Donuts and Handcuffs

by Haley Travis

  I sat up a bit more, feeling oddly refreshed, even though there was an IV running to my right arm, but the entire area was covered with a lightly taped down cloth so that I couldn’t see the needle. Maybe I wouldn’t really feel it as long as I never moved.

  I turned more toward the nurse to avoid looking at the area at all. Her purple scrubs were somehow more comforting than the green ones. “Okay, I think. Did I sleep long?”

  “You slept deeply,” she laughed. “When I came on shift you looked so comfortable I wondered why you were here at all. I’ve only seen babies sleep that well in someone’s arms.”

  I tried to chuckle, but something was shuffling around the back of my mind. Thick arms rocking me. A solid heartbeat under my ear. Humming. Daniel.

  I was hit with waves of terror and lust and comfort and anxiety all at once. He took care of me. He held my hand in the ambulance and told me that sweet potato and caramel really would taste great together in a muffin. I didn’t remember anything else very clearly.

  “The man who brought me in... Did he stay here for a while?” I asked.

  She pursed her lips, trying not to grin but failing. “Honey, apparently he held you still for hours. Not sure how he fit you both onto that little cot, but he managed. I told him you were in good hands with us, but I guess you liked his hands better.” Her saucy wink spoke volumes about what she assumed was going on. “Every time he tried to get up, you’d snuggle into his chest harder.”

  Oh my god, that huge muscular chest, so warm under my cheek. “Wait – he stayed all night?”

  “Yes, darlin’. With those big arms around you so that you couldn’t move and pull out your IV. The other nurse said something about you passing out at the thought of getting stitches, so he held you still while they worked on you. Then he couldn’t bear to leave you. He only managed to escape a few hours ago.”

  Risking my lurching stomach, I looked down at my left arm, which was thankfully covered in a large, plain bandage. I also saw that I was wearing a hospital gown, but thankfully had underwear and a thin tank top underneath.

  “Yes, that’s fifteen stitches right there,” she said. “You’re lucky it was Doctor Clements, who always does the tidiest work. You’ll barely have a scar by next year. But you did lose some blood, so they kept you here for observation, and to run that IV just in case. I’ll send someone in with juice, then if you keep something solid down, they’ll let you go. Okay?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  I felt hollow and floaty, completely relaxed and tense at the same time. My back remembered the feeling of Daniel’s body. My shoulders could faintly recall his hands on my upper arms. He hummed to me, soothed me.

  A huge, tough cop crawling into bed with me and rocking me like a baby made no sense at all. Yet I felt treasured. Safe. Even as I nibbled a muffin, ignoring the protests of my off-kilter stomach and twinges in my left arm as I moved it carefully. There was no way I could move my right with a needle still in it.

  A different doctor checked me over quickly, pronouncing me fit to leave but under orders to take it easy for several days. As much as that was good news, it also meant that the nurse would be coming back to remove the IV shortly.

  I didn’t want to be a baby about this. I was a strong, independent woman who was in control of her body. Taking a needle out was something that truly sick people had to deal with all the time.

  The kind Jamaican nurse returned, with Daniel at her heels. “I may have accidentally called your friend to hold your hand for a moment,” she said, positively beaming at me. “This will only take a second, honey, but I don’t want you passing out on me now.”

  Daniel set a plastic bag on the chair, then came to the side of the bed, sitting on the edge and taking my left hand gently. “I brought you some fresh clothes,” he said. “How are you feeling?”

  Taking a deep breath, I nodded, trying to smile while hoping my hair wasn’t a disaster. “I’m okay.”

  He looked at me strangely. “It’s okay to not be okay sometimes, Bailey.”

  The nurse wheeled the IV rack aside a bit so that she had room to stretch out my arm, and I instantly felt woozy, knowing what was coming next.

  Pulling me into his chest, Daniel held my cheek against his heart. “Just breathe. It’s only one second. Shh.” He stroked my back, warming me straight through, making me flush with embarrassment. But I was partially distracted by that faint smell of hot man that burned through my senses. I clutched his hand tightly, and he squeezed back.

