Page 62 of SEAL's Spitfire
“I know, but he’s like a big heating pad and it feels good.” The nurse looked between Meghan and Rafe and laughed.
“Oh yeah, I bet it does. But still, doctor’s orders.”
“Yes, Ma’am. I have to get going anyway.”
“I’ll give you a few more minutes then.”
“Thank you.”
“Spitfire, I have to go. I hate to leave you like this…”
“It’s okay. It’s what you do. I have Charlie here. Maybe they’ll let him stay with me until I’m well enough to travel.”
“I’m sure they will, but I’ll check on it before I leave.”
“See, always taking care of me.”
“Always, sweetheart. We’ll figure everything out when you get home. Okay?”
“Yup.” She was determined not to cry again, but it was hard. Her emotions were raw, and the pain made everything worse. “I love you. Please be careful.”
“I will. I’ll talk to you soon. I love you, don’t forget it.” He laid his cheek against her then kissed her one more time before he left. Her heart ached even more than the pain in her ribs but knowing she was safe and would see him again made his leaving easier to handle.
Almost as soon as he’d left, the nurse returned. “How are you feeling?”
“Not as good as I was five minutes ago.”
“I bet. That’s quite a man you have there. But we’ll take good care of you until you leave.”
“I know you will.”
The nurse made small talk as she took Meghan’s vitals and then hooked up another IV bag. She appreciated that the woman was trying to take her mind off Rafe, but it wasn’t working. It was as if seeing him, touching him, ignited a need that couldn’t be eased without him.
“I’ll be back in a bit to check on you again. Buzz if you need anything.”
“I will. Thank you.”
It was like a revolving door, Rafe left, the nurse came in, the nurse left, and Charlie came in. She should have been happier to see her brother considering everything, but she was tired and aching.
He sat in the chair next to the bed and looked at her for a moment without saying anything. She recognized that stare, it was just like Dad’s when she was little, and he caught her doing something.
“I called Lizzie. Let her know we were both okay.”
“I bet she was relieved.”
“You have no idea. Apparently, you’re pretty famous.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The video the Taliban made of you.”
“Dammit. I was hoping she’d never see it.”
“It was horrible how they beat you. You should have just given in.”
“You too? No, I wasn’t going to give in. They would have beaten me anyway.”
“Okay. Calm down. I’m not supposed to upset you. I’m sorry.”
