Page 85 of One Killer Night

“We?” He lifts his shoulders and hands as he wiggles the fingers on only one of them. “How many of me are there?”

The nurse laughs, looking over at Evie. “He’s funny. You can sit with him now. I’m done. Tonight should be smooth sailing because of all the pain meds and anesthesia, but he’ll be back to normal by tomorrow.”

“Amazing. Looking forward to it,” my sister offers as Chase tries to hold his arms open for her, his casted one unmoving.

“Come to Papa,” he growls, making her wince until the nurse looks, which forces a fake smile from her.

I bury my face in Noah’s chest as he covers his laugh with a cough. Evie stands from her chair, glaring at me as she walks to Chase’s bedside and sits down slowly. But he’s already onto something new.

“Oh fuck, I’m broken?” He’s finally noticed his hand. He looks up at Noah and me with puppy dog eyes like he’s going to cry. “But I’m a chef, Noah ...”

“Oh, Chase,” I rush out sweetly. “You’re going to be okay.”

But as I say it, it’s already forgotten because he’s blowing raspberries with his lips.

Noah looks down at me. “I don’t think anything’s getting him back down. Why don’t you and your sister head back to the house and get some rest. I’ll stay here until his family gets here.”

I frown because I don’t want to leave Noah, but Chase’s meandering thoughts make me laugh again as I look over my shoulder.

He’s staring at my sister again. “You look like an angel.” He gasps. “Am I dying?”

She starts to get up, but he whisper-screams, “Wait, wait ...”

Evie stares me down. “I am dangerously close to cutting off the drip. Pain can be a really good motivator. Maybe now’s the time he focuses on his healing.”

“Evie,” I admonish, but Noah laughs.

Chase tries to wink, but both eyes close. “Angel ... just tell me one thing.”

Evie drips her gaze to him. “Yes, you should go to sleep.”

He points toward the ceiling. “Does he know that I’myourfood god?” She glances at me as my mouth drops open. “I saw you eating my meat the other night ... hallelujure.”

“Oh my god.” I laugh as Evie shoots to her feet in protest. “I literally got outvoted for the restaurant.”

Noah’s chuckling, too, as Chase’s eyes drift shut.

“Do you want to head back?” Noah says down to me. “You could probably use some sleep.”

I’m shaking my head, but my body betrays me and yawns.

“Yeah,” my sister says. “Because I’m gonna need my strength to get through my impending divorce.” She points to Chase, who is awake again and tries to tongue her finger. “This is my good deed for the year. I will not let either of you forget it.”

“Noted.” Noah disconnects from me and walks around the hospital bed to hug her. “Thank you for being here with my girl and being so quick on your feet.”

He lets her go, and she fake punches his shoulder. “I expect a really, really expensive Christmas gift this year.”

I grin, wrapping my arms around him from the back.

“I’ll do you one better,” he teases. “I promise to tell him this was a fever dream. You were never here.”

Evie points at him. “And this is why you’re my favorite.” She tilts her head to where mine is peeking out from under his arm. “Are you coming with me or staying here?”

“I think coming ...” I peer up at Noah. “But give me a sec.”

“Yeah, just meet me at the car.”

She turns and heads out the door, yelling over her shoulder, “Night, hubby.”