“Are you watching the Warriors game right now?”
“No, I’m at the grocery store. Why?”
“This game is crazy! Matt and his brother have been yelling at the TV for the past hour. Reagan’s having a hard time against the Wildcats’ offensive line.”
“Sounds like I’m missing a good one. Give me a call when it’s over and let me know who won.” If she hadn’t been acting so pouty, she would be watching the game herself.
“I can’t believe you’re not watching. Reagan will be disappointed,” Chrissy said.
“I haven’t talked to him in awhile.” Julie strained to keep her voice upbeat. “I don’t think he would care.” Her heart hurt saying those words. And if Reagan truly didn’t care, her heart would feel something greater than pain.
“Wasn’t he traveling last weekend? The team played in Seattle. I’m sure he’s busy, with the season in high gear.” Chrissy’s voice came spurting out of Julie’s phone
“He’s probably found someone new to occupy his time.” She tried not to sound like she was sulking.
“Reagan’s not dating anyone. I’d bet my favorite pair of heels he only has eyes for you.”
“How do you know?” Julie gripped the phone tighter. Should she dare hope that Chrissy’s assurances were true?
“Give him a call. You’ll see. Anyway, the real reason I called was Matt’s mom told me about a 5K run that’s happening at the high school. The money raised goes toward training service dogs for veterans with PTSD. Would you be interested in running with me? It’s the Saturday before Thanksgiving.”
Anything for veterans was a worthy cause, and she knew how valuable service dogs were to struggling veterans. “Yeah, I would love to. Email me the link, and I’ll sign up.” Julie heard yelling in the background at Chrissy’s house.
“Oh, wow…the Wildcats just scored a touchdown. I got to go and try to calm my husband. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye.” Julie tried to push the Warriors game to the back of her mind and went to finish her grocery shopping. An hour later, she carried the last shopping bag into the house when her phone rang. She set a loaf of bread on the counter and picked up her cell to see an unfamiliar number on the screen. Hesitating for a few seconds, she finally decided to answer the call. “Hello.”
“Is this Julie Ellis?” the caller asked.
“Yes, this is Julie.” Better not be another telemarketer call. She’d put her number on the do-not-call list several months ago.
“This is Doctor Miller from Timber Lake General Hospital.”
Her first thoughts went to Aiden. Panic rose from her stomach and settled in her throat.
“Reagan Harrison was injured during today’s football game. He’s been admitted to the hospital, and he asked me to call you. Can you come as soon as possible?”
The flood of relief about her son was quickly replaced with concern about Reagan. She placed her hand over her fluttering heart. “Is he okay?”
“We can explain everything once you get here. Reagan’s been hurt, but not seriously. Check-in at the front desk when you arrive. Security will escort you to his room.”
“I’ll be right there.” Her voice shook in the attempt to control her emotions. “Tell him I’m coming.”
“I will, Mrs. Ellis. See you soon.”
When the call ended, Julie tossed a few items in the refrigerator then grabbed her keys and purse, and she hustled out to the Jeep. Before she pulled out of the driveway, she texted her mom and asked if she would meet Aiden when he was dropped off at home later on.
Traffic was heavy due to the recently ended Warriors game. The drive to the hospital seemed to take forever. Once she arrived, she parked in the hospital parking structure. Inside, she found the front desk. “I’m here to see Reagan Harrison. His doctor is expecting me.”
The woman grabbed her hand-held radio and spoke in rapid bursts, informing security of Julie’s arrival. “Someone will be here shortly to take you to Mr. Harrison’s room.” She pointed to a row of chairs.
Julie was too anxious to sit. Instead, she paced around the busy lobby until a tall, burly security guard approached.
“Please follow me,” he said in a deep voice.
He strongly resembled Lurch, from the Addams Family, and she tried to suppress a giggle. Now is not a good time for your nervous laughter compulsion.
They rode the elevator to the fifth floor, and then exited into a brightly lit hall. Julie followed the guard down a long, quiet corridor, and then stopped when they reached the end of the hall. The room number said 560, but the nameplate was left blank.
