Page 24 of Left Behind

Wiley nodded. “Did you leave your contact information at the nurses’ desk?” he asked.

Johnny frowned. “No, I didn’t think to do that.”

“Both of you give it to me. I’ll make sure they have it,” Wiley said. He grabbed a little notebook and pen from his shirt pocket, took down their info, and went back to the ICU to leave it at the nurses’ station, while Tom wheeled Johnny out of the hospital and went to find them a place to stay.

***

Linette made it her business to find out why Wiley Pope was in the hospital and was surprised to learn he was guarding a patient in the ICU.

She didn’t have much willpower when it came to the man. He was aggravating and sexy, and she’d already been burned once. She didn’t want to get her heart broken, but if it happened, he would be the man to break it, and she was still confused about his comment about not going to dinner because he had yet to ask.

She was getting ready to clock out for the day when she got a text from Norma, the RN in charge of the intensive care unit.

Linette, are you still in the building or have you already left?

Linette responded, Clocking out but still here. Why?

Would you mind running down to the cafeteria and picking up a food order for me? It’s for the cop who’s guarding one of our patients. He’s not asked for a thing since he got here, and I know he’s got to be hungry.

Linette sighed and returned the text. I don’t mind a bit. Do I pay for it, or…?

Norma texted back, It’s already charged to the police department.

So much for keeping her distance. On the way.

Linette clocked out, grabbed her things, and took the elevator down to the cafeteria, trying to ignore what she was feeling. Damn man. Damn gorgeous, aggravating man. Now I have to face him again. She exited the elevator and went into the cafeteria.

“Dolly, I’m supposed to pick up a food order for the cop on duty up in the ICU.”

“Oh, sure thing,” the hostess said. “Hang on a sec. I’ll go get it.”

Linette slung her purse strap over her shoulder, combed her fingers through her hair, and wished she’d thought to brush it and put on some lipstick, but whatever.

Dolly returned with a sack and a drink with a lid.

“Here you go. I hear he’s a looker,” Dolly said.

“Really?” Linette said, and went back to the elevator and rode it up to the ICU floor.

Her heart was pounding as she walked down the long hall with the food and then to where Wiley was sitting. When he saw her, he looked up and smiled.

“Hey, Linnie.”

She didn’t blink. “Norma asked me to bring this up for you.”

He stood, took the food, and then didn’t want her to leave. “That’s really kind of you. I’ll be on duty until morning, so I really appreciate it.”

“No problem. I’m already clocked out, but don’t get too excited. It’s hospital cafeteria food.”

“Still better than my cooking,” he said.

Her eyebrows rose just enough to exhibit surprise. “You cook?”

Wiley could tell she was still pissed at him, and she hadn’t replied after he’d sent that text about taking her out again, so he didn’t know where they stood, but he resented the tone of her voice just enough to fire back.

“I’m not a complete ass. I also do laundry, clean house, am kind to animals, and love my family,” he said.

Linette blinked. She heard hurt in his voice and was immediately sorry, but it was too late to take back what had already been said. She walked out feeling like a fool.

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