“I know,” Ian sighed.
Kip adjusted his position.
“You okay, Boss?” Josh asked.
“Sore, that’s all,” Kip answered.
“We have a lot of moving parts. We can convene about this again tomorrow at 1100,” Ian said.
Chapter 26
Monday, August 27th
Hurricane Greta T-2 days
Harper was seated in one of the chairs in front of the windows. The moon, hidden by thickening clouds, projected an eerie cast. She looked up at him and gave him a nervous smile. “Hey.”
“I didn’t want to wake you. Meeting with my team.” He limped toward her.
“Oh gosh, you need to lie down. Do you know what rest means?” She closed her book and went to him.
“First.” He wrapped his right arm around her and lowered his mouth to hers. Her lips were soft, warm, and welcoming. “Sweetheart, I have a question. I know you agreed to watch over me because of the concussion, but I’d like you to stay because you want to be here with me, not as a patient. As your boyfriend. I know I’m moving fast, but I want you here.”
“Really? Channy always says not to put your eggs in one bonnet. I know the saying is about baskets, but Channy likes hats.” She giggled.
“Really.” He smiled. She was adorable.
“Okay. But I am taking care of you. Take your pants off.”
“Well, Miss Bossy.” His eyes twinkled.
Harper blushed bright pink. “I didn’t mean it that way. But I didn’tnotmean it that way…”
“I’m teasing you.” Kip undid his pants and dropped them to the ground. His calf was swollen and reddish-purple.
“You did too much. Get onto your belly,” Harper worried.
Kip sank into the pillows with a sigh. “Thank you, beautiful.”
“You’re welcome.” She kissed his cheek, then gently massaged his lower back to release a spasm.
“I don’t think we’re going to make that movie.” Kip closed his eyes, falling off to sleep.
* * *
After settingher alarm for two hours, she changed into a pair of sweats she grabbed while Kip was at his meeting and climbed into bed on the other side. That was another new thing. One of the people wearing a black uniform insisted on going with her to the cottage.
There was plenty of room on Kip’s king-size bed, but a gust of anxiety ran through her. Until today, she’d never shared a bed with a man before. There was so much she didn’t understand about relationships. With that on her mind, she fell asleep.
At 3:45, her phone rang, startling her. She muted the ringtone and climbed out of bed. “Hello,” she whispered.
Kip opened his eyes. “Channy?” he croaked from his sleep state.
“Work. There’s a gang fight and a partial building collapse. All the ERs are overflowing. I’ll make sure someone wakes you up at five to check your concussion.”
Kip was sitting up before she finished her sentence. A tap on the door made her jump again. Suddenly embarrassed, she hoped everyone believed she was working as Kip’s nurse. Opening the door, she found Tobey O’Mara, dressed in black military pants and a black t-shirt. “Hey, Harper, ready to go?”
“Go where?” Harper looked between the two men.
