Page 2 of Complete Me

To Doctor Morris’s credit, he doesn’t argue the point, glancing at his tablet as he steps closer to the bed. “So, are you ready to go home?”

My heart rate skyrockets. “Absolutely. Today?”

He shakes his head, and I sag, disappointed. “Afraid not. We have bloodwork to run tomorrow morning, to check for infection and your electrolyte levels. If we’re happy with the results, we’ll set you free.” He looks between Gunnar and Astrid. “I’m assuming you’ll have someone to drive you home?”

Gunnar raises a hand. “Yeah. I can do that.”

“Thanks, man.” I can see he’s feeling guilty for disappearing and worrying everyone after I was rushed to the hospital. He’s trying to make up for it, and I appreciate the gesture. “That’s not gonna get you in trouble at work?”

There’s an awkward pause before he shakes his head, and I’m guessing he’s already in trouble since his boss is close friends with Jocelin. “It’ll be fine.” I’m about to argue, but he holds up a hand. “Don’t. I said it’ll be fine. I’ll be here.”

When I give in, he relaxes, though he’s still eyeing me a bit warily. Truth is, I’m not up for a fight, and even though Gunnar made us worry with his disappearing act, he doesn’t look up for one either. So I let it go. Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. Not that thirty-eight is ancient. Though today I feel like it is. I won’t mention that, though. Not when freedom is so close I can taste it. Maybe that’s just the cinnamon roll.

As if the universe hears my thoughts, Dr. Morris looks up from my chart and meets my gaze. “How are you feeling?”

Shit. “Good. I get tired easily, but I’m rarely using the pain meds now.”

His raised eyebrow conveys how unimpressed he is with my answer. “It’s good that you aren’t overusing them, but you don’t get extra points for endurance. Pain takes a toll on the body, and you need rest to heal. If taking some pain medication will allow you to do that, then take it.” He gives me a stern look. “Alright?”

I wipe my hand down my face. “Yeah. I don’t like how the drugs make me feel.” Gunnar’s snort isn’t subtle. I glare