Page 89 of Last Chance Christmas

“Hey.” Cole stepped into view.

Kianna’s eyes widened, then her lips curved up. “You’re here?” Her brow furrowed for a split second, and she tilted her head.

“You were hurt. I had to make sure you were okay.” Suddenly the heat in the room seemed to intensify, and the back of his neck grew warm.

“I’ll be right back in with your discharge papers.” The nurse waved.

“Thanks, Charlotte.” Kianna nodded, then the woman disappeared.

“How’re you feeling?” Cole didn’t dare move, unsure how she felt about him showing up.

“Just a couple of stitches. Should be all better soon.” She swallowed. “Thanks for coming. You didn’t have to do that.”

Cole lifted his hand to dismiss her comment and realized he was still holding the bag of food. “I figured you might be hungry, so I got some sandwiches.”

A slow grin spread across Kianna’s face. “Now that you mention it, I’m starving.” She laughed. “I’ll never turn down food.”

“Exactly.” Cole set the bag on the counter. “I needed some fuel before stopping to talk with Rainy. She’s still in surgery.” Except his heart was telling him a different story than his lips had uttered.

A flash of something crossed Kianna’s face, but it disappeared just as quickly.

Now that he’d seen for himself that Kianna was okay, he could relax.

Of course he’d come for the investigation.

But what he didn’t want to admit to was the swirling emotions that were brewing in Kianna’s presence. Ones that melted the icicles around his heart.

Six

Kianna swung her legs over the side of the hospital bed. Her pulse skittered, and her head floated like she’d stood up too fast. It had nothing to do with the attack earlier, or even the minimal blood loss from the bullet graze on her hand.

It had everything to do with the man who stood mere feet away from her.

For a minute, she’d let her heart believe Cole had initiated the simple gesture of checking in on her and getting food because he enjoyed her company and cared for her. Dare she say she hoped he liked her?

Of course, that was a silly notion. Her fantasies had been put into perspective when he’d reminded her why he was in the hospital. To get information from Rainy. The closest lead they had on Mackey’s whereabouts. And naturally, like any good person, he’d make sure she wasn’t severely injured after the shooting in the woods.

He was a nice guy. But that didn’t mean he was interested in her.

She’d been foolish to even entertain the idea. Hadn’t she learned from past experience? She’d been hurt once, and still her heart hadn’t caught up with the reality.

Cole cleared his throat. “Earth to Kianna.”

Kianna blinked and turned to Cole. “Sorry.” She grimaced.

“You sure you’re feeling okay?” He wore worry across his brow, and his brown eyes narrowed like he was trying to discern for himself the state of her condition.

“Absolutely.” She offered him a smile she hoped didn’t fall flat. What else could she say to him? That she was fine physically, but her heart was torn with conflicted feelings?

No. Better to put her thoughts behind her and move on. Wallowing in her emotions would only remind her of the fantasies that would never be reality.

Right now, they had more important matters to focus on.

A short rap sounded from behind Cole, then the curtain rolled back, and Charlotte walked in.

“Here are your discharge papers.” She handed Kianna the forms. “I know you know, but if anything worsens or changes, make sure you get it checked out.”

“Thanks, Char.” Kianna tucked the papers in her pocket. “Let’s find a time to hang out soon.”