned to Rayne. “Push the call button if he needs something before I return. Watch for nausea. Many people experience it after surgery.”

“That’s the truth,” Grant mumbled. “It’s bad.”

“I’ll return in a minute.” The nurse hurried off and came back with a clear soft drink in a can. “Sip this. If the soft drink doesn’t help, let me know.”

“Thanks.” Rayne slipped the straw into the opened can and held the can for Grant.

He took several sips of the drink and sat back a moment later. “Better.”

“Tell me if that changes.” She squeezed his hand. “You scared me.”

“Sorry, baby. I reacted on instinct. I couldn’t let Teagan take a bullet because of me.”

“I understand. I would have done the same thing if I’d been in your shoes. Doesn’t change the fact that I thought I would lose you.” Her voice broke on the last word.

“You didn’t.”

“This time.”

Grant studied her a moment. “Do you want me to resign from Fortress?”

“What? No, of course not!”

“It’s the only way I won’t be in the line of fire on a mission.”

“I would never ask you to give up your career for me. It wouldn’t be fair. You’re a brilliant operative, and your team needs your EOD skills. I’ll deal with the fear when you’re gone on a mission. The truth is, my team works with yours most of the time, anyway. That means I can watch your back.”

He remained silent for a beat. “You’re sure?”

She nodded.

“Tell me if you change your mind.”

“What would you do if I changed my mind? This is your job.”

“It doesn’t have to be. I can live without working at Fortress. I can’t live without you.”

Stunned, tears trickled down her cheeks. “Grant,” she whispered.

“It’s the truth. I can find another job. But you own my heart.”