The chopper starts up and the nurse returns with the bed Reed had been in. She gives Colton a pointed glare and leaves.
He stands and strips off his shirt. “I’m not sure if she wants me naked or gone.”
“Hard to tell.” I can’t take my gaze off him as he takes off his boots and then strips off the rest of his wet clothes, including his briefs.
Naked, he gets into the bed Reed had laid in and closes his eyes. “I’ll keep you company for a bit.”
“Okay.” I understand what Reed didn’t say, but meant. He wants me to look after Colton. To be there for him. Not that Colton would let anyone take care of him.
Reed may have never said that he loved Colton, but it’s clear he did.
I want to be loved like that. Not with words, but with actions.
“Go to sleep, Ash. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
My heart tightens and for a moment I can’t breathe. “That’s what he called me.”
“I know. We can talk later.” His words become slurred and then he is silent. Asleep.
I have no doubt the nurse will be unimpressed with the pile of wet clothes on the floor, or with the way he’s made himself at home. He stayed for Reed, and now he’s staying for me.
I want to hug him, but that involves getting out of bed and I don’t have the energy for that. It’s easy to see why Reed fell for him, because I can feel myself doing the same.
CHAPTER26
Hargrave
I’maware of her gaze on me without turning. It’s been three days. Long enough that Priest and the police and some other company big wigs went to the camp where Reed and Ashley were held to review the situation only to find out that there is nothing to review. Not a body or bullet to be found. No papers. No vehicles.
Nothing.
Someone else is going to follow that lead.
It's been long enough to receive an update from the hospital that Reed is doing fine. Some blood and stitches and he’s lolling around as if he’s on holiday. Colton’s relaxed since hearing that news. We all have.
Especially Priest, who was shouldering most of the blame.
With the sun on our skin, and our shirts off as we play a little basketball—the first exercise we’ve done since the night hike—it seems as though it’s behind us and we can move forward.
I glance over my shoulder at her as I wipe the sweat from my forehead.
She often watches, but this time something feels different. There’s a tension because of that promise she made to Colton. Not that anyone has said anything or done anything. It would be wrong to make a move without Reed. To most people, it appears as though she’s drinking her coffee and reading a book. I don’t think she’s turned the page once.
Colton shoulder checks me and takes the ball.
“Hey!”
“I want to look good for the crowd.” He winks at me.
There’s no crowd, only her. I don’t feel the need to strut around with the ball. He darts around Priest and shoots and misses.
“Looking really good now,” I call.
He flips me off.
I do a second take as I notice Ashley walking over. She’s wearing runners as if she wants to join in. I hadn’t noticed her shoes, and I should’ve.
“Right. I’ve had my first coffee, and it looks like you need someone to even things up.” She smiles until she looks at me and then it melts away. “Unless you are fine on your own…”
