Hound’s eyes were full of questions, but he didn’t argue.
“Great. I believe we’ll be able to release him in a couple of hours. I’ll have one of the nurses start the paperwork.”
“I’ll arrange a ride home,” I said, pulling out my phone to text Julia. She’d given me her number, and I knew if she couldn’t help me, she’d get the word out, and someone would pick us up.
As soon as the doctor left, Hound turned on me. “You’re staying?” he asked, his expression heart-wrenchingly hopeful.
I’d been thinking about staying ever since Toby had stabbed him. Turned out my five-hundred-thousand goal didn’t mean shit when Hound was lying in a puddle of his own blood after putting himself in danger to save me from my psychotic childhood friend. Sometimes goals needed to be altered.
Who needed five-hundred grand anyway? I’d been using my phone to check out apartments online, and, although they were expensive, they wouldn’t break the bank. I’d also researched international moving companies and calculated the cost of getting all my stuff to Seattle. It, too, would be costly, but it would also be worth it. Regardless, I’d be staying at the fire station until Hound was fully healed.
Feeling like I was putting myself out there, I asked, “As long as you want me to?”
“For real? Don’t play with me, Mila. Don’t you get my hopes up and leave me again.”
If I hadn’t made the decision to stay already, the desperation in his eyes would have glued my feet to the floor. I smiled reassuringly. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”
Our hands were still linked, like they’d been for the past two days. He pulled me to him. “There’s just one thing I need to know.”
Our mouths were only inches apart. “What’s that?” I asked.
“Were you really pleasuring yourself to my pictures?”
Heat flooded my checks. “Let’s just say you look really good in your Navy uniform.”
Grinning, he slid his arm around my neck, and brought my lips to his. His kiss was desperate, hungry, and it made my stomach flutter and my knees weak. When we finally parted, I rested my forehead against his and breathed him in, beyond relieved that he was okay.
“You may not know who you are, but I do,” he said.
“You do, huh?” I asked, curious.
“Yeah. You’re a survivor. That’s what you’ve always had to be. But you don’t have to just survive anymore. I think it’s time we both started living. Together. Me and you… we can build something amazing.”
Tears stung my eyes. The idea of settling down and building a relationship with Hound sounded too good to be true, but I let myself hope for it. “I’d like that.”
“Good. Now, is that a phone in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?”
Realizing that my cell was poking him in the side, I laughed and removed it from my pocket.
Hound grabbed my hand and set it on his chest, his tone growing somber again. “I’m glad you’re staying.”
There was far more affection in his gaze than just happiness, but he knew I wasn’t ready to hear any crazy declarations of love, so he didn’t push me.
Grateful, I asked, “How glad are you?”
Mischief gleamed in his eyes as he slid my hand down the uninjured side of his stomach and placed it on his hard cock.
Appalled, I gasped. “How can you be horny in a hospital?”
“Have you seen yourself? How can I not?”
That answer scored him some points, making me want to show him a little appreciation. I mean, the guy had gotten stabbed for me. Reaching down under the blanket, I gave him a little squeeze through his thin hospital gown.
“It’s like that, is it?” he asked.
“I wonder how many of these sexy gowns get returned with cum on them?” I asked, suddenly curious. Did people ever get busy in hospital beds? It seemed wildly inappropriate, but also kind of hot.
“I don’t know if I can do much like this,” Hound said, gesturing at his wounded side.
