Page 5 of Heartless Pucker in Love

Nic visibly fought back his amusement.

“What are you two whispering about?” Julian asked. “Did you say Bennet? As in April’s sister? Sure, I’ll talk to her.” He smirked. “But only if my babe of a nurse is standing right beside me. She really lights up the room, doesn’t she?”

Nic snickered, and I rolled my eyes.

“I’ll be back a little later then,” Nic announced. He then gave me a peck on the cheek. “Later, darlin’.”

“Later. Give Kelsey a kiss for me.”

Kelsey, Nic’s daughter, was the cutest little girl. I loved babysitting her. She was a barrel of laughs, just like her father.

Nic left and I was alone with Julian again. I reached for his chart to scribble down his current vitals.

“The Chief kissed you and called you darlin’.”

I glanced at Julian. “What of it?”

“So, you’re...with him?”

My brows scrunched. “He’s my family’s long-time friend and my soon-to-be brother-in-law.”

“Oh.”

We stared at each other. Julian looked as if he was trying to wade through the haze of opioids that circulated his system to say something else. He blinked several times, but his eyelids drooped. I stood there as my usual awkward self, confused and wanting to escape his gaze.

“Flower child…”

“Don’t call me that,” I snapped. I had to take a breath to not let his words get to me.

He looked taken aback. “April, I uh…” He blew out a breath. “Shit, what is happening?” he slurred.

“You’re falling asleep. The meds,” I explained. “Sleep is good. You won’t be in pain. When you wake up in a few hours, I’m pretty sure you’ll be out of here.”

He grunted. “I need to ask you something.”

I adjusted the IV. “What’s that?”

“Do you still hate…”

I waited, but nothing else came. Glancing at him, I saw that his eyes were closed. My lips quirked. I was curious to hear what he wanted to ask. I stared at Julian for a moment, feeling that strange attraction clawing its way to the surface. It wasn’t new to me. Suddenly, out of nowhere, came memories of our bitter verbal battles growing up, and the last hurtful thing he did. He didn’t know how much he had hurt me though. It had all been a joke to him. Sighing, I pulled the white sheet up to cover him. No matter how much I disliked him, I couldn’t help ensuring his comfort. With one last look at his serene, sleeping face, I walked out.

4

JULIAN

Incessant beeping made me pry my eyes open. I groaned as the light hit my retinas.

“Goddamn, I feel like shit.” Had I been run over by a truck? It took a moment for my hazy mind to find some clarity. There had been an accident. I’d been thrown from my motorcycle. From the pain in my left hand and chest, I guess I broke a few things.

“Coach is going to kill me,” I moaned. I wasn’t looking forward to telling him and the rest of my team about my injuries. But maybe things would work out. The season didn’t start for months. I was sure I could start training with the team after a few weeks. I dragged myself into a sitting position and let out a string of expletives.

“Hey, take it easy, Mr. Grayson,” said a young woman wearing soft pink scrubs as she hurried in.

I frowned. “Where’s April?” Why did those words even come out of my mouth?

The nurse smiled. “Her shift ended. She left about an hour ago.”

Was she having coffee with that guy? My frown deepened. Why did I remember that guy hitting on April so clearly? Why did I care? So many questions. Crap. I hit on her too, didn’t I? It was all coming back to me. I called April babe and asked her for a hug. “Oh, God. Kill me now.” Something beeped again, and I jolted. Looking skyward, I said, “Whoa, just kidding, big guy.”

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