Page 22 of Wildflower Hearts
When he finally broke the kiss, he smiled at the dazed expression on her face. She maintained a firm grip on him, eyes opening, and he could see the swirl of emotions lingering there. A car alarm went off somewhere in the depths of the garage, and she stepped away from him.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t of…” Lyla rubbed her forehead. “You kissed me.”
“You kissed me back.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’d like to kiss you again.”
The seconds ticked by like molasses. He couldn’t have been more surprised when she nodded.
[Three Months Later]
“Stop.” Lyla wagged her finger. “I’m on the clock,” she hissed, looking around. “People will see you.”
“See me do what? This?” Elias pulled her close to hug her and grinned as she giggled, trying harmlessly to shove him away.
“Let go!”
“When you guys are done,” an irritated voice interrupted, “with whatever that’s called, I’d like to get out of here.”
She pushed Elias away, ignoring his wide grin, and blushed. Nervously, she shoved her hair behind her ears. “I’m sorry, Noah. You must be beyond ready.”
He stood in the doorway of his room and adjusted the grip on the bag in his hand. “Yeah, I’m ready to get home.” He looked surprised when she stepped forward and threw her arms around his neck. He shot Elias a confused look, who shrugged in return, and he allowed his free arm to hug her back.
“I’m going to miss seeing you every day.” She squeezed his neck and then released him. “It won’t be the same without hearing you complain about taking your medication or all the snide remarks about how much you hate the food.”
“Nonsense,” Elias snorted. “You’ll be at the house as much as him. You’ll have a lot of time to hear him complain about Debra’s cooking.”
She blushed as she remembered it had been two nights since she had gone home, a bag of her belongings in his room. Sincethe day he kissed her, he had hardly left her alone, asking her on several dates, and showing up at all hours at the hospital. Eventually, she started hanging out with him and his family at their house. It progressed to staying a night or two from time to time. They hadn’t slept together, not that he hadn’t tried, but he had been respectful of her.
“It won’t be every day.”
Elias chuckled, giving her a knowing look before he motioned at Noah. “Come on, little brother. Time to get you home.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek, ignoring her protests and Melissa whistling behind the counter. “I’ll pick you up when you get off in the morning.”
“Okay. Noah, don’t forget to schedule your first therapy session appointment as soon as possible.”
He didn’t look at her but nodded. “Fine.”
“Take your meds on time, every day, and as directed.” Lyla bit her lower lip. “And don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything, like… you know, hospital-wise, or if you need to talk.”
His head lifted, watchful gaze catching her own, and he slung his bag strap onto his left shoulder. “I will.”
She hugged him again, and this time, he wrapped both of his arms around her before pulling away. “Now, go home and drive at a safe speed.” She poked Elias in the stomach. “I don’t want to see this boy in our OR again.”
“You got it.” He dug out his car keys. “Let’s go, Noah.”
She watched in silence while they walked past her. When they entered the elevator, Elias leaning to press the garage floor button, he raised his hand right as the doors shut. Noah remained beside him with his gaze directed on the floor. Turning to face the counter, she ignored Melissa’s wide grin and opened a patient file with her name. “Stop staring at me like that.”
Melissa motioned with wiggling fingers at Nurse Cook. “Pay up.”
Lyla raised her eyebrows, glancing between them. “Why? What for?”
“Because it only took the Kingsley boy two months to woo you instead of three.”
“You took bets?”
“How could I not?” Melissa laughed. “It was impossible not to, especially with all your speeches every time I saw you. Admit it, that man had your number since day one.”
“Whatever.” She couldn’t help the smile that appeared as she focused on the folder’s contents.
Smirking, Melissa accepted the twenty dollar bill. “So, is he a considerate lover or a real beast between the sheets?” She wiggled her eyebrows as she waved the money under her nose. “Wait, let me guess, he’s both.”
