While they waited for news, the family talked quietly together. Del and Bull gripped hands, the only outward indication of just how worried they were about their son.
The sisters-in-law, including Megan, also came down to the ICU to be there for the family.
It was déjà vu all over again. The night her husband had been in the car accident, she’d been sitting in the ICU waiting room while the doctors had struggled to save his life. And he hadn’t made it.
Gage had to. He just had to survive.
Chapter 27
The wait was interminable. As Tess sat in the chair, her heart continued to ache. She loved Gage and she didn’t want him to be suddenly torn from her life, an empty hole that nothing would be able to fill.
When the doctor finally came in, it was early morning. Every one of them got to his or her feet.
“Have a seat.” The doctor motioned for all of them to sit down and they obeyed.
Tess’s heart pounded, a sick feeling in her gut. She held her breath.
“How is Gage, Dr. Marcus?” Del asked. Apparently the family knew the doctor.
“As long as there are no complications,” Dr. Marcus said, “We believe he’s going to pull through.”
Tess felt the collective sigh of relief from everyone in the room. Her own breath went out in a rush. Tears that she hadn’t been able to shed while she waited flooded her eyes and she had to wipe them away with the back of her hand. Tears of relief.
The doctor explained how much blood Gage had lost and that the head wound had been superficial. The bullet had grazed his skull, but he had a concussion. They’d had to retrieve a bullet from his shoulder and the doctor explained the extent of that injury. The bullet that had gone into his thigh had passed right through, causing little damage.
“He’s going to be using a crutch for a while and unable to use his right arm until it heals. He will need to go through physical therapy,” the doctor said. “But there shouldn’t be any long-term effects.”
“When can we see him?” Del asked, still gripping Bull’s hand.
“One of the nurses will let you know when he can receive visitors,” Dr. Marcus said.
As the door closed behind the doctor, Tess felt another rush of tears wanting to come on. She managed to hold them back, but barely.
All this time she’d been trying to ignore how much she cared for Gage. To fight it.
But now she knew she had to be willing to take the risk. She loved him and she’d do anything she could to keep him.
Eventually a nurse came into the waiting room to let them know that Gage could have visitors, but only a couple at a time and not more than ten minutes each. Del and Bull went to see Gage first.
When Del and Bull returned, everyone agreed that Tess should go next. “He’ll want to see you before he wants to see any of us,” Ryan said with amusement in his voice.
Heart beating a rapid rhythm, Tess went to Gage’s hospital room. She walked up to the open door and stepped into the room that was lit by early morning sunlight pouring in through the window.
Her belly twisted when she saw Gage lying in the hospital bed, pale beneath his tan. He was sitting up in bed and she saw bandages peeking from beneath his hospital gown and his right arm in a sling.
“Hey, Tess.” He shifted in his bed and grimaced as he pushed himself up straighter using his left hand.
She bit her lower lip before she said, “Are you all right?”
“Yep.” He motioned for her to come closer. “I need something to make me feel better, though.”
She reached his bedside. “What’s that? Morphine?”
He grasped her arm and pulled her down closer to him. “A kiss from you.”
She managed a smile. “You can’t be too bad if you’re angling for kisses.”
He grinned before he moved his mouth to hers. His lips were firm, his kiss as demanding as always.
When she drew away he rubbed his hand up and down her arm. “Thanks for coming to see me.”
She gave him a teasing look. “You’re the boss after all.”
“And don’t you forget it.” He moved his hand from her arm and linked his fingers with hers.
She grew serious. “What happened, Gage?”
He frowned. “Someone was robbing my house when I got home.” Gage’s expression grew more intense. “The last thing I remember was seeing a man holding a gun on me. All I can see in my mind is a face covered by shadows. That’s it.”
She swallowed, tears stinging the backs of her eyes. “I can’t believe you were shot. You could have died.”
“I’m all right, Tess.” He held her gaze. “The doctors took care of everything. I won’t be doing any dancing for a while, but otherwise I’m fine.”
She let out a harsh breath. “You’re sure you’re going to be okay?” She looked at his shoulder and back to his pale features. “You look like hell.”
He laughed. “Well, you look beautiful, sweetheart. Good enough for the two of us.”
“Humph.” She sat in the chair close to the bed. “I guess I’m on my own for a while when it comes to learning the business.”
“Give me a couple of days.” He rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. “I won’t be out of commission long.”
“I played around with the software on the laptop last night,” she said. “I’m learning my way around it.” She pushed hair out of her face, realizing that she was almost babbling about something that really didn’t matter. It was starting to sink in just how scared she’d been when she’d heard Gage was in the hospital.
“You were worried about me.” He gave her a mischievous grin as he spoke her thoughts aloud. “Admit it.”
She tilted her chin up. “Maybe.”
He tugged her hand toward him, pulling her down for another kiss. She went willingly, needing to feel the warmth of his lips against hers. It made her feel more like he was going to be all right.
When she drew away his smile softened. “Don’t be worried, Tess. I’m fine.”
