Page 141 of When You Blush

Blake’s already shaking his head as he follows me out to the garage, and I sit in the passenger seat of his SUV. “You need to stay home and heal.”

“Blake.Pleasetake me to the hospital so I can at least get my purse and fill out the forms with legal for the asshole who bruised my body.” I bat my eyelashes at him. “Please. I’m not running any marathons here. I just have to go in for a few minutes. Then we can get lunch?—”

“No, then I’m bringing you home.”

“—to go from Juliet’s place. Just a grab-and-go salad or something.”

I bite my lip, but he narrows his eyes.

He’s not caving.

“Thebabyis craving a salad from Juliet’s place, Blake.”

“You are absolutelynotgoing to use that excuse for the next seven months, sugar.” He grips my chin in his fingers and lowers his lips to mine, then he bites my lower lip and makes me grin. “But yes, we’ll stop and get you whatever you want.”

I brush my nose against his. “I love you.”

“Fuck, I’m so screwed when it comes to you.”

With a shake of his head, Blake walks around the car and climbs in next to me, then pulls out of the garage and heads to the hospital.

“Your wounds are fresh,” he grumbles. “I don’t like the look of that bruise on your hip, and I’d rather you were lying down.”

“I’m using arnica salve on the bruises,” I remind him. “And it does help. Don’t worry, I’m not going to throw a clot or something?—”

“Don’t fucking say shit like that, Harper.” His voice is so hard and angry, all I can do is blink at him. “It’s not funny, and it happens every goddamn day from bruises less severe than yours.”

“You’re right.” Reaching for his hand, I lace my fingers through his and squeeze. “It’s not funny, and the bruises suck ass. I’m really sore today, and I’m moving slow, which I hate. I’m using the arnica. I’m taking it easy. I’m just going to go to the legal office, and I’ve already texted someone in my unit and asked them to bring me my purse so I’m not walking all over the hospital.”

Blake lets out a sigh of relief and nods. “Thank you.”

“I talked with Chase Wild this morning, the policeman assigned to the case, and gave him my statement.”

“Good. Chase will do a good job.”

“I know. He’s already got the asshole in custody, and he hasn’t been able to post bail. I’m filing a restraining order, so he’s extra banned from the hospital.”

Blake nods, his shoulders loosening up a little with each step that I explain to him.

I know he’s worried. He’d be worried if I wasn’t pregnant, but add in that not-so-little detail, and he’s obsessed.

Any of my brothers would be the same. I can’t fault him for hovering.

When we arrive at the hospital, Blake parks as close to the door as possible, and we walk slowly to the legal offices on the first floor, not far from the emergency room.

Signing the paperwork only takes a couple of minutes. My purse and keys are already waiting for me, and before long, we’re walking back out again.

“See? Didn’t take long. Now, I’ll follow you?—”

“No.” His voice is calm again, and he plants his lips at my temple. “Your car will stay here. You’re not driving for a few days.”

“I can drive.”

“I understand that you’re capable. But you don’t have to. Give me just a few more days, baby.”

“Will you at least ask someone to bring it home for me?”

“That I can do.” Blake finds a parking spot in front of Sage & Salt, and the restaurant is quiet when we walk in, which isn’t too surprising at just after two in the afternoon.