“Uh, yeah. I’m feeling much better now, so if you could just bring me some scrubs or something, I’ll get dressed and be out of your hair.”
She took a step forward. “I know you’re in a hurry to get out of here, Nate. I also know why. But, you really need to lie back down. Bullet wound aside, you hit your head really hard and you were in and out of consciousness for quite some time.”
Clutching the bag containing his belongings—minus his clothes—Nate forced himself to use a softer tone.
“I appreciate the concern, Olivia. I do, but I’m fine. Really.”
Concern filled her pretty, hazel eyes. “The tests were negative for any bleeds, but you still have a moderate concussion. If it’s not treated properly, it could turn into something more life-threatening.”
“All due respect, Olivia, it’s not my life I’m worried about right now. So, if you could get me the discharge papers or whatever it is I need to get the hell out of here, I’d really appreciate it.”
“Nate, I really think that—”
“I don’t give a damn what you think!” The harsh words were out before he could stop them.
The adorable brunette blinked, clearly not expecting the undeserved outburst. Feeling like a total asshat, Nate rushed to make things right.
“Shit, Liv. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“Glad to see you upright again, Mr. Carter.”
All heads turned toward the doorway as Jake stepped into the room. His eyes landed on Nate's, and from the way he was clenching his jaw, Nate knew his boss had heard everything.
Fucking hell.
Clearing his throat again, Nate said, “I’m good to go, Boss.”
Nate’s eyes slid to Olivia’s and he prayed she could see his apology there. Without missing a beat, she went right back into nurse-mode.
“Okay, boys. I need to examine my patient and it’s getting kind of crowded in here.”
More than ready to be freed from the awkward situation, Matt and Zade made a quick escape. Olivia looked at Gabe and her husband expectantly, but Jake just shrugged.
“Need to talk to them, sweetheart. Promise I won’t get in your way.”
Though, Olivia looked like she wanted to say more, she simply sighed and turned back to Nate. “I need to take your vitals. It’ll be easier if you’re sitting on the bed.”
Appeasing her, he went back to the bed and sat on the edge. He’d jump through whatever hoops he had to if it meant getting out of here sooner.
After undoing the tie behind his neck, Olivia carefully pulled the material down far enough to access the area above his heart. Beside the thick bandage covering his wound, she pressed the stethoscope’s metal disc against his skin. Nate hissed in a breath from the frigid sensation.
“Sorry,” Olivia gave him an apologetic smile.
The minute his wife was finished with what felt like a battery of tests, Jake turned to Olivia and said, “I need the room.”
After giving her husband a nod, she squeezed Nate’s hand. “I’m sorry this happened to you and Gracie. Jake and the others have been doing everything they can.” She leaned in and gave him a careful hug, whispering softly, “You’ll find her, Nate. I know you will.”
Olivia walked to the foot of the bed and put a hand on Jake’s arm. With soft, loving eyes, she told him, “You know what he’s going through right now. Try to remember that, okay?” Then, leaning up onto her tip toes, she kissed him on the cheek, and left the room.
Gabe wasted no time laying in to him. “What the hell happened in that cabin, Carter?”
Feeling like he’d been sent to the principal’s office, Nate went through everything he could remember, not leaving any detail out.
Okay, so maybe he left out afewthings, but nothing pertinent to what had happened.
When he was finished, he turned to Jake. “You gotta get me out of here, Boss. Please. I have to find her. I have to get to her before—”
Jake interrupted him by ordering Dawson to wait for him outside.