She opened the door and quietly stepped into a spacious hospital room. Before her was Reagan’s large form reclined on a too-small bed. Poor baby. His left arm was in a sling and his eyes were closed, but she thought he looked peaceful. A doctor and two nurses were reviewing medical charts. On the other side of the room, a man in a red Warriors polo shirt studied a series of X-rays on the light board.
“What happened to him?” she asked to no one in particular.
Four heads snapped up, but Reagan stayed still and didn’t stir.
A dark-haired man in a white lab coat approached. “Hi, Julie. I’m Doctor Miller, Reagan’s attending physician. He gave me permission to discuss his medical condition with you. He was on the receiving end of a hard hit during a play in the fourth quarter of the game and lost consciousness for about a minute. In addition, as a result of the impact, his left shoulder separated. His MRI was clean, no damage to his brain, but he is showing signs of a pretty nasty concussion. We reset his shoulder, and it should heal quickly.”
Julie breathed a sigh of relief. “So, he’ll be all right?”
“Yes,” Dr. Miller patted her arm. “It’s nothing a little rest won’t fix. He’ll need to take it easy for the week.”
“Julie, is that you?” Reagan asked with slurred speech.
“Hey, stranger.” She walked to the edge of his bed and placed her small hand over his. “Looks like you got into some trouble today. How are you feeling?”
“My head and shoulder hurt like hell, but otherwise I’m fine. Would you hand me the cup of water from the table?”
She gently placed the cup in his hands.
He took a long drink then handed it back.
One of the nurses came to stand next to her. “Mr. Harrison’s on some pretty powerful pain relievers so don’t be surprised if he isn’t too talkative.”
As if on cue, Reagan turned away and reached for a plastic bowl on the bedside table. With a low moan, he emptied his stomach. While his back was facing her, the small slit in the back of his hospital gown opened, revealing a muscular back. Even a strong man like Reagan looked vulnerable in a hospital gown.
The gaze of one of the nurses flitted over to Julie, and her lips quirked up in a smile. The other nurse grabbed the full bowl and hustled it into the bathroom.
Reagan turned his head to rest it on the pillow and groaned.
Julie brushed his hair off his forehead. She gave him a tender kiss, as she did for Aiden when he was feeling sick.
“I’m sorry you had to see that,” Reagan finally said.
That little bit of throw-up is nothing. “You forget that I’m a mom and a medical professional. Trust me, I’ve seen a lot worse.”
The team trainer came to the bedside. “Reagan, you’re on the injury report for the next two weeks. After that, we’ll see about getting you cleared to play. You let your body recover, and make sure not to do anything to aggravate your condition.”
Reagan’s deep, raspy voice muttered something inarticulate.
Dr. Miller stepped over to stand next to Reagan’s bed. “He can’t be released from the hospital until I know who will be caring for him at home. He’ll require observation for the next forty-eight hours to watch for concussion symptoms. And tonight, he’ll have to be checked on every few hours to make sure he’s responsive.”
Everyone in the room looked to Julie. She final
ly understood what the doctor was implying. “I can’t stay with him.” Her gaze oscillated between Reagan, the team trainer, and Dr. Miller. “I have a school-age son, and I can’t be away from home overnight.”
“That’s fine,” Reagan spoke up. “I understand. I can hire a nurse for the next few days.”
The idea left Julie with a nauseous feeling in her stomach. How could she deny him care, when he looked so helpless? Reagan needed her. “Well, I do have a spare bedroom. Reagan could stay with me. My mother lives close by, and she’s a nurse. Between the two of us, we could watch him at my house. What do you think about that?” His smile appeared loopy but sincere.
“That would be great.” His eyelids drifted closed, once again.
“All right then.” Dr. Miller slapped his hands together. He grabbed the clipboard sitting on the counter and scanned over the paperwork. “Let’s get those discharge papers filled out. Looks like you’ve got yourself a patient.”
