Page 18 of Quinton's Quest

“Thanks.” Although I’d showered and was no longer sweating, I didn’t dare get any closer.

“Quinton said she’ll be moved to the ICU shortly.”

I nodded. “She’s still having some breathing problems, so I’d prefer to be cautious. Hopefully, tomorrow I can move her to a general ward.” Despite the staff’s best efforts, the ICU was usually noisier and more chaotic than just a regular room.

What I didn’t do, was ask Lucia about Quinton. Scuttlebutt was they were very close friends.Veryclose friends.

And the way she scrutinized me right now made that entirely plausible.

“I’m going to check on my patient one more time before heading out.”

“Sounds good. See you tomorrow.” With that, she headed off.

I made my way back to recovery.

Quinton stood by Yulia’s gurney, holding her hand. “You did great.” He offered her a wide smile. “And your family have gone home—like you requested. They’ll be back tomorrow.” He caught sight of me.

For just a moment, time stood still.

The feel of him. Of being inside him. Of having him in my mouth. Of being whole again. If only for that one moment—

“Here’s Dr. Rodgers.” Quinton squeezed Yulia’s hand. “Told you he was the best.”

My patient, with an oxygen canula under her nose and pale skin, managed a small smile. Her green eyes, though, still radiated fear. “Thank you.” The words came out as little more than a whisper and her voice was still rough from the endotracheal tube.

“My pleasure. Rest up, please. You’ve got a long recovery ahead of you.” I wasn’t going to sugarcoat this—healing up after having one’s chest opened was a big deal. Pulmonary surgery was serious. The embolism in her lungs had nearly killed her.

I checked all her vital signs as two orderlies approached.

“Take good care of her.”

The young woman with vibrant-red hair and a huge grin offered a toothy smile. “Always do.” She glanced over at Yulia. “We’re going to take you where you can get settled. Feel free to sleep as we move you.” She glanced toward Quinton.

He nodded.

As they organized all the tubes and wires, a sense of peace washed over me.

You did good.My mentor’s voice. Working by her side had been one thing—being on my own in a hospital that was foreign to me was something completely different. Still, everyone here knew what they were doing.

Including Quinton.

Once Yulia was gone, he eyed me.

The room was now empty—all the surgical patients had been moved to the ward or the ICU.

“You’re off?” He pointed to my street clothes.

I nodded.

He gave me a once-over. “You okay?”

I nodded.

“You want to go for a coffee or something?”

His question threw me for a loop. “It would have to be decaf.”Are you nuts? You should be refusing him, not suggesting a healthier option.

“Sounds good. I’m starving. I suspect you haven’t eaten either.”