Page 34 of Hidden Resolution

The barely leashed panic in his brother’s voice indicated Zack had it bad.

“The surgery went well. Erica was lucky to find help as quickly as she did. She’s in recovery for the next half hour, then we’ll move her to a private room. You’ll be able to see her after she’s settled.”

“How soon before she’s able to go home?” Shonda asked.

“I’d like to keep her for the next day or two. I want to be sure she doesn’t experience a fever or infection. If everything looks good in a few days, she’ll be discharged,” the doctor explained. “She’s going to need to rest for the next ten days. We’ll go over everything when we discharge her, but I expect Erica to make a full recovery.”

Overcome, Zack could only nod and pump the man’s hand in gratitude.

“She’s going to be fine, Mr. Sharp.”

“Thanks.”

“If any of you plan to hang around, the cafeteria food isn’t half bad.”

“Are there donuts?” Zack asked.

“Excuse me?”

“Erica’s going to want donuts when she wakes. It’s her go-to food for stress.”

Dr. Montgomery, as Mason learned his name was, chuckled and shook his head as he exited.

“I can make a donut run,” Dane offered. “Text me what everyone wants.”

“You guys don’t have to stay.”

“Three musketeers, remember?” was Mason’s low-voiced reply.

“The three musketeers,” Zack concurred. “In that case, you can pick up a dozen. Four need to be lemon-filled. The rest can be whatever you guys want.”

“You know Erica’s favorite flavor?” Shonda asked. And glee followed her amazement, lighting her eyes from within.

“It’s not like she’s kept her donut addiction a secret,” Zack hedged.

Mason smirked at his uncomfortable expression. Enjoyment over his brother’s predicament kept him quiet while Shonda continued her special brand of torture.

“Uh, yeah, she normally does,” she informed Zack.

“Right. The woman is all about the carbs and would kill for a slice of cake, pie, or pizza. I hardly think that’s something she’d be able to hide for long.”

“You don’t understand. Not even her last boyfriend knew what she liked. She’s actually a very private person.” Shonda shook her head. “She rarely speaks up for herself.”

“Are we talking about the same Erica here? She swears like a sailor and grumbles every time she has to go to the gym. Once, she threatened my life because I couldn’t produce coffee fast enough.”

“She only gets testy about coffee when she first wakes up… Oh!”

“Oh? Oh, what?” Zack was getting testy, and it was a joy to witness.

“You’re sleeping together. It’s the only way you would know that.”

His neck turned red. “She’s been living in my house since hers burned down two weeks ago.”

“What?Her house… Oh, God! She loved that house.” Shonda clutched his wrist. “How did it happen?”

“A screwball fire-starter who seems to have a hard-on for hurting Erica,” Zack said, anger heavy in his voice. “It’s why she’s here.”

“How—”