****
Julie pulled into the driveway a little after ten pm. The house was dark, except for a lamp, which glowed from the family room. Julie parked her Jeep and walked around to open the passenger side door.
Mary came outside to give her assistance with Reagan, since he was a big guy and not too steady on his feet.
The two women assisted him into the house, one on each side for balance. Julie took his injured side, avoiding bumping into his sling. Their progress halted at the foot of the steps. Because of the combination of pain pills, Reagan acted like a zombie. Julie wanted to make sure he understood where he was going before they conquered the stairs. As they steered him with each step, Julie and Mary glanced at each other, which started an uncontrollable fit of giggles.
“You shouldn’t laugh at a helpless man,” Reagan mumbled.
“Sorry.” Julie attempted unsuccessfully to suppress more laughter.
They led him into the spare bedroom and toward the bed.
“Here, have a seat.” She patted the orange and yellow comforter.
He eased himself onto the bed and groaned.
Julie swung up his feet and propped a few pillows against the headboard.
Sighing, he closed his eyes.
The trip must have spent the last of his remaining energy.
Mary went out to the car to get Reagan’s bag, which contained clean clothes and some personal items. Returning to the room, she set the bag on the dresser. Coming over to Julie, who stood at the foot of the bed, she hugged her tightly.
“Thanks, Mom, for helping me with Reagan, and for staying with Aiden. Can you come over tomorrow morning at eight to stay with our patient while I take Aiden to school?”
“Sure, my shift doesn’t start until later in the morning. I’m going home now, see you tomorrow,” Mary said, and then turned to Reagan. “Feel better.” Not getting a response, she left the room to go downstairs.
A minute later, Julie heard the door close. “What am I to do with you?” she asked, not really expecting a response. She looked at him, sprawled over the bed, dozing as innocent as a child. He’d dressed himself at the hospital, but now he was too drowsy to undress. She stood for a minute, deciding on what to do.
“I just can’t leave you like this.” Lightly tapping him on his good shoulder, she spoke loud enough to cut through the lethargy. “Reagan, let’s get you ready for bed. I’ll take off your shoes, but you’ll have to help me with the rest.”
“Okay,” he muttered, half opening his eyes. “I knew you couldn’t resist undressing me.” He let out a pained noise, which sounded like the bark of a seal.
Julie rolled her eyes, unlaced his shoes, and then slid them off his feet. She helped him sit up and unbuttoned his shirt, removing it without disturbing the sling. As the shirt came off, his broad chest revealed the battering his body had taken that day.
“Don’t forget my pants,” he whispered. In his attempt to wink, his face contorted, and he closed both eyes.
Did he really think he could flirt when he couldn’t even walk without help? “Take it easy. You’re in no position to play Casanova tonight. Stand up.” She took hold of his good arm and yanked. He was wobbly but stayed upright. Sighing, she understood what she’d have to do. She was a medical professional, after all. And not like this would be the first time she’d undressed a man.
Julie undid his jeans’ top button and slid his pants down over his hips. Thankfully, he wore a layer underneath, black boxer briefs. He was being no help at all, and she wondered if he was intentionally letting her complete this task without his assistance. In her kneeling position, she glanced up to see the seductive curve of his lips. “Stop fooling around.” She stood and gave his chest a slight push, putting him into to a sitting position on the bed. She slid his pants off one leg at a time, and then went to place them on the chair in the corner of the room. Pulling back the covers, she watched him lift his legs and lay his head on the pillows. His large frame looked strong, but vulnerable at the same time.
“I put a bowl over here, on the nightstand.” She pointed to the plastic purple bowl. “In case you have to throw up again. I’ll be right down the hall if you need me. Is there anything else I can get you?”
“A kiss would be nice.” His eyelids fluttered to a close. “Julie, you’re an angel, that’s why I love you.” He gave a short pause. “I love you.”
“You have a brain injury, so declarations of love don’t count,” she teased, but those words still touched her heart. A lump caught in her throat. “Sleep tight, I’ll check on you again in a few hours.”
