“Miss Sheppard,” a feminine voice called from behind Mike.
Just like that, the spell was broken. Mike’s body stiffened as he set her away from him and took a step back for good measure. She looked at his face, longing for any reaction that their embrace meant something to him, too, but there was nothing.
You knew better, she scolded herself.
Destiny stepped around Mike, needing the distraction from her breaking heart. “Yes?” She kept her voice light even though all she wanted to do was cry at the injustice of wanting someone who didn’t want her.
“Your grandmother is asking for you.” The nurse’s eyes darted to Mike. There was no interest in her eyes, she looked nervous. It wasn’t the first time she had seen that reaction to Mike. It broke her heart. He was such a sweet and caring man. His height shouldn’t be what defined him.
“Thank you.” She cocked her head to Mike who stood at her shoulder. “I’ll call you later, Mike.” She hadn’t been lying earlier when she said she didn’t want to burden him. His mind needed to be on the next mission, not following her around. And she needed a chance to lick her wounds at another rejection.
You did it to yourself.
She had. Destiny had hoped for something that apparently would never come true. She needed to leave before she embarrassed herself.
“Bye,” she whispered so soft she doubted he would hear her.
Mike’s hand snagged around her arm as she stepped away. She hated how good his touch felt. Her eyes closed, savoring the feel of him. His grip was light, as if he were afraid to hurt her. He could never hurt her physically. “I’m not leaving you.” His tone didn’t broach for argument. She knew it would be a waste anyway. Stubborn, sweet man.
Destiny nodded, her throat clogging. If only he said those words to her because he loved her instead of just to comfort her.
Chapter 3
Mike followed meekly at Destiny’s side. Her frown had returned and he wracked his brain what to say to fix it. He much preferred her smiling than sad. It gutted him knowing there wasn’t anything he could do. Unless…maybe there was.
Carter was a brilliant doctor and knew several specialists. Maybe Carter could evaluate Carol and help solve this mystery. Carol’s frequent hospitalizations and nothing found in her bloodwork raised his suspicion. The fact Destiny noticed it, too, was worrying. Who would want to hurt an old lady?
Carol had a sharp tongue, but that wasn’t any reason to want to see her hurt.
Mike didn’t know anything about Destiny’s family. He knew she was originally from LA and moved here a few months ago, but that was about it. Destiny was pretty quiet about her family, and good at avoiding his questions about it.
As she always said, everyone was entitled to their secrets. Scarily, she knew his biggest one by process of elimination. Mike had never confirmed he was a Delta, but he never denied it either. He didn’t want to lie to her. His Destiny was a clever woman.
He wished she were his. When he caught her against himself, he swore he felt an electric current between them. It took all of his strength not to thrust his hard-on against her. To physically show her how much he wanted her. To tell her how he felt without being able to use the words he could never say. The fact she didn’t want him like that always stayed him. He feared her rejection and that he would lose their friendship if he said anything.
When they reached Carol’s room, her stiffness melted away and his happy Destiny returned. Just like it had when he came upon her in the cafeteria when she had looked at him like he hung the moon and stars. Like a lifeline as she clung to him. He reveled in the feel of her breasts crushed against his chest. If only it was because she desired him and not just as a friend needing a shoulder to cry on.
“Hi Grandma, look who came to visit.” Destiny pointed to him as she took the vacant chair next to her grandma.
Carol was propped up into a sitting position with several pillows at her back. She was still as pale as a ghost, but her eyes were much brighter. Whatever had caused her upset stomach had passed through. That was good. But what if someone was out to hurt her. What would come next?
“Hi Mrs. Sheppard.” Mike greeted her with a smile as he pulled a chair up next to Destiny.
“How many times have I told you to call me Grandma Carol?” She hmphed.
She must be feeling better if she was being feisty. Mike had loved this woman like his own grandma since the moment he was introduced to her. She didn’t take any crap and hated being in the hospital as much as the rest of them.
“Only about a hundred.” He chuckled.
She shook her head sadly at him. “One of these days I’ll get you to call me that.”
“Sorry, manners are hard to break, Grandma Carol.” He barely caught himself from saying Mrs. again.
“Much better.” She beamed at him before readjusting in the bed. “I’m so tired of being in this place. I swear they leave this room vacant for me.” She looked around the room sighing heavily.
“Come now, Grandma. It’s not that bad.” Destiny tried to make light of the situation. “We’ve only been at the hospital a few times.”
“It is the same room. I’m going to carve my initials in the wall before we leave and just you wait. When we come back, we’ll be in this same room. Then you’ll have proof.” She nodded as if her word was law. The woman held a commanding presence. As if she was used to lording over people, but not in a demeaning way. Just authoritative. He could almost see her out with Commander Jones, their commanding officer, barking orders at troops.
