Page 17 of Wild Card (Men of Action #4)

She urges me to sit on the toilet. “Let me clean you up.”

I lean back, close my eyes, and groan in appreciation when she places a cold cloth over my face. “Bear with me, baby. This may sting a little.” She then cleans the area on my lip and applies some kind of ointment.

With gentle hands, she works my brush through the tangles, scaling her nails along my scalp in a soothing motion she used when I was little.

The water cuts on and she replaces the cloth with a fresh one, pressing it to my cheeks. “This should help with the splotching.”

“I don’t understand. This is all so odd. Peanut butter allergy? At twenty-six?”

“Stranger things have happened,” she muses, but there’s a hitch in her tone.

“Do you think it’s an allergy?”

“I’m not a doctor.”

“No, but you’re a specialist in a lot of areas.” I lift one side of the cloth to get a look at her. She secures my hair in a ponytail, avoiding eye contact. “Grandma?”

“I don’t know, Willow. It was extreme for an allergic reaction in my opinion.”

She’s voicing exactly what I’m feeling.

“But one thing is certain, Talon hasn’t left your side.

Chase kept us up on the details, but we had to wait to see you.

Imagine your grandpa and my surprise when you were transferred to a room and we found you curled into that handsome boy.

You should have seen your dad’s reaction.

Sterling was shocked still. Wish I had that on video.

If the situation wasn’t so intense, I’d have laughed. ”

I can’t let her assume more than there is going on. “Talon and I aren’t together. It’s?—”

“Complicated,” she finishes for me. “Talon clarified.”

My heart races. Please, God, don’t let him reveal how we first met. “What exactly did he clarify?”

“It’s understandable you were resistant to get involved with a patient. But that’s over now.”

“About that…”

“It’s lucky for us that young man is persistent and came to check on you. And Wolf, he didn’t hesitate to put that pup in his truck and get him help. It was like Wolf knew he was a good guy. Like maybe they met before.” There’s an unspoken insinuation in her statement.

She knows something deeper is happening. Her raised eyebrows and profound stare prickle into me as she waits me out.

“They have met before,” I murmur.

“Mmhmm, that much was obvious. Seems like Chase wasn’t surprised by Talon’s presence either.”

“Yeah, they met before, too.”

“Seems like my darling granddaughter is keeping things.”

“Like you guessed, it’s a little complicated.”

Her eyes light with amusement. “There is nothing little about that man. Including his interest in you. Nothing wrong with playing hard to get, but don’t chase the good ones away.”

“I’m not playing hard to get. I have my reasons for being cautious.”

She rips the cloth from my fingers. “Time to throw caution to the wind. Although I don’t think you have a choice with this one. He’s strongminded,” she states with such delight that I can’t burst her little bubble.

“He’s a great guy.”

“And so handsome.”

“Yeah, handsome… he’s HOT, Grandma, you can say it.”

She smiles wide, smoothing some lotion on my face. “You’re already glowing brighter.”

I get up slowly, thankful no dizziness hits. My color isn’t normal, but it’s much better and the blotching has subsided.

She hands me my toothbrush and stands close as I brush my teeth, making sure I stay steady. “All good.” I give her a thumbs up. “Did you happen to grab any mascara?”

“Bex probably did.” She rummages through the bag and hands over a tube.

“Bex packed my bag?”

“Talon left your place in a rush, and we all wanted to come to the hospital. Chase called her to close up your house. She thought to pack the bag. The only reason she isn’t here now is because she went to get Wyatt. None of us wanted to leave.”

Bex went to get Wyatt? There are so many questions in this fact, but I don’t pry.

“Your nurse wants you to put this on.”

I cringe at the dingy hospital gown she’s holding.

“Yeah, I didn’t think so either. Bex brought you these.” She holds up a short pajama set. “Not sure this is appropriate, but it’s our only choice.”

“It’ll have to do.” I wait for her to leave but she just turns her back.

When I’m changed, she opens the door and Talon is in my space instantly. He carries me back to the bed, tucking me in.

“I’ll go find the men. Take care of her, Talon.”

“Always, Rosie.”

Her gaze turns thoughtful and she shoots him a soft grin.

“Rosie? You know my grandma’s nickname?”

“We had time to get to know each other.”

“How long was I asleep?”

“A while.” His eyes roam over me, his hand caressing my cheek. “How do you feel?”

“Better? Drained, but refreshed—if that makes sense.”

“Your throat?”

“Sore, but bearable.”

“Why don’t you take a break from talking?”

“Thank you,” I mouth.

“You do know the words.” His teasing doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

I edge over, motioning for him to sit. He leans on his side, his thumb running across the edge of my mouth. Slowly, he leans in and sweeps his lips over mine, careful of my cut.

“Time is up, Willow. I met with Abe today and he released me on your recommendation. What happened to you is a reminder that life is fragile and unpredictable. You can fight all you want, but I’m done waiting.”

It’s insane how his abrupt statement sends a swarm of flutters raving around my stomach. The intensity in his gaze travels through me, and I grip his wrist, locking our eyes.

“I’m scared.” The admission comes out in a wispy breath.

“Whoever and whatever happened in your past scarred you. One day, you’ll explain. Until then, know you never need to be scared. Trust me”

Any resistance remaining dies and I nod. “I do.”

A flash of relief crosses his expression right before his mouth curls up on one side. “About fucking time.”

“Don’t be conceited.”

His tongue traces along my lips, slipping inside as he slants my head. He takes his time exploring my mouth, our tongues curling and twisting in a rhythm that sends tingles over my skin.

Unlike the other times he’s kissed me, this is slow and sweet. There’s a tenderness that has little to do with my lip and everything to do with him showing my trust means something special to him.

Too soon, he breaks away, running his lips over mine once more. “Princess, we have company.”

I crack open my eyes and turn to find my family has returned with a man who I assume is my doctor.

Grandma’s beam is in direct contrast to Dad’s scowl.

I drop my chin, heat crawling up my neck.

The doctor clears his throat, leering at Talon. “Mr. Simms, I thought we agreed you could stay if you behaved yourself.”

“Not my fault she can’t resist me, Doc Hollins.” Talon addresses the man with comfort and familiarity.

“Do you think you can extricate yourself long enough for me to talk to my patient?”

Talon sweeps his mouth over my forehead and stands. “Come on over.”

“You the reason why her IV is unattached?”

“She needed to use the restroom.”

The doctor’s lips twitch as he shakes his head. “Some things never change. I’ll alert the staff you’re back again.”

”How many times have you been here?”

Talon ignores my question. “Hey, Hollins, Willow’s had a shitty day. Think you can take care of her and stop scaring her off before I even get my first date?”

“You haven’t even gone on a date with him?” Dad moans, his irritation clear.

“Dad, let it go.” Chase sticks up for me, then throws me completely under the bus. “Willow takes finesse and she’s been difficult.”

“I am not difficult!” My protest scores my throat.

Talon’s arm goes across my abdomen and he lowers his mouth to my ear. “Cool it, Princess.”

“Stop being bossy or this will be the shortest non-relationship in history.”

He has the audacity to chuckle before planting a quick kiss on my nose.

“Can you move out of the way for the doctor to examine my daughter?” Dad’s patience is gone.

“Shut it, Sterling,” Grandma scolds him with sunshine and rainbows beaming from her expression.

Oh boy… Let’s pray that Talon doesn’t break my heart.

Because he may break hers, too.