Page 42 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“She usually hates people.” Nathan gazes over at his gorgeous passenger.

“I’m not most people.” Jamie’s crooked smile is charming when he’s so sure of himself.

“Apparently.” Nathan’s eyes are glued.

“Red light.” Jamie calls out.

Nathan stomps on the brakes. Throwing an arm across Jamie’s chest to keep him steady in the seat. “Sorry.” He can feel Jamie’s heart pounding in his chest. He keeps his eyes on the road the rest of the drive across town to the restaurant.

“Wait here. I’ll go get your things.”

“Ask for Molly.” Jamie instructs.

Nathan strolls into Truffle. Jamie watches from the Jeep, through the windows as Nathan speaks to Colin. Who looks out and waves.

Molly joins their conversation. Her face scowling as she listens to Nathan plead. They all turn and look at Jamie in the vehicle. She leaves the two men standing and walks to the back of the restaurant, then returns, passing them and out to greet him. Nathan follows behind. She motions with the wave of her hand for him to open the window.

He cranks it down.

“Hey babe.” She’s confused. “How are you? What’s happening here?” She nods over her shoulder at the Nurse everyone hated in solidarity last night.

“He’s giving me a ride home.”

“I see that.” She passes his phone through the window. “Are you okay?”

“Yea. The Doctor says it will be fine. I won’t be into work for a few days though.”

“We’ve got it covered. Don’t stress about that.” She looks back at Nathan, keeping back to let them talk. “He taking good care of you?” She winks.

“Yes.” He scoffs and narrows his eyes.

“Okay.” She’s grinning. “You let me know if you need anything? I can bring you some food tonight?”

“Thanks. I’m good though. I’ll probably go sleep off these meds. They’re wild.” He makes a silly face.

They both laugh.

“I’ll text you later then.” She leans in and smooches his cheek “Behave,” whispering in his ear.

“Bye bitch.” He rolls his eyes.

“Bye bitch.” She is laughing all the way back into the restaurant.

Nathan hops back into the vehicle.

“My place is just up the street.” He points ahead. “Number 167.”

“That’s convenient for work.”

“It is.” Jamie is checking his phone. No messages.

They pull into a space right in front of the apartment building entrance. Jamie is swinging his legs out the door when Nathan gets around and grabs his elbow.

“I’m okay from here.”

“Shush. I’ll help you get inside.” He’s not backing down from his nursing duties.

Jamie puts an arm over his solid shoulders. Nathan wraps around Jamie’s waist and settles in against his torso. Lifting him out of the Jeep and propping him up the stairs.

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