And how everything is about to get very, very complicated.
I scream into the washcloth.
“Fuuuuuuuuccccckkkkkk!
CHAPTER 51
Evander
I brush my teeth and look at myself in the mirror.I look like a wild man.
With the plastic liner taped over my already waterproof dressing, I take the fastest shower in the history of the world.At least it removes the top layer of grime, since I’m not going anywhere smelling like a bear fresh out of hibernation, even if I look like one.
Especially to see Phoebe.I worry she may have forgotten that I always practice impeccable hygiene.
That’s a sentence I never thought I’d hear myself utter.Even in the privacy of my own brain.
I’m living in interesting times.
The nurse who was just in here—Ginny is her name—said she’s leaving a hospital gown and fuzzy socks for me on the bedside table.She also casually mentioned Phoebe’s hospital room number.
I get the feeling she wanted me to know.
I finish showering, dry off, and cover myself with the towel as I make a mad dash to the hospital gown.It’s right where Ginny said it would be, and when I grab it, a condom falls out from the folded cotton.
“What the…?”
I pick it up and stare at the foil packet in my hand, laughing.This is interesting.I never once found a condom stashed in my hospital gown this past spring, when I was here for my leg surgery.
Maybe this is a new form of hospitality provided by the staff at Sweetbriar Regional Medical Center.Like a chocolate on the pillow.
I toss it to the bed, lash myself in the flimsy gown, and run out the door.The hall is clear, so I make a break for it.
I slip into Phoebe’s door and close it behind me.The room’s empty.Then I hear the shower running and feel a smile break out on my face.
As I crack open the bathroom door, I hope to hell I don’t have the wrong room.
Luckily, I can see her moving behind the nearly transparent shower curtain.I squeeze in and close and lock the door behind me.I don’t want to startle her.But I want to see her.I can’t wait another second.
“Phoebe.”
She yelps in surprise, throws open the curtain, and scowls at me.Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.
“What are youdoing?”
“I missed you.I haven’t stared at your boobs for a whole 24 hours.”
I watch her shoulders drop and a little smile appears on her lips.“Hop in, Van.”
Only Phoebe.Even as a joke.Anyone else would already be severely wounded.
I’ve broken all my rules for her.I’ve let my guard drop.
I’m the SEAL who specialized in close-quarter combat and methods of entry.Yet all this girl had to do was take me by the hand and tell me to stand back while she kicked down every wall I’ve ever managed to build around myself.
And here I am, standing in a hospital gown with a second-degree burn and my ass hanging out, and I’ve never been happier.
I untie the strings and get under the water with her, immediately clasping her to the front of my body and holding her tight.Her cheek presses against my chest.
