Page 91 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
Dr. House smiled. “If you don’t mind hanging out a bit, I’d like to make sure you’re okay before we cut you loose.”
“Okay,” Kaiah said. “Thank you.”
The doctor left, and Kaiah’s phone dinged with a text. She read a message from her sister on the screen.
Kam: Hey, sis. What’s up? How’s the festival going?
Kaiah locked her phone and met Reid’s gaze. “I suppose that’s good news from the doctor.”
He nodded and rested his right ankle on his left knee. But a strange expression rippled over his face.
What did that mean?
An awkward silence filled the space, and she longed to read his thoughts.
“Did Hayes text you again?” he finally asked.
Her eyes snapped to Reid’s, and she was shocked to find worry in his eyes. “Hayes?” she asked. “Why...?” She swallowed a gasp as understanding filled her mind. “You saw his texts last night.”
He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Yeah, I did. I didn’t mean to,” he said. “You were in the bathroom with Piper, and your phone dinged. I saw it light up on the screen, and, well.” He licked his lips. “Did you answer him?”
“No. I didn’t.”
He remained silent, and he seemed more anxious than before he’d asked the question. Was he jealous? But why would he be?
“You can look at my texts from him. I don’t mind.” She unlocked her phone, pulled up Hayes’s texts, and held the phone out to him. “Here. Take it.”
“It’s none of my business.”
“I have nothing to hide, Reid.” She continued to hold the phone out to him. “Go ahead and look. I didn’t respond to him last night, and he didn’t text me now. It was Kam just checking in.” She paused, but he didn’t move. “Reid, you can read it. I trust you.”
He hesitated and then took her phone, glanced at the screen, and handed it back. Shame flickered over his face. “I’m sorry.” He raked his hand through his short hair. “I shouldn’t have done that. I guess I’m just a little jealous.”
“Listen, it’s over between us. I mean it.” She set the phone on the table and reached for him, and he clasped her hands in his. “He’s part of my past, and that’s where he’ll stay.”
Reid’s posture relaxed—slightly.
The curtain opened again, and a nurse appeared.
“Ms. Ross, Rebecca Griffin and Sue Turner are here to see you,” the nurse said.
“Would you please send them in?” Kaiah asked.
“I will,” the nurse said before leaving.
Reid pulled his phone from his pocket. “I should get back to work since they’re here,” he said. “I’ll text Cash.” He typed on his phone, and then his gaze met hers. “I wish I could stay.”
His words warmed her from the inside out. “I’ll be fine,” she said.
He leaned down, and when his lips brushed hers, his kiss was slow and gentle. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” he whispered while his fingertip traced her cheek and her jaw. “Don’t scare me like that again, okay?”
“I’ll try not to. I promise.”
He touched her shoulder. “I’ll call you later to check on you.” His phone chimed, and he looked down at it. “Cash is on his way to pick me up. Promise me you’ll take it easy.”
“I will, Lieutenant.”
The curtain opened again, and Becca and Sue scurried in as Reid stepped aside.
