Then he opens the door and steps out, walking around the car at a pace so deliberate it almost feels intentional. He’s not slow, exactly—but it’s measured. So in other words… slow.
By the time he gets to my side, he opens the door, turns, and—kneels.
Again.
I blink.
That will never not be weird.
Kai doesn’t react to my hesitation. He just waits. Expectantly.
I awkwardly shift forward, this time actually making an effort to do this properly. No weird flailing. No concussing either of us. My arms loop around his shoulders, and I push off with my good leg as he pulls me up.
Okay. This isn’t awful.
Kai doesn’t comment on how much smoother that was, and I don’t thank him for making this even slightly less humiliating.
The inside of the hospital is crowded.
People in line, people in chairs, people in scrubs, people everywhere. It takes me a second to take it all in, to realize how long this is going to take.
Kai doesn’t hesitate. He sets me down in an empty chair near the entrance, his grip firm. Then he straightens, looks down at me, and—
“Stay.”
I narrow my eyes. “I’m not a dog.”
He just gives me a look. Then, without another word, he turns and heads to the front desk.
I sigh, shifting in my seat. Where exactly does he think I’d go? I can barely stand, let alone launch a great escape.
I exhale sharply, crossing my arms as I scan the room.
This is going to take forever.
With nothing else to do, I let my gaze wander to the front desk, watching as Kai speaks to the receptionist. I can’t hear what he’s saying, but his posture is relaxed, almost casual. One hand in his pocket, the other gesturing slightly as he speaks.
I tilt my head.
How have I only just realized how good he looks from behind?
I immediately shut those thoughts down.
Nope. Absolutely not.
I shift in my chair, crossing my arms tighter. I am not entertaining that train of thought.
Instead, I focus on getting comfortable, adjusting until I find a position that doesn’t make my entire body ache. My eyelids feel heavy, and I feel the exhaustion finally settling in. At least one good thing came from this.
A nap.
And then I see… someone.
I stiffen.
Liam?
I don’t move. I just watch.