  My involuntary squeal was muffled against his uniform shirt as I felt the sensation of the metal needle pulling out of my vein, then my skin. My heart began to race like a chased rabbit.

  “Slow breathing,” Daniel said into my hair.

  Then there was a cotton pad, tape, and the nurse tapping my arm as I started to breathe almost normally again. “All over, honey. You can relax now.”

  The feeling of his large hand against my hair, cupping the back of my skull was strangely intimate, especially in front of a stranger. Peeling me off his shirt, he examined my eyes. “All better?”

  I nodded, embarrassed at being so childish. I was even more embarrassed that part of me wanted to make another excuse to lean into his arms.

  “The doctor told you to take it easy, now, didn’t he?” the nurse asked.

  I swallowed hard and took a breath. “Yes.”

  “And you’re going to let this nice officer take you home and take care of you?”

  “I–”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said quickly. “I’ll set her up with food and movies for the rest of the day.”

  “Good,” she said, patting my hand gently. “Let him baby you a little. It’s good to let men think they’re useful,” she winked. “Do you need help getting dressed?”

  “I’m fine, thanks,” I answered quickly.

  She smiled widely, leaving the room and closing the door behind her. Daniel stood up so that I could swing my legs off the bed.

  “Slowly,” he said gently, handing me a plastic bag containing yoga pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt. “I just grabbed these on the way here. Likely not your style, but it’ll do to get you home.”

  I laughed at the soft black leggings covered in pink and teal donuts. “Thank you.”

  “Do you need help?”

  My traitorous cheeks were flushing. “I think I’m okay.”

  He reached behind me to unfasten the two ties of my shapeless green gown. I couldn’t tell if it was an accident when his fingers trailed along my back for a second, but it felt so nice. So right. Then he turned to stand at the window with his back to me while I dressed quickly and finger-combed my hair.

  “I’m ready.”

  He picked up the empty bag, and the bag with my blood-soaked clothing, wrapping an arm around me. “Are you okay to walk?”

  “Yes, thank you.” The way he was touching me was so casual. I guess he’d been in control of my body while I was out, but I was reacting too. I needed to touch him every chance, every excuse I could.

  I didn’t want to admit how lonely I’d been. I’d never been able to express my cuddly nature. Spending the night wrapped in Daniel’s arms must have shifted something inside me, opening that door I’d kept shut for so long.

  We went out to his cruiser, and he gently tucked me into the front seat. I’ve been terrified of being in a cop car my entire life, but I’d never imagined a scenario like this.

  As we drove to the bakery, I heard him clear his throat nervously as we paused at a red light. “I hope I didn’t overstep polite boundaries, but you weren’t available for consultation.”

  “What do you mean?” It was my turn to give him the shifty eyes until he smirked.

  “I didn’t have the keys to lock up your shop when we left in the ambulance, so I called for Helen, one of our assistants, to come over to find your keys and lock up. She also called the service we use that cleans crime scenes, so you wouldn’t have blood soaking into your floor all night.”
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  “Oh my god – I hadn’t even thought of that. Thank you so much.”

  He parked at the back of the shop, pulling out my donut keyring that Helen must have found and given to him. I took the keys, working the three industrial locks. Leading me in slowly, his arm stayed wrapped around my waist as we went up to my apartment.

  I hadn’t had a man, or any visitor, in my new home, and was instantly struck with a wave of shyness. But Daniel went straight to work, tucking me in on the couch with blankets, and a pillow under my left arm to keep it slightly raised. I had a mug of tea and a plate of cheese and crackers in front of me before I was even settled. He even plugged in my phone to charge and set a bottle of painkillers and a glass of water on the coffee table.

  Sitting down beside me on the couch, I saw that he kept a polite distance from me. But I also noticed that I desperately wanted him to be closer.

