Page 104 of This Feeling

The doctor turned to the nurse. “I’ll go out and talk to them and take care of it.”

The woman looked relieved. “Thank you, Dr. Wilson.”

Turning back to me, he smiled. “I’ll see you before I leave for the day.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

They both left, and I tried to sit up more in the bed—and instantly regretted it. My entire body felt like it was beaten and bruised. Not to mention the pounding headache.

The door slowly opened after what felt like forever, and Harper walked in. A look of instant relief flooded her beautiful face, and she started to cry.

“No, don’t do that,” I said, holding out my hand the best I could. It felt so fucking heavy. Harper rushed over and took it, kissing it before she leaned over and softly kissed my lips.

“You scared me, Declan.”

I sighed. “This is why I didn’t want to date you before I left for the Marines. This is what your life would have been like for years. Full of worry.”

Her brows drew in some, and she looked adorable with the little frown. “What were you thinking, running into a burning building? You’re a police officer, not a firefighter.”

“I didn’t mean to worry you, Harp. But you didn’t hear those kids screaming when we pulled up. One was trying to climb out the window to a tree. There was no fucking way any of us were going to just stand there and watch it happen. We got there before the firefighters.”

She closed her eyes as if trying to calm herself. When she opened them, she searched my body from head to toe. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

“Just my pride.”

Rolling her eyes, she argued, “They said you had aheart attack. Your mother about fainted in the waiting room when they told her.”

“Yeah, but I’m fine. Have you seen Gavin?”

She shook her head. “No, James is with him. I do have to tell you…your mother isnothappy that you requested to see me before her.”

I rolled my eyes, then groaned. Even that hurt my head. “She’s going to have to get over it. As far as I’m concerned, the woman I love is my top priority.”

A wide grin spread across her face, even as more tears fell. “I love you too.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t say it sooner, but I didn’t want to push you too fast—”

She shook her head and placed a finger over my lips. “Stop. It’s okay; I’m just so thankful that you’re saying it now.” Harper leaned in and kissed me again.

“Doc says I need to take it easy.”

“Yes! Do we know if there’s any long-term damage?”

“He doesn’t seem to think so. I just hope I’m not in here for very long.”

Harper squeezed my hand. “Well, what do you think about staying with me once you get out?”

“Harper, I’m okay.”

“I know you’re okay, but it would make me feel better. I want to make sure you’re not overdoing it.”

“I promise I won’t, but if it would make you feel better, I’ll stay with you.”

She smiled. “Good. Did they mention how long you’ll have to be off work?”

My smile faded. “No. I figured I’d be back at work once I got out.”

Harper wore an exasperated expression. “Again—heart attack!”

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