Page 17 of Wildflower Hearts
“Who?”
The brothers exchanged curious looks. Elias patted Noah on the arm. “Don’t worry, you will. Get some rest. We’ll be back bright and early in the morning.”
“Okay.” Noah settled against the bed, closing his eyes.
“Night, little brother. We love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Lyla scribbled notes on the file before her. Closing it, she extended it to Melissa. The nurse continued to stare at her, hands folded together on the desk.
“I’m finished with this one.”
“So, I see.” Melissa took the file and placed it in the Inbox on the counter. “You would not believe some rumors that fly around this place.”
“Wouldn’t I?” She opened another file, scanning the contents. “I’m sure you’ll let me know a juicy one.”
“It’s about you.”
For the first time since she could remember, the curiosity bug bit her, and she allowed herself to act on it. “Okay, you’ve got my attention. What about me?”
“Everyone’s all abuzz about you and that Kingsley fellow.”
“There is no me and that Kingsley fellow. I told you, he’s not my boyfriend.”
“Not that one! Noah!”
Lyla hesitated at her mentioning the younger brother. “What does that mean? In case you haven’t noticed, he’s been in a heavily medicated sleep for three days. It’s not like we’ve gone on windy walks or to the movies.”
Melissa surprised her by laughing. “Look at the situation. Noah Kingsley comes in with no chance to live and survives surgery, only to suffer mild seizures and be placed in a medicated coma. What’s the only thing that saves him?”
“The hospital and its-”
“You.” She poked her pen in her direction. “You did, Lyla. You talked to him, held his hand, and it made him come out of a coma! They didn’t teach me those moves in nursing school.” She propped her chin on her hand and fluttered her eyelashes. “You simply must share your secret.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Lyla pushed away from the counter and gathered her folders with a flurry of hands. “That’s the most asinine thing I’ve heard.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say that word before today.”
She rolled her eyes. “There’s a first time for everything.”
Melissa shrugged, snatching up the phone as it rang. “Hold, please.” She covered the bottom of the phone with her hand. “You can protest all you want, but I think the rumors are true. Visit Lover Boy while you have the chance. I bet he’s anxiously waiting on your return.”
“Asinine. A-s-i-n-i-n-e.” She pivoted and ran smack into Chief Stewart. “Oh, Dr. S… Bruce, sorry, I didn’t see you there.”
“It’s perfectly alright.” He glanced over at the head nurse who was talking on the phone. “Were you having a spelling bee?”
She scrunched up her nose. “No, it was nothing. Can I do something for you?”
“Yes, I’m headed to a meeting. Would you check up on Noah Kingsley for me? It might be time to clean him up and give him something other than liquid food.”
“It would be my pleasure.”
Melissa coughed, and they looked at her. She kept her gaze down, the phone pressed to her ear. “I bet that was traumatic. Keep it well-cleaned and change the bandage once every three hours.” She replaced the phone on the receiver and glanced up at them with wide, innocent eyes. “What?”
“You can do this. It’s just another patient,” she mumbled as she glared at the door number. “You are strong, intelligent, and … You’re talking to yourself.” She glanced over her shoulder to see several pairs of eyes locked on her. She turned away and straightened her shoulders. “You can do this. What’s the big deal?” She entered the room to find the overhead lamp on again. She let her eyes adjust to the dim lighting before she stepped further into the room. She tried to be quiet as she noticed Noah was still sleeping and moved to stand beside the bed. She checked his vitals and picked up his wrist to time his pulse. It was strong and steady. “Good.” She gasped when her wrist was suddenly captured by his free hand. His firm grip surprised her, and her gaze flew to find his eyes narrowed in on her.
“Who are you?”