At some point, Reagan had fallen asleep, quietly snoring. She pulled the blankets over his legs but stopped to get a closer look at the tattoo covering his rib cage. The ink design looked Aztec-inspired—a large circular pattern about eight inches in diameter. An intricate outer ring surrounded small rings, which enclosed a round medallion. The middle contained a face with a protruding tongue. She reached out and gently ran her fingers around the edge of the tattoo, feeling warm skin, muscle, and the bone underneath. The tattoo’s meaning would have to be discovered some other time.
She covered his body with the blankets, fighting the urge to crawl into bed next to him, curling up next to his warm body. Julie missed the feeling of peace and security she got while sleeping next to a man. Her body yearned for the simple, physical contact of being held. How much time had passed since she’d last kissed John goodnight in their shared bed? As she counted back the months, tightness pressed across her chest. Gathering her willpower, she exited the room but looked back at him one last time before closing the door.
Chapter Twelve
Julie took trips all night long down the hall to Reagan’s room—making sure he was okay, and then crawling back into bed. Only to do it all over again on the hour, every hour. She checked on him more often than was needed. But Reagan was her patient, and her worry had kept her awake most of the night.
In the morning, she peeked in on Reagan and found him fast asleep. His snores were a perfect imitation of a bellowing camel.
Next, she went to Aiden’s room to wake him for school. She was in the kitchen when he shuffled downstairs a few minutes later. “Grandma said you were at the hospital with Reagan,” he said, rubbing the sleep out of his brown eyes. “Is he okay?”
Luckily, Aiden was a very sound sleeper and hadn’t even stirred last night when she’d brought Reagan home. “Reagan was hurt yesterday during the game, but he’ll be fine. The doctor said he can’t be home by himself, so he’ll be staying with us for a few days. We’ll take care of him until he feels better.”
Aiden’s eyes grew wide as they searched the space around them. “Where is he? I have to see him.”
She pressed the brew button on the coffee maker and inhaled the wonderful smell of coffee. “He’s sleeping, so you’ll have to wait until after school. Now eat your breakfast, or we’ll be late.”
Mary came over a few minutes before Julie and Aiden had to leave. “How did our patient do last night?”
> “Good, I checked on him a few minutes ago. He’s sleeping like a baby.”
“I’ll keep him out of mischief until you get home. Aiden, have a good day at school.”
Aiden grabbed his backpack and lunchbox. “Bye, Grandma,” he said before leaving with Julie.
When Julie returned, the smell of coffee and bacon hit her nose, even before she opened the door. As she entered the house, she saw Reagan sitting at the kitchen table with a large plate of food placed in front of him. Thankfully, he had dressed himself, wearing athletic pants and another button-up shirt.
“Looks like someone’s feeling better.” Julie tossed her purse on the counter.
Reagan smiled while cutting into the large stack of pancakes on his plate. “Thanks for leaving me with the world’s best babysitter.” With his good arm, he shoved another large fork full of food into his grinning mouth.
Mary stood by the stove, cooking more pancakes. “He was famished when he came down. His stomach was empty after yesterday. The man needed to eat.”
Reagan nodded his head. Then, between bites he asked, “Why didn’t you watch the game yesterday? The doctor said you didn’t know I was hurt.”
His frown reminded her of a neglected child, and she suddenly felt awful for missing the game. “I’m sorry. Aiden was gone, and I decided to get some shopping done.” She took a seat at the table and happily accepted a plate of pancakes and bacon. “Thanks, Mom.”
He waved his empty fork. “You’re telling me that shopping took precedence over a Warriors game. You should be kicked out of the state of Wisconsin.”
Julie laughed and waved her hands. “Please don’t banish me. I promise to watch the next one. Scout’s honor.” She reached over for the syrup and poured it over her pancakes. “Reagan, I’m glad you asked them to call me when you were in the hospital, but”—she paused—“how do I put this? Why me?”
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