“Yep. Almost six years now.”
“How did you meet?”
“On a mission’s trip. We were housed by the same family in Belize.”
“You’ve been to Belize?”
Bryce blinked in surprise, remembering that he’d mentioned his own trip there the previous Saturday.
“Yes, for a year.”
Beth’s voice was even, but her posture tensed. Still shaken from their earlier argument, she wasn’t sure she wanted to open that door right now.
Luckily, she didn’t have to.
“How’d the lady do? Does she get a sucker for being a good patient?” Eric strolled back into the room, completely oblivious to the tension he had just diffused.
“No.”
“YES.”
Bryce and Beth answered at the same time, drawing a laugh from Eric.
“Nurse Stoner is going home for the day. Can you wait with her until her ride comes?”
“Not a chance, Jensen. These are my only other pair of shoes. You get the honors.”
“You know I can’t. I’m covering as Chief until Dr. Gibson gets back.”
“Boys, I’m still in the room,” Beth interjected. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here. I can take care of myself.”
“NO!” they said in unison.
“Besides, Dr. Gibson just walked in and was looking for Jensen. I’m sure you’ll be free in no time.” Eric winked at Beth and then added to Bryce, “If you value your shoes, grab a pair of operating room booties from the supply closet, man.”
As Eric left, Beth slid off the table, intent on leaving but immediately swayed. Bryce reached out, catching her by the waist before she could fall.
Without thought, he drew her gently against his chest, steadying her with both hands.
“You okay?” he asked, his voice low, close.
Beth nodded, though she wasn’t sure if the second wave of dizziness came from her injury—or the way his arms felt around her.
He didn’t let go right away. He held her close, cradled against his chest.
Then, with care, he helped her sit back on the table, his hand lingering lightly at her back, before encouraging her to lay down.
“I’ll find Gibson and come back for you. Don’t move, okay? Just lay here and rest.” His voice was husky as he brusheda loose hair from her face.
Beth gave a small nod and closed her eyes. Her thoughts were spinning even faster than the room.
She settled in, letting stillness wrap around her like the heated blanket Bryce draped over her before he left. The throbbing in her head pulsed with each heartbeat, but exhaustion tugged harder.
As her breathing slowed, her thoughts drifted—fragments of the morning tangled with the memory of his arms around her. The way his hand had brushed back her hair, so gently.
In the haze between sleep and pain, she imagined his touch lingering, his fingertips trailing down her cheek. His breath close. He leaned in, his forehead touching hers, lips just inches away—
“Lizzy,” his voice was soft, close, real. It was as though she could feel his touch.