  “Thank you,” I started, and he held up his hand to wave it off. “No, really. I’m sorry I’m phobic about needles, and anything medical, but for you to stay with me all night.” I reached out to take his hand. “Thank you. And even though I’m freakish about it, thank you so much for getting me to the hospital.” Giving a little squeeze, I reluctantly let him go.

  His lips quivered, as if he were opening them to speak but changing his mind over and over.

  “Hey,” I asked, “How did you find me?”

  Daniel shook his head, then was abruptly very still. His rock-solid jaw was tight. “I... Well, to be honest, I...” His eyes clenched shut for a second, then opened to meet mine. “I came by to pay for the food, and help with your taste test, but mainly to ask you to have dinner with me.”

  I heard my breath catch. “I probably would have said yes.” I didn’t quite know if that was true. I knew that I should keep the world at arm’s length, especially the police, but he was making it so hard.

  His grin was full of relief, and optimism, and raw joy all at once. “Well, you’re certainly parked in this spot for today. How about lunch? I could order pizza, or maybe Indian food? What do you like?”

  “Don’t you have to work today?”

  “It’s my day off.” I glanced at his uniform and raised an eyebrow. “I just wore this so that I could use the cruiser to pick you up. I live so close that I don’t have my own car.” He could likely see the relief on my face as clear as a flashing neon sign. I didn’t want him to leave. “How about you have your tea and crackers, make sure your stomach is calm, then see what you’re hungry for in an hour?”

  “Perfect. Thanks.”

  He reached out to place his palm over mine, frowning slightly.

  “I’m cold, I’m always cold,” I said quickly, then almost gasped. “Oh, I’m sorry if you were worried. I’m always a little more chilly than everyone else.”

  “Oh.” He picked up my hand tentatively, running his thumb along mine. “I tend to be a bit warm. I hope that you weren’t overheated last night.”

  “Not at all. That was, well, from what I remember, really comfortable.”

  His thick brows knit together, as he shifted uneasily. “Bailey, I hope that I wasn’t too forward in the hospital. I know we barely know each other, and I didn’t mean to be too familiar in a strange situation. I needed to hold you to keep your arms still, and it seemed to calm you down.”

  I squeezed his hand again. “Thank you for taking care of me. I think you did a wonderful job.” My cheeks prickled with heat but I felt I needed to spit it out. “I don’t sleep well. I never have. I’m a light sleeper, with frequent nightmares. But the nurse said I was sleeping like a baby in your arms.”

  Daniel’s deep eyes twinkled. “Good. Want to curl up and watch a movie?” I nodded as he slid over, wrapping those huge, thick arms around me, removing them only to feed me crackers and grab the remote.

  I knew it was wrong to get close to him. I didn’t know enough about him, didn’t know what he wanted.

  But I was fragile from that horrible ordeal. Just for today, I needed him. I needed his warmth. I wanted to give in to his apparent desire to take care of me. And just hanging out with a nice guy, spending time together, was making me feel both floaty and grounded at the same time.

  I don’t know if I consciously made the decision. Like so many odd things in my life, it just happened.

  It started as naturally as the breeze picking up over the lake. One second I was in Daniel’s arms, laughing about something on TV, tipping my face up to catch his eyes. The next second his lips brushed against mine in a feather-soft kiss that I swear I felt in my ankles. As soon as I leaned in again for more, he turned us both slightly, my right arm slipping around his neck as his hands circled my waist. I felt the next kiss up my spine, the next few lower down, making my thighs tense.

  He was so gorgeous, so self assured, so damn masculine. Why did he smell slightly like the forest?

  His mouth slid against mine with a sudden heat I wasn’t expecting. A large, firm hand pressed against my lower back, pulling me closer. My lips parted, and he accepted my invitation, his tongue soft, gentle. I heard a tiny gasp before I’d realized I’d made it, and he instantly pulled away, leaving me breathless.

  Placing his large hand on my chest, I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or twist so that he’d touch my breast.

  “I’m sorry,” he began gently.

  “I’m not.” I couldn’t let him think I hadn’t wanted that incredible kiss. My belly was swirling with butterflies.

