Becky turns around and smiles. “Well, he seems a little grumpier than he was earlier. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
I give her an innocent grin. “Of course not.”
She chuckles and types on her keyboard. “I bet you don’t.” She looks at the screen before taking a quick glance at me. “I might be stepping out of line here, but I just want to say, we all like Oaklee. She’s a great nurse and a sweetheart.”
I nod, catching her meaning. She’s referring to whatever this is between Oaklee and me. I’m sure everyone in town is talking, and I could not give two shits. “Agreed.”
“And she seems…happy. Your little gifts make her smile a lot.”
My heart is doing a little jig in my chest at her words. “I’m glad.”
“Anyway, I just thought I’d mention that. Here are your discharge papers and the stuff you need for work. I have a few availabilities for suture removal next Friday, or I can do next Saturday morning.”
“Honestly, do I have to do that in the office?”
She grins and glances over her shoulder. “Technically, no. Anyone with a medical degree can remove them,” she says, answering my unasked question.
“Good to know. I’ll call you if I need an appointment.”
“Sounds good, Cade. Take care,” she says, handing over my paperwork and sending me on my way.
I step outside and head for my truck, everything that’s transpired in the last thirty minutes spinning in my head. I officially met the asshole ex, even if I had to get injured to do it. But if you take him and our exchanges out of the equation, I got to see Oaklee in her element. She’s everything Becky said, but so much more. Her caring and calm demeanor is only part of what makes her a great nurse.
As I climb into my truck, I think back on the conversation we had about the future she wanted and gave up.
Well, fuck him.
It’s not too late.
I can vividly see her holding a newborn baby, caring for expecting mothers before and after delivery. Yeah, I did a little research on midwives, and it’s a perfect fit for Oaklee’s nurturing and caring personality.
Of course, I’m man enough to admit that’s not the only vision I see.
That baby?
It’s hers with her dark hair and eyes, gazing up at her with so much love and trust.
And me?
I’m standing right there too, looking on in awe, my chest so full it fucking hurts.
What does that mean?
I have an idea, but now isn’t the time to dive into it. Right now, I need to head home and change my clothes. I should shower, but the idea of having a certain nurse provide a little assistance later outweighs the need to shower now. I also need to put my leg up and rest, because as much as I try to pretend it doesn’t, my leg kinda throbs. Not bad or anything, and not the wound itself, since ol’ Doc Lance numbed it before he stitched me up.
I fire off a text to my foreman, letting him know I was taken care of and will be back to work in the morning. Then, I pull out of the parking spot and head for home, Oaklee on my mind the entire way.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FOUR
Oaklee
I grab the Saran Wrap and hold it up. “Come on, Mr. Miller. Let’s get it wrapped up so you can shower.”
Cade flashes a cocky grin. “New kink unlocked.”
Shaking my head, I can’t stop the chuckle from flying. He’s been like this all evening. Incorrigible is the word that comes to mind. Everything he says is laced with a sexual innuendo, but it doesn’t bother me. In fact, I’ve enjoyed this evening with him more than any previous spent together. It just feels…different. Natural, laid-back, and, well, fun.
