Breaking the kiss, she held his face, his beard tickling her fingers. “I love you. You hold on to that.”
He pulled her to him. “I love you.”
A knock on the door broke their private moment. Tim stood waiting for him. “Whenever you’re ready.” He stepped back.
Gwen ran her fingers through his hair, committing it to memory. “I’ll see you later.” She kissed him.
Her brother Scott was waiting for her. “Troy, good luck.”
“Thank you. Watch over your sister.” Troy shook Scott’s hand and headed down the corridor toward the bridge.
Gwen watched him walk away. When she was sure he couldn’t see her, she collapsed into Scott’s arms in bitter tears.
* * *
Tim and Troywalked over the bridge together. “I want to thank you for all your hard work. It’s much appreciated. I’ve made you work harder than necessary sometimes. When this is all done, you will have your choice of assignments.”
“Thanks. It’s a privilege to get to know you and take care of you,” Tim said.
“Normally, we give bonuses at the end of assignments, but in case…” Troy handed Tim an envelope.
Tim stopped walking and opened the envelope. “This has to be a mistake.” He looked at the five-hundred-thousand-dollar check.
“No mistake. When the IPO went off, every one of us received a seven-figure bonus. I receive a seven-figure salary plus perks. Chase indemnifies all employees. No private carriers will insure us. According to the plan’s structure, I received an eight-figure payment, on top of my salary and health benefits. You deserve this.”
“Troy, thank you for your trust.” Tim swallowed hard.
They headed across the bridge toward the health center tower. A moment and an elevator ride later, they stepped out onto the surgical floor. Two level-three operators, distinguished by their uniforms, greeted him. “Good evening,” Troy said.
“Good evening, Mr. Bremen and Mr. Holland; hold on, let me notify Mr. Seton,” one of the operators said.
“Question, is this post always manned by level-three security?” Troy already knew the answer.
“No, sir. I’m Estevan Correia, and this is Jan Stanic. We are members of 3-Quebec and part of your security team.”
“Good to meet you. Call me Troy.”
“Yes, Mr. Bremen,” Estevan said. “Sir, Gavin and Mr. Winslow went over the visitor list with us. If they are not on the list, Mr. Holland or Mr. Brennan can clear them.”
“Come on back,” Eric Seton greeted them wearing green scrubs and a lab coat. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It wasn’t a long wait, and I got acquainted with floor security,” Troy said.
“You’re allowed to be scared. We will get you through this.” Eric walked Troy and Tim into a patient room. “Alright, Tim, if you need me, buzz. I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Step one. I need you to hit the showers.” Tim handed Troy a plastic-enclosed disinfectant soap. “Then, gown open to the front, nothing else.” He handed Troy a cloth gown and a pair of slipper socks. “Ostomy caps are in the bathroom. I’ll be right here when you’re done.”
“Okay.” Troy blew out a breath. He hung his suit jacket and tie in the closet, joining it with his belt, shoes, and socks. The patient room was more like a hotel suite. The medical equipment secreted in the walls gave him a brief reminder that this was a hospital room. The bathroom was wheelchair accessible with grab bars installed at all the appropriate places.
He removed his shirt, trousers, and underwear. Sitting on the toilet, he proceeded to use the cap Tim mentioned and closed off his stoma. He also took a moment and emptied his bladder. The doctors told him it was a positive event when he regained control. His hand held on to his penis, limp beneath his fingertips.
The shower was warm and relaxing. As the water beat down across his shoulders, he closed his eyes and reflected on what had happened since he got to San Diego. A smile curled his lips up as he imagined Gwen, hair scattered across her couch cushions, her skin flushed pink from arousal, and the expression on her face as she orgasmed. Lost in his lusty thought, his hand drifted to his cock. It thickened and grew beneath his touch. He rubbed its mushroom head between his thumb and forefinger. Moments later it softened.Muscle memory.
He let go and placed his palm against the shower wall. “Okay, time to get the show on the road.”
* * *
Gwen satinside their home office, reminding herself repeatedly that he would be fine. Kip caught her as she was leaving, asking Scott to wait in the waiting room. “How are you holding up?”