She said out loud what else had been bothering her. “Is the guy still out there?”
Gage looked like he was holding back his own concern. “As far as I know, he is.”
A shuddering breath rose up in her as it all threatened to overwhelm her—just how close Gage had come to death.
And just how much it would tear her apart if something did happen to him.
Chapter 28
Sheriff Granger stopped by Gage’s hospital room to interview him not long after Tess had left. The sheriff had a small notepad that he took notes in.
After Gage had told him what little he remembered, the sheriff said, “We didn’t find any prints, other than yours, on any of the items that he was apparently attempting to steal. The good news is that we found blood at the scene that wasn’t yours.”
“He was hurt?” Gage’s body went tense.
“We think he was injured, yes,” the sheriff said. “Quite a bit of someone else’s blood was at the scene. There apparently was a struggle and it looks like you put up a good fight.”
“I can’t remember a damned thing.” Gage’s good arm ached to hit something. “What about the DNA from the blood you found? Are you going to try to match it up?”
“Yes, but it won’t come back right away and there’s no guarantee he’ll be in the system.” Sheriff Granger shifted his stance. “We’ve checked local hospitals in case the man’s injuries were bad enough that he needed medical attention.”
“And no luck,” Gage said for the sheriff.
“That’s right.” The sheriff hooked his thumbs in his front pockets, pushing aside his jacket, showing the badge on his belt. He studied Gage. “Do you have any enemies that you can think of?”
“Only about a dozen women.” Gage gave a wry smile. “I don’t think any of them hate me enough to rob or kill me.”
“You never know.” The sheriff looked amused, clearly knowing Gage’s reputation, even if it wasn’t exactly accurate.
Sheriff Granger shook his head. “Likely not, but I need to ask the question.” He put his notebook in his back pocket. “If you think of anyone else, give me a call.”
“I’ll do that, Sheriff.” Gage grimaced as he shifted in the bed. “I hope you don’t mind if I don’t walk you out.”
“You get some rest.” The sheriff pulled a pair of sunglasses out of his shirt pocket. “We’ll keep looking for the guy who did this.”
Gage scowled. “I’d like a swing at him if you can find him.”
The sheriff slipped his sunglasses on. “You just get yourself better.”
“Getting my hands on the bastard who shot me,” Gage said, “would make me feel a whole lot better.”
“I’m sure it would.” Sheriff Granger adjusted his western hat. “But you just leave that up to us.”
The sheriff turned and walked to the hospital room door. He looked over his shoulder and gave Gage a nod before he left.
As the sheriff disappeared through the doorway, Gage’s thoughts turned back to Tess.
Now, more than ever, he realized what he had in her. She was a special woman who meant more to him than he could ever have imagined.
He could have died. Died without telling her how much he loved her.
Having people around you who cared about you, and you caring about them, was like gold. Precious.
He didn’t want to waste another moment. First chance he had, once he got back on his feet, he was going to do it right.
* * * * *
A few days after he was released from the hospital, Gage stood outside on the porch, an evening wind tugging at his clothing.
He leaned on one crutch on his left side. He was bandaged all over, including the right side of his head, his right arm, and right leg. His arm was in a sling, too. He could hobble along for a while without the crutch, but he was plenty sore right now after doing some chores. Dr. Marcus wouldn’t have been happy, but nothing would keep Gage down for long.
Gage turned and made it back into the house before shutting the door behind him.
Signs of the robbery, the struggle, and the blood had been cleaned up before he returned home—Tess had taken care of everything.
The fact that she’d had to clean up his blood made his gut clench. She shouldn’t have done it—he could have taken care of it himself. He didn’t like the idea of her here alone, cleaning up something that she’d undoubtedly found upsetting.
He’d seen it in her eyes when she visited him in the hospital. The fact that he’d been shot and had almost died had upset her more than she likely cared to admit.
Just as he was about to head to the kitchen to get something to eat for dinner, he heard the sound of a vehicle coming up the drive. He moved to the front window and it was still light enough that he could see it was Tess’s car.
A grin spread across his face. He couldn’t help smiling, every time he saw her. She’d been out to care for him every day since he’d been home and had insisted on staying with him as much as she could while he was in the hospital.
He opened the front door as she reached into her car and slung her briefcase over her shoulder, and then grabbed a big foil-wrapped pan. He would have gone out to meet her, but by the time he’d made it down the steps, she’d already have been on his front porch.
“Hi.” She smiled up at him as she headed up the steps. “Brought you some sour cream enchiladas. You should be resting, by the way.”
“Have I told you that you’re the sexiest nurse a man could have?” he said as he held the door open for her.
She laughed. “Not a very good one considering you won’t listen to me and rest like you should.” She walked past him and he closed the door as she entered the kitchen. “Hungry?”
“Always for anything you make.” He used his crutch as he followed her and the delicious smell of the enchiladas.
“Good answer.” She set the pan on the center of the kitchen table. “Now sit.”
He grinned. He loved it when she bossed him around. It was so damned cute. He set his crutch up against the wall then hobbled to a chair at the table and dropped into it. He watched as she grabbed plates and silverware and set them on the table then poured glasses of ice water for each of them before returning to the table.
“I didn’t have any sangria at home which is the only alcoholic drink other than margaritas and mojitos that I think goes with Mexican food,” she said as she settled into a chair across from him. “I didn’t think to bring iced tea.”
“Water’s just fine,” he said. “And thank you for dinner.”
She used a spatula to serve big squares of the enchiladas onto plates for each of them and slid a plate and a fork in front of him. He was still trying to get used to eating with a fork using his left hand. His shoulder hurt like a sonofabitch when he tried to move his right arm.
As they ate, she told him what Jenny was up to. Tess seemed brighter and happier now that she was working at home. But she’d often look at him with concern because of his ordeal.
When they finished eating, Tess insisted on cleaning up as usual. He didn’t argue—she was usually done before he more than carried his plate to the sink, and pulled the foil out of the drawer to wrap the rest of the meal with.
“You weren’t out doing chores today, were you?” she said.
He shrugged. “I’m not an invalid.”
“The doctor said to rest as much as possible.” She put her hands on her hips. “You have employees more than capable of handling the chores.”
She was close enough for him to grab her arm and drag her toward him. Before she could say anything else, he kissed her hard.
When he drew away she looked up at him, then shook her head. “You always make me forget what it is that I’m telling you,” she said. “Now, where was I?”
He grinned and kissed her again.
“Oh, well.” She smiled when she drew away. “What do you say to a nice, relaxing movie?”
“I’d rather have you in bed,” he said, his voice low as he imagined taking her. “It’s been too damned long.”
She sounded husky as she replied. “We’ll make up for it when you’re better. A lot better.”
He groaned. “I don’t know if I can wait that long.”
“Come on and have a seat.” She slipped under his arm to steady him as they headed into the living room.
He eased onto the couch and she sat beside him. She cupped his stubbled jaw and kissed him.
She tasted so damned good, her lips warm, her body soft, her breasts firm, as she pressed against him.
Should he tell her he loved her now? Or should he wait until the right moment…when he had the ring.
She drew away and then was easing down his body to the floor. He looked at her, puzzled, as she got onto her knees. That was until she carefully moved between his thighs and reached for his belt buckle.
“Tess…” He swallowed as she unbuckled his belt and reached for the button of his jeans. “Do you know what you’re doing?”
She smiled up at him. “I certainly hope so.” She unbuttoned his jeans and drew down the zipper.
He groaned as she slipped her hand into his boxer briefs and wrapped it around his nearly instant erection. He slid his good hand into her hair as she pulled his cock out of his jeans and then he pressed her head down.
She took him into her warm mouth, her hand moving in time with the bob of her head. He watched as his cock slipped in and out and she grasped his balls with her other hand.
Damn, but it felt incredible having her going down on him, so generous, so willing.
He felt a tightening sensation low in his groin as an orgasm started to build inside him. He clenched his fist in her hair, barely realizing he was doing it.
She made soft moans as she licked and sucked him, a soft hum that traveled up through his cock.
He came close to coming and he stopped her for a moment, wan
ting to draw out the pleasure. And then she was taking him into her mouth again.
All feeling seemed to center around his cock and then his orgasm slammed into him. He gave a loud groan as his semen pumped out of his cock and into her mouth.
She swallowed it willingly, sucking every drop until he couldn’t take anymore.
When she raised her head, she smiled at him and licked her lips. She looked so beautiful with her hair wild from where he had clenched it, her eyes soft and satisfied looking, even though she hadn’t climaxed.
“What about you?” He stroked her hair back down as she tucked his cock back in his jeans, buttoned them, then fastened his buckle.
“I just enjoyed myself thoroughly.” She eased onto the couch beside him, slipping under his arm and letting him hold her close as she rested her head against his chest. “I’ve been wanting to do that for ages.”
“For ages?” He raised his eyebrow as she tipped her head up to look at him.
She smiled. “It seems like ages. I’m looking forward to the time I can take full advantage of you. But for now this will do just fine.”
“You’re an amazing woman, Tess.” He held her close and she gave what sounded like a happy sigh as she cuddled up to him. “And it’s not because you did what you just did.”
She audibly inhaled and made a satisfied sound. “I love the smell of your T-shirt. I love the smell of you.”
“I was thinking the same thing about you.” He inhaled deeply. “Your hair smells like apples.”
With a soft laugh, she said, “My shampoo.”
“You feel so good in my arms.” He squeezed her to him. “I never want to let you go, Tess.”
She seemed to tense in his arms. He wanted to say more, but somehow now didn’t seem to be the right time.
He wondered if she felt the way he did—as if he couldn’t live another day without her. He wanted her always, wanted her to be his forever.
He loved her. Loved her more than anyone, anything. She was a part of him that he couldn’t let go of. Wouldn’t let go of.
As far as he was concerned, she was his…and would always be.
Fencing You In Page 14