  He shot me the strangest look, then his grin overwhelmed me. “Since you’re the patient, you’re supposed to be resting.”

  “I’m barely moving.”

  “You’re obviously still fragile, Bailey. Your heart was racing.”

  Because of you, I mentally screamed at him. Because I haven’t been with a decent man in my entire life, and you’re too good looking to be in my apartment, much less have your arms around me. You’re also too good to be with someone like me, I couldn’t help thinking sadly.

  Perhaps my heart galloped again, or perhaps he realized his hand was still on my chest, but he snapped it back. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you always so concerned about being perfectly appropriate at all times?” I teased.

  “With a beautiful little angel like you, yes,” he whispered, kissing the tip of my nose before turning me back toward the TV. But he held me a bit tighter, his arms more relaxed around me, as I pressed my back against his chest in a subtle caress.

  We settled into the program again for a few moments, then he hit pause. “Bailey, I don’t want to be intrusive. But when the hospital called me to pick you up, the nurse mentioned you didn’t have any contacts in case of emergency. You didn’t have any medical files at all.” His eyes were searching mine, and although I knew on some level he was simply concerned for me, wanting to know more about me, I couldn’t deal with the pressure at the moment.

  Daniel instantly noticed my discomfort. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. It’s not my business.”

  I nodded, taking a slow breath, trying to collect myself. I had been well trained in how to lie convincingly, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it now.

  “Let’s just say... Bad boyfriend, moved across the country in a hurry, on my own and happier now.” Although it was the truth, it was only part of it. There was no way I could tell him more.

  “I’m so sorry,” he said, kissing the top of my hair gently. “Thank you.” His fingertips trailed along my back sending tiny sparks through me. “I can’t help it that I have an inquisitive nature,” he grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “That’s what cops do. We ask questions. I’m always here to help if I can. But if I ever get too nosy, please tell me to back off, okay?”

  “I’ll just jam a cookie in your mouth,” I joked, rearranging my face into a relaxed expression.

  Daniel began to laugh, but then I turned, catching his lips against mine. This time my heart was pounding even more, as he held me tenderly, kissing me with a warmth that radiated thr
ough both of us. He pulled away too soon, running his thumb along my cheek.

  “Bailey,” he murmured softly, and I felt my logic slipping away. “You’re deliciously tempting, do you know that?” I felt myself blushing, instinctively turning away from any compliment, but he tipped my chin up. “Don’t hide from me, gorgeous. It’s too late now. I might be addicted.”

  My giggle sounded bizarrely girlish, but he grinned as if he thought it was cute. He turned me toward to the TV, and we fell back into the show while I tried not to think about the wall of muscle rising and falling against my spine with every breath.

  I’d never felt a kiss reverberate through my entire body before. It had been hard to ignore my natural urges, but now they were all standing up and waving, trying to get my attention.

  Daniel had shown more caring and warmth to me in the past two days than my family and my ex ever had. As soon as I was stronger, I knew I’d have to put my walls back up. But letting him take care of me right now felt perfectly right.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  I had promised both the nurse and Daniel that I would take it easy. But the thought of not opening the shop in the morning caused me so much stress that I had to find a way to create a happy medium. So I opened the store, carefully made coffee, and only sold the things I had baked yesterday.

  Customers all noticed the large bandage on my arm, which I had cradled in a makeshift sling fashioned from a bright purple patterned scarf. Their slight annoyance at the mostly empty shelves instantly turned to kind concern. I sat on a stool at the counter with a cup of tea, letting people help themselves as much as possible.

  Everyone seemed grateful that I was able to open the shop at all, but I swore that I would always get them coffee above all else.

  Strangely, it became a beautiful morning of bonding with my neighbors. The gentleman from the shoe store down the street left his card, asking me to call if I needed help with anything at all. Ten minutes later, I saw his son Devin sweeping my sidewalk out front. I asked a customer who was leaving to deliver a little bag of cookies out to him.