Page 66 of Heart Strain

We both get out our phones, I give him the number, and we talk about our pets for the rest of the drive. It’s pretty nice talking to him since my brother is so damn grouchy today. The ride isn’t very long, so we arrive and get settled in Drix’s new room fairly quickly before the EMTs leave us.

“How are you getting your car?” Drix asks randomly.

“When Jameson gets off work he’s coming here, and we’ll go get my car after.”

He nods, then sighs. “I know I’m grouchy as hell, Holds. You don’t have to stay. Why don’t you get an Uber home or something?”

I pat his arm. “I’d rather stay here with you.”

He shoots me a sad smile and a nod, but we’re interrupted by the physical therapist coming in to talk to us. For the next several hours, there’s paperwork and nurses and people going in and out of his room, so by the time Jameson gets off work, I’m exhausted and ready to get out of there.

I’m not surprised when Jameson walks into Drix’s room with Aiden behind him since they’re partnered up together until Drix gets back on his feet. What I am surprised about is how fucking delicious he looks in his uniform. Okay, I’m not surprised about that, either, since I’ve seen him in it several times—I’ve even had the pleasure of peeling it off him—but I can’t believe how my body still reacts to him when I’ve been in his arms, in his bed, for weeks.

Jameson walks right to me and kisses my lips. “Hey, baby.”

“Hey. How was work?” I put my arm around his back.

“Good. Quiet and slow.”

“That’s good.” I lean into his side as he puts his arm around me.

Jameson fist bumps Drix with his free hand, and I wave at Aiden.

An hour later, Jameson and I are finally alone in his car, and I ask, “Can we get my car tomorrow since you don’t have to work? I’d rather just grab some dinner now and get home.”

He picks up my hand, brings it to his mouth, and brushes his lips along my skin. “Won’t you have to pay for extra parking?”

“I honestly don’t care.”

He glances at me. “You okay?”

“Yep. Just tired. Drix’s attitude was wearing on me today.”

“I know, he’s been a little difficult lately.”

“He’s so pissed that he’s not progressing enough, and he’s taking it out on everyone around him.”

He kisses my hand again. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there with you today.”

“No, you’re fine. You had to work.” I squeeze his hand. “But I’m glad you’re here now.”

He smiles at me and it helps me relax, so I look out the window. “What’re you in the mood for?”

“Anything.”

“That’s the opposite of helpful.”

He chuckles. “Pizza?”

“Sure. Let me find somewhere we can stop. I don’t know this neighborhood.”

“I don’t either.”

It doesn’t take long for me to find a place, so Jameson and I walk into a little pizza parlor called For Pizza’s Sake because the name makes me grin and it was close to the rehabilitation center. It’s a little crowded for a weekday, but hopefully that means the pizza is good. A young girl that is far too chipper and bouncy for me sits us at a table near the back with menus.

“Reilly will be your waiter this evening, so he’ll be by shortly for your drink order,” she says.

“Thank you.” Jameson shoots her a smile and she bounces away.

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