Page 99 of Out of the Shadow

My doctor turns a light shade of pink. I don’t give hugs to women I know from the gym. Well, maybe the ones I’ve had sex with, but that’s in my past. Leo, though…

“I’m Dr. Collins. I need to examine our patient, if I can find him in here.”

I wave to her and the Romanos all file out, promising to return as soon as they can. Leo’s the last to leave. I can’t contain my smirk.

Dr. Collins straightens up her patient folder and reads off my results without making eye contact. She wasn’t like this before. Seeing Leo sure put her off her game.

“All in all,” she concludes, “I think you’re in great shape. Your numbers are perfectly fine and your headache should go away completely over the next couple of days. I’ll prescribe you some pain meds, but only take them if you need them.”

With my new commitment to a drug-free life, I say, “I’ll stick with over-the-counter stuff.”

She hands me a prescription anyway. “Just in case.” She finally looks up. “I’m releasing you. There’s no reason for us to keep you here any longer. Besides, I think you’ll recover better surrounded by your family.”

My heart flips. Wanting to give mybrothera boost, I reply, “I appreciate that. If you want to take Leo off our hands for a while, it wouldn’t hurt my feelings. He was the hero of the day for me, you know. He’s a good guy.”

Her cheeks pinken. “I’ll get your release paperwork started.” She flees.

I’m smiling from ear to ear when everyone comes back into the room. I give them the good news that I’ve been sprung, and Lucia declares that dinner on Saturday is going to be my welcome home celebration. After another round of hugs from everyone, they leave me alone to get dressed.

Where’s Angie?

And, from a more practical perspective, how the hell am I going to get back to my apartment?

I don’t have to wait long for an answer to my first question. When I walk toward the closet to get my clothes, I hear her sweet voice behind me. “You’re up?”

I spin around so quickly I need me to reach out to the side table to steady myself. She’s wearing a flowy, floral summer dress, which looks sinful on her delicious curves. “Yeah. Dr. Collins released me.”

“That’s awesome!”

I open the closet and pull out my clothes. “By the way, she’s crushing hard on Leo.”

“Really? Wow.”

Once I place my shorts, shirt, and underwear on the bed, I drop my Prada brushed leather boat shoes onto the floor. My hands reach behind me to untie the God-awful hospital gown I’m still wearing.

Angie’s hand plays with her hair. “Have you signed the release paperwork?”

I shake my head.

“Okay. Get dressed and I’ll track them down for you. I’d like to take you home, if that’s all right?”

Her idea is more than fine in my book. It’s damn near perfect.

Angie

I HELP KINGinto my car and start driving, keeping our conversation light. Jeter—I can’t believe he named his Yankees teddy bear after Dante’s favorite player—sits on his lap. Knowing it’s time for me to man up, or ratherwo-man up, I clear my throat.

“King, I have something at my apartment I’d really like to show you. Would you mind coming to my place before I take you home?” With any luck, he won’t be going back to his place tonight.

“Sure thing. I’m in no rush.”

Nervous butterflies start to flap their wings in my stomach, but I know it’s time. I need to confess everything to this man. This kind, strong, and amazing man I’m lucky to have in my life.

We enter the agency and Marlene rushes to greet King. “I’m so happy you’re back.” He kisses her cheek and she taps him on the shoulder, like I’ve seen them do countless times. Their ritual warms my heart, letting me know I’ve made the right decision. She steps out of their routine by bringing him in for a hug. “And in one piece.”

“Thanks, Marlene.” He pats her back. Because I think he’s a bit winded from the trip out of the hospital, I suggest we take a rest on the couches. Maybe a little procrastination won’t hurt…

We sit and Marlene peppers him with questions about his health. Her next statement takes me aback. “And don’t worry about Joan and John. I’ve been responding to them, answering their questions. They should be ready to have the house up next week.”

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