Tia smiled up at him. “Thank you, I might take you up on that.”
“And I don’t know how your recovery will be, but I own a restaurant. I have a need for a good hostess if your doctor says it’s okay.”
Brody nodded. “I’d be okay with it as long as she can stay off her leg. It would be great if you stayed in town, and I was able to check up on you as well.”
Check up on her? Was that all he wanted? She had thought after their two near death experiences that he might want more, but perhaps that had just been adrenaline acting and not any real affection for her.
“Thank you, Jordan. I think I’ll spend tonight thinking about where I see my life going from here, and I’ll let you know.”
“You do that.” He pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to her. “I know Al gave you a card the first day we were here, but this one has my personal cell. You call me if you want some help. I’m sorry this happened to you, but you are strong. You will be okay.”
Tia nodded and hoped her lips formed a smile though she didn’t feel much like smiling. After Jordan left, Brody went to check on other patients, promising to check in on her before he left for the night.
As she lay in the quiet room, Tia wondered what the rest of her life held for her. If Brody didn’t have feelings for her, would she stay in Fire Beach? There wouldn’t really be a need, but could she readjust to her life back in California? It already felt a lifetime ago. Though she couldn’t remember the last time she had, Tia turned her eyes to the ceiling and whispered a prayer.
“God? I don’t know if I used to do this. I’m not even sure I’m doing it right, but if I am, please help me know what to do. I don’t want to go back to the person I was before, but I have no idea how to go forward.”
She hadn’t expected a booming answer, but Tia sighed when all she received was the stillness of her room broken only by the beeping of her monitor.
* * *
“Whew, you took quite a pounding,” Nick said as he helped Brody get his arm out of the shirt. Though he didn’t think anything was broken, Brody wanted to get a second opinion before heading home for the night. Besides worker’s compensation required he receive medical attention for his claim.
Brody tried not to grimace as the pain shot through him. His arm was already turning an ugly collection of blues and purples. “I know, but it was either take the guy down or let him get away.”
“In that case, I think you chose wisely, but you should remember that you’re not Superman. You’re going to have a sizable bruise on this shoulder. I’d ice it tonight and think about taking a few days off to recover. You certainly have enough saved up.”
“Yeah, maybe after Tia gets released,” Brody said with a nod. He tried to lift his arm to replace his shirt, but the pain made him stop.
Nick stepped back and narrowed his eyes at Brody. “Tia, huh? You’ve saved this woman twice now, and you don’t want to take time off while she’s here. Are you really going to tell me you don’t have feelings for this woman?”
Brody sighed. “I don’t know what I have - whether it’s feelings or some crazy case of needing to protect her, but I want to be here until she’s released.”
“You don’t even know how bad you have it, man,” Nick said with a shake of his head as he helped Brody place his arm back in his sleeve. “Okay, let me see the hip.”
Brody took a deep breath, stood, and lowered his pants. His hip was definitely sore and would probably be just as colorful, but his shoulder actually ached more.
“Yep, you’re going to have fun walking the next few days. Ice and rest, man. Ice and rest. And no more fist fights or wall slams.”
“I’ll do my best,” Brody said with a smirk. “It’s not like I practice them on a regular basis.” He zipped his pants back up and grabbed his bag. “Thanks, Nick. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You too. Oh, and Brody?” Brody turned back to his friend. “She won’t be your patient much longer.”
Brody smiled and flashed his friend a wave as he stepped out of the door. Was that his hang-up? Was he worried about how it would look if he were seeing a patient? He supposed it was possible. There was no denying he had feelings for Tia now, but were they worth pursuing? Would she return to California when she was released? He had so many questions and no real answers. Perhaps tomorrow would bring more clarity.
Chapter 13
Tia’s eyes snapped open at the sound of footsteps. Her room was dark, too dark. It was night, so it had to have just been a nurse, but why wouldn’t they identify themselves? She blinked trying to adjust to the light level and held her breath to hear any sounds better. But there was nothing. Had it all been a dream then? It had seemed so real.
As she exhaled, she wondered if she would face this the rest of her life. Would she always be jumping at shadows and feeling like she was being watched? Jordan had said it was over, but what if it wasn’t? What if someone was still out there? What if Rico came after her? What if there were more people involved in the meeting than who Jordan arrested? Would she ever be safe?
She was still tired when the sun woke her the next morning. That certainly hadn’t been her best night of sleep, and the responsibilities of the upcoming day wore heavy on her. If she got released, she needed to find a place to stay at least until her foot healed. Though Brody had said she could fly, trying to maneuver travel with a cast didn’t sound appealing at all. Besides, she was in no hurry to get back to her life. Plus, she would need to contact Jordan about his job offer. Tia hoped to return to writing one day, but until she got back on her feet, she needed a job that provided consistent income.
“Are you ready for your final evaluation?” Brody asked entering the room.
“I should say yes, right?”
“Most people can’t wait to leave though I think it’s mostly to get better food,” he said with a smile.
“Well most people don’t have people trying to kill them either.”
“Did something happen?” Brody’s voice oozed with concern, and his eyes raked over her as if looking for injuries. “Jordan said it was over.”
Tia shook her head. “Just a dream. I know he said it was over, but I don’t feel like it is, and I feel it will be worse out there. I certainly won’t have you to protect me.” She had meant for the words to sound light - an attempt at humor - but they hung heavy in the air.
Brody set his clipboard down on the table and approached her side. His eyes grew serious as he picked up her hand. “About that, Tia. I’m kind of a mess, and I’ve probably forgotten how to date, but I can’t stand here and say I don’t care about you. And as much as I don’t know what the future holds, I’d like to see if there’s a future for us.”
Tia’s mouth opened, but she couldn’t form the words she wanted to say. She had hoped he felt the same as she did, but he’d been impossible to read accurately.
“I can’t promise any more Superman stunts, but I’ll try my best to protect you.”
“Did you hurt yourself badly?” she finally managed.
“I’ll have some good bruising on my left side where I hit that corner,” he pointed to the area that jutted out due to the bathroom, “but nothing that won’t heal with time. Now, what do you say we get you looked at and get you out of here?”
Tia nodded and chuckled. “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything more.”
* * *
Brody decided to start at the top and checked Tia’s head first. As his fingers touched near her stitches, he couldn’t help but wonder how touching the rest of her face would feel. He let his eyes wander down her slender cheek bones and to the curve in her neck before clearing his throat and forcing his focus back to her wound. “This looks good. You ready for the stitches to come out?”
“I suppose.” Her eyes flicked up to meet his gaze. “Does it hurt? I don’t think I’ve ever had stitches before.”
“Not generally. Most people say it tickles, but I did have a patient once who healed rather quickly and he
r skin grew over her stitches a little.”
“Oh great, thanks for sharing that.”
He smiled down at her and squeezed her arm for reassurance. “I’m sure that won’t be your case. You’ve had enough issues to deal with.” He crossed to the medical cabinet and pulled out a pair of scissors before returning to her side. With a quick snip, he popped the first string holding it all together and then tugged on it until the rest came out. “All done. Did it hurt?”
Tia’s face scrunched as if she were deciding. “I guess not, but it didn’t tickle either. Is the scar bad?”
Brody pressed around the red puckering to make sure it was holding before answering her. “It’s a little red right now, but that’s to be expected. It will fade and eventually you’ll just have a tiny white line. Besides, scars build character.”
“I guess I’ll have a lot of character then,” she said with a chuckle.
He checked her eye next. The colors had faded to an ugly yellow brown, but she could open it fully, and nothing else appeared to be damaged. The cuts on her face and arms were almost healed as well, so he moved down to check her foot. “Can you feel this?” he asked touching her toes.
Her smile was wide as she nodded. “I can.”
“Good, and how about the pain today?”
“Not bad although I assume I don’t get to take the good stuff with me when I leave?”
He chuckled as he checked off her progress on the chart. “No, but I’ll get you a prescription for some stronger ibuprofen than you can get over-the-counter just in case. I want Dr. North to check your foot as well, but it looks like you’re cleared to go unless she says otherwise. You won’t be able to drive though. Do you have anyone who can pick you up?”
Her face fell and understanding filled her eyes. “I don’t. I don’t have a car or a place to live yet.”
“Hey, it’s okay. I’ll call Jordan and see if he can help you out. If he’s busy, you can stay here until I get off and I’ll drive you wherever he sets up for you.”
“Thank you. I promise I won’t always be so needy.”
He picked up her hand and squeezed it. “We all need people, and I’m happy to help. You just relax and enjoy your last day. I’ll take care of the rest.”
Chapter 14
Jordan showed up shortly after Dr. North finished her assessment and announced she was cleared to go as well.
“Brody said you could use a lift,” he said with a grin. He held a bag in his hands, and she wondered what it contained.
“Yeah, I could. Plus, I thought I’d take you up on your offer for a place to stay and a job. I’d like to stay in town a little longer.”
His eyes danced and the corners of his lips twitched as he set the bag beside her on the bed. “Would that have anything to do with a handsome doctor by chance?”
“It might,” she said, “but I also don’t know if there’s much to go back to in California. I feel like I can start over here except....” Her voice trailed off as she remembered her dream from the previous night.
“Except what?”
Tia sighed and shook her head. “I had a dream last night that someone is still after me. I’m sure it was due to the activity yesterday, but do you think there’s any chance that it might be true?”
Jordan ran a hand across his chin. “I’d be lying if I said no. I do think we got the main people involved, but there’s always the chance that someone else decides to seek retribution. If it makes you feel better, the lady who runs the house I’m taking you to is former military. She’ll keep an eye on you.”
“Did you get any news on Rico?”
He shook his head. “Sorry, we’re checking with the PD in Chicago, but it’s going to take some time.”
“Thanks Jordan.” She wished that made her feel better, but at least she felt like she had friends looking out for her. Something she didn’t think she’d had the last few years.
“You’re welcome. Now, in that bag are some clothes and shoes. My girlfriend Cassidy deduced that you had none here. She picked them out, but I had to guess on your size, so don’t blame her if they’re off. She did bring some things with drawstrings, so the size shouldn’t matter too much.”
Tia’s fingers touched the bag. Brody was so thoughtful. She hadn’t even realized she had no clothes with which to leave the hospital. “Thank you, Jordan, and tell Cassidy thank you.”
He nodded, clearly embarrassed and took a step back. “I’ll give you a chance to change and see about getting a wheelchair so we can get you out of here.”
As he ducked out of the room, Tia opened the bag. Not only did it contain socks and underwear in a few sizes, but there were also stretchy pants and sweats along with a few shirts. As she pulled out a simple green shirt, another piece of her past opened. Back home, she had a large closet full of designer clothes, and she would never have been caught dead in a shirt like this, one that looked as if it came from a bargain store, but Tia found she didn’t mind now. Designer clothes seemed insignificant compared to everything she had faced recently.
She pulled on the green shirt and a pair of wide-leg navy stretchy pants, gritting through the pain and stiffness of her body. Then she attempted to put a sock on her left foot, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t reach it. She finally decided just to use the sandals Cassidy had provided and forgo the socks altogether.
A knock sounded at the door a few minutes after she finished. “It’s Jordan. Can I come in?”
“Yes, come on in.”
“Hey, looking good,” he said as he wheeled a chair in. Tia wasn’t sure she would go that far, but she was thankful for all he had done. “You about ready? I just got called back to work, so I’m afraid I’ll have to drop you and run.”
“That’s fine, Jordan. Really, you’ve done so much for me.”
* * *
“So, I took your advice,” Brody said as he set his food down across from Nick.
“Oh yeah, about what?” Nick picked up his burger and took a huge bite sending a blob of ketchup down his hand.
Brody rolled his eyes. He loved his friend but sometimes he had the manners of a pig and the memory of a gnat. “About Tia. I’ve decided to date her and see what happens.”
Nick licked the ketchup off his arm. “That’s great man. You take my advice about the other stuff too? The icing and time off from work?”
“Yes. Today is my last shift for a week. I’m not sure exactly what I’ll do, but I imagine helping Tia get settled will take some of that time.” Brody took a bite of his own burger, making sure to hold it over the plate in case he had a similar experience with his ketchup.
“Take her out, man. Fancy dinners, movies, anything that has a ton of people and will keep you both safe. Dancing is probably out for the moment though.” Nick chuckled at his own joke before wolfing down another large bite of hamburger.
“You think?” Dancing would probably be out of the question for another few months as would anything requiring both legs, but fancy dinners and movies he could do. He just hoped he remembered how to date. He had met Rachel in college, and he’d known from the first date that he was going to marry her. They’d been married for ten years, so his knowledge of dating protocol was definitely rusty.
“It hasn’t changed much if that’s what you’re worried about,” Nick said as if reading his mind.
“What?”
“Dating. You had this look on your face - the one you get when you’re really thinking about something or about to throw up - so I thought I’d clarify. Just ask the girl to go places with you and have fun. It’s still the same.”
Brody chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t know how you know me so well, Nick. It’s kind of creepy.”
Nick shrugged and shoved the last of his burger in his mouth. “I’m just that good,” he said around his mouthful of food.
Brody smiled as he finished his own lunch. He might not miss this hospital for the next week, but he would miss seeing Nick every day.
Chapter 15
Jordan parked the car in front of a weathered-looking rambler close to the beach. The yellow paint was faded but still cheery. “Sorry, it’s not much to look at on the outside, but Cara takes good care of the inside.”
“It’s fine,” Tia said. “Hopefully, I don’t have to inconvenience her too long.”
Jordan touched her arm. “It’s no inconvenience. We take care of each other here.”
Tia smiled and thanked him. She couldn’t remember a time she’d had friends like this - friends willing to help her out even though she had brought trouble to town and had a checkered past.
“Come on, I’ll introduce you and help you get settled before I jet back to work.”
He turned the engine off and walked around to Tia’s side. Before helping her out, he grabbed her crutches out of the back seat, handed them to her, and made sure she was stable. Only then did he grab her bag. Tia smiled at his thoughtfulness. She didn’t know Cassidy, but she believed the woman had been lucky finding a man like Jordan.
Jordan led the way up the short walk and pushed open the door without knocking. He must know this Cara well. “Cara? It’s Jordan and Tia, the woman I told you about.”
A woman with short spiky hair appeared in the doorway. Trim and athletic, the woman looked as if she could tangle with the boys any day with her broad shoulders and bold arm definition. “Jordan, good to see you again.” She extended a hand in greeting.
Jordan shook the woman’s hand and then turned to Tia. “This is Tia. She’s recovering from memory loss and a few attempts on her life. She’s going to need some help getting back on her feet.”
Cara extended her hand to Tia. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and any friend of Jordan’s is welcome here as long as needed.”
Tia shook the woman’s hand and returned the smile. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Lost Memories And New Beginnings (The Men 0f Fire Beach Book 2) Page 9
