Page 51 of Saving His Heart
“Ems, you are not sticking that needle in me until I am sure you’re okay.”
I stare at him. He isn’t going to back down, so I mutter under my breath about stubborn ass patients and take out my ponytail. Preston’s eyes are lidded, but with exhaustion, not lust. At least, that’s what I think until he speaks.
“You’re so beautiful. Promise me someday you won’t be scared anymore, and you’ll let the right people into your life to help ease your burdens? Come here, please. Let me look at the cut.”
“You do realize that I’m the doctor here?”
“Yes, but I think I am perfectly capable of assessing the need for stitches,” he deadpans.
Giving in, I lower my head, so it is almost resting on his chest. It’s the only way he can examine me since he is lying down.
I’m not prepared for the sensations he causes when his large hands so delicately separate my hair to look at the one-inch cut just behind my ear. Preston’s hands caress my head, and I have to force myself not to moan. I’m not used to being touched like this, or maybe even at all. The realization has me choking up a little, and the only armor I have left is to become Dr. Camden again.
Pulling away suddenly, I actively avoid eye contact. “I used the liquid glue to close it up. I don’t need any stitches. Can I get your meds started now before you pass out?” I know I sound snippy, but I fear the alternative will be tears.
“Go ahead, Dr. Camden.”
He calls me Dr. Camden to acknowledge that I’ve put my mask back on, but I can’t let his words affect me.
On a sigh, he says, “Emory?” It’s a command, and I think we are both shocked when I comply by looking at him. “I am sorry for taking away your choice to handle things today, but I am not sorry I did what I did. Just because you are used to doing everything yourself doesn’t mean you have to.”
I don’t respond, I can’t. I’m also afraid of what might slip out if I speak, so instead, I go about checking his vitals and tracking them on the iPad Dr. Terry sent us, probably illegally from the hospital.
After thirty minutes or so, Preston’s color is back, and he is pushing himself to sit up a little straighter.
“Ems, please explain how the three of you are going to sleep on those tiny little beds in there?”
I’m taken aback by the question, still not used to someone showing concern for me. “Oh, that’s nothing. Tilly and I shared a bed growing up. We can do it again, no worries.”
“Don’t be silly. You three can have this room, and I’ll stay on the twin bed. Between the queen bed and the couch, you will be more comfortable in here.”
“No,” I say harshly as I remove the IV. I take a steadying breath and try again. “No, thank you, Preston. My sisters and I will be fine. Plus, I have to go check on my father and assess the damage.”
“He won’t be there,” Preston says, so matter-of-factly, it feels like I’ve had the wind knocked out of me.
“Where is he? Please tell me you didn’t make my uncle arrest him? That will only make things worse.” I’m packing up all the medical supplies because I feel the panic rising, and I need to get out of here.
“No, Ems. I didn’t have him arrested.”
I see Preston check his watch before he continues.
“Right about now, he should be on an airplane to Arizona to dry out. He’ll be at an inpatient rehab facility for at least six months.”
“You … what?” I screech. “Preston, I can’t afford that no matter how much he needs it. I can’t even guarantee he’ll stay. How could you do this? I have to pay for my sister’s school and probably new laptops for them now if he destroyed them like last time. You can’t just come into people’s lives and do this shit.”
I’m so angry. My brain is working overtime to figure out how to get my father home when Preston speaks again, stopping me in my tracks.
“Ems, there is no cost. It’s all covered.” Preston stands and crosses the room. “I’m going to hug you now, Ems. I’m going to hug you for taking care of me, and I’m going to hug you because I think you need one.”
I get no other warning before he engulfs me with his massive body. I’m a doctor, so I understand the emotion tied to human touch. I took an entire class on it and its benefits, but I’m experiencing its raw power for the first time in my life.
With my head pressed to his chest, I hear the deceivingly steady beat of his heart, and I know I won’t be able to hold the tears off for long. I’m much safer in the other room where I can tear into my traitorous siblings. After allowing myself a few minutes of comfort in this remarkable man’s hands, I eventually pull away.
“I need to go check on my sisters.” It’s a lie, and we both know it, but mercifully, Preston lets it slide.
“Okay, sweetheart. I’ll order us all some dinner. Any allergies over there?”
“Pres, you don’t have to do that. I can order them pizza or something.”
