Page 183 of The Forbidden Note

“His wristmustremain in that cast until it’s safe for physical therapy. And even during PT, he should follow a careful regime. It’s pertinent that he not over do it.”

“I understand.”

The doctor chews on his bottom lip.

“Is something wrong?”

“I sense that he’s a headstrong young man and his brothers seem equally… stubborn.”

“That’s an understatement,” I mumble.

“I feel I’ll have to rely on you to keep Mr. Cross in line until his PT appointment.”

“Me?” My throat tightens.

“Do everything it takes to keep him from taxing that wrist. This is the most tender period of the healing process and the damages could be worsened by overstimulation.”

I dip my head.

The doctor walks off.

I return to the hospital room where Zane is with one of the nurses. She’s smiling at him as she sets down a tray of food. I stiffen, waiting for the flirtatious exchange that I’m sure will come.

Zane can’t help himself. His ability to seduce girls has been made abundantly clear. I see a different girl on his arm every day at Redwood.

But, to my surprise, Zane doesn’t even throw the nurse a second glance. Instead, he sees me and juts his chin at the door in a silent order for her to leave.

Zane’s attention remains locked on me as she stomps away. “What did the doctors say?”

“That you’re terminally annoying.”

He laughs.

My lips twitch, but I try to keep my expression severe. “Where are your brothers? I thought they’d be swarming the place by now.”

“They must have gotten busy.”

I stare suspiciously at him. “Did you tell them not to come?”

“Ow.” Zane groans and touches the scab on his lip. “It hurts.”

“I’m not buying that again.”

He straightens and his blue eyes are dazzling. Their beauty hits me in a different way. It feels like I’m always looking into his eyes in the darkness. And in those moments, they’re alluring and magnetic. But there’s something about Zane Cross’s eyes and sunshine that takes my breath away.

“Like what you see?” Zane says, easing back against his pillows like the hospital cot is a throne. His legs spread out and, for a moment, I imagine myself climbing into his lap and sinking into him.

Genuine horror fills me.

I glare angrily at him to cover it up.

“I’ll call Dutch. Only your brothers have the patience to put up with you.”

“Leaving so soon?” Zane slips his fingers down and pulls something out of his pocket. My eyes widen when I see the lace in his grip. “Class isn’t over.”

My eyebrows tighten. “Hand them back.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll give them back to you. But first…” He juts his chin down at the food on his tray.

---