Page 79 of Seduce

“There’s no question that you’re going to have some soreness in your neck and back, and some bruising in your buttocks and hip, all from your fall. Ice to keep the swelling down and warm compresses to help with muscle spasm. Tylenol or ibuprofen for pain. You’re going to feel rough around the edges for the next three or four days. If you experience any dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or headache not helped by the ibuprofen or Tylenol, come back right away or call your primary care doc. The nurse will be in with your discharge papers and to remove the IV.” He went over to the computer and typed in a few things.

“Thank you,” Tessa said.

“Thank you, Doctor,” Damon commented. The doctor nodded and left the room. Damon took her hand again.

“I’m sorry. You don’t need to wait here with me.”

“Nonsense. What kind of fiancé would I be if I didn’t?”

“Damon, we’re not engaged.”

“Not yet.”

Tessa sighed and closed her eyes. Damon stood there holding her hand as she rested. The adrenaline rush was leaving him, but he wasn’t going to leave her alone. Not now. Not ever.

* * * *

“Damon, I’m fine. Go to work at the club,” Tessa said as she lay her head back on the soft sofa pillows. She was getting frustrated. Yes, her head hurt a little bit, but that was it, and they still hadn’t discussed his fiancé comment.

“Doctor said you shouldn’t be alone.”

“He did not. He said to watch out for signs of a concussion, but nothing showed up on any of the tests. I took some ibuprofen, and my head barely hurts.”

“I’m going to call Max and see if he can cover for me.”

“No, you won’t.” Tessa had had enough. “You have a responsibility to Max and Jordan, for that matter. I know you don’t take that lightly.”

“I don’t.” He crossed his arms over his chest and looked down at her where she lay on the sofa. His sofa. The damn man refused to take her home, had carried her into the house, and plunked her down with an admonition to stay put.

“Then go.”

“Not going to happen.”

“Damn stubborn man.” She picked up her cell phone, which luckily had survived her fall. “Hey, Sierra. Any chance I can hang out with you at your place tonight?”

“Sure. What’s going on?”

“I’ll explain when I get there. Thanks.” She hit the off button and looked up at Damon. “There. Settled. I’ll stay with Sierra, and you can work.”

Damon’s scoff carried a hint of amusement. “Stubborn woman.”

“I could say the same about you.”

“Fine.” He threw his hands up. “But you will rest. No running around with Sierra. No coming over to the club. You will behave yourself.”

“Yes, oh lord and master.”

“Don’t you forget it.” Damon stomped off, and Tessa couldn’t help grinning. She’d won one battle, but there was still a war to be fought.

* * * *

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Damon so worried before,” Sierra said after Damon left.

“The man is paranoid.” Tessa adjusted her position on the sofa. “I really don’t need to lie here like an invalid.”

“I’m not about to cross a Dom when he’s in the mood Damon is in.” Sierra sat in the overstuffed chair. “What would you like to watch?” She started to scroll through the apps on the TV.

“Wait a second. Is this the Sierra who refused to give up her DVD collection in favor of using a smart TV and streaming?” Tessa gaped at her friend.

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