Page 16 of Scorched

“Okay. We’ll get you switched over to oral pain control and see how you do. Get some rest.”

“Yeah. Thanks, Doc.”

Dr. Calvin gave him a nod. “Have a good night.” He and his entourage left the room.

Maggie leaned forward and took Declan’s hand. “How do you really feel?”

“Like I got hit by a truck. My chest feels like there’s an elephant sitting on it.”

Macy frowned. “Why the hell didn’t you say something?”

He cast a glance at her from the corner of his eye. “I’m fine, Mace. It’s just uncomfortable.”

“You’re not fine, you stubborn mule.” She swatted his arm.

“Macy. I’m okay. Really.”

She sniffed. “Never do that again. You really scared me this time.”

“I know. I’m sorry. It’s not like I planned to get blown up.”

She rolled her eyes, huffing a short laugh. “I know. It’s just—you’re the only family I have, Deck.”

He let go of Maggie’s hand to grab Macy’s. “I love you, Macy. I’m sorry I scared you.”

She bent over and pressed a kiss to his temple. “I love you too, you big oaf. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Me too.”

“All right.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes. “I’m going to leave you with Maggie. I haven’t had any dinner and I need to go check on the coffee shop. She can explain the plan for when you come home.” She dropped another kiss on top of his head. “I’ll see you later.” Picking up her purse and coat, she left.

Declan struggled to sit up, having slouched while he slept. Maggie stood, helping shift his left side while he pushed with his right arm.

“God, this sucks,” he said through clenched teeth. He tipped his head back against the bed once they got him situated. Sweat dotted his forehead, and he puffed short breaths.

“You okay? Should I get the nurse?”

“No,” he growled, staring at the opposite wall. “I’ll be fine. I just need a second.”

Maggie took his hand, and he gripped her fingers. She ran the fingers of her other hand over his forearm, trying to soothe him. After a few moments, his breathing calmed and his grip loosened.

“You sure you don’t want more pain medicine? It’s not macho to suffer.”

One side of his mouth lifted. “I know. And it’s not being macho. I just don’t like the way the stuff makes me feel.”

“So extra-strength ibuprofen it is, huh?”

“Yeah. So, what’s the plan Macy mentioned?” he asked, changing the subject.

She settled back into her seat, still holding his hand. “Oh, that. It’s what we talked about last night. I’m going to stay with you for a few days until you’re more mobile. Macy has to take care of the coffee shop. I can pretty much work from anywhere. It just made sense.”

“I still don’t need a keeper.”

“You can’t move without almost passing out.”

He blinked at her.

“It’ll be fun. Like a sleepover.”

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