“No,” I interrupted, then frowned. “Don’t you dare look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re plotting some kind of hospital break where I’m ‘rescued’ from myself.”
He dropped his head back and laughed. “You got all that from a look?”
“Your face is very expressive.”
“Bullshit.”
“Look, you kissed me. I liked it,” I conceded. “A lot. But please don’t go getting all alpha on me. We’re not a thing.”
“Direct hit, GoGo.”
“Don’t say that. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings,” I said with a sigh. “I just want to take things slow. I’m overwhelmed with everything and considering the fact I’m in a great deal of pain, I have no intention of making any decisions about anything except my health right now.”
“Fair enough.”
I squeezed his hand. “Yeah?”
“Yeah, baby. I get it. It’s all good.”
“Are we friends?”
“No. We’re more than friends,” he said. “But we can start slow.”
“Why do I feel like your idea of going slow, is different than mine?” I mused.
He smiled. “You just get your hip back into shape, baby, ’cause you’re gonna need it.”
I swallowed. “Oh my god, stop.”
He stood and leaned over me again. “Gonna kiss you.”
“You don’t have to announce that every time, Hyde. You have my consent.”
“Just followin’ your rules.”
“What does that mean?”
He shrugged. “You said you didn’t want any surprises.”
For some reason, that struck me as funny, and even though I tried not to laugh, a snort escaped anyway, and pain shot through my jaw. “Ow.”
“You need to be more careful,” he ordered.
“Then you need to not be funny,” I sassed.
“Can’t promise you that, GoGo.” He kissed my palm. “But Icanpromise I’ll try.”
“Thanks.”
“Welcome.”
“Where are the girls?”
He shrugged. “CPS is stepping in.”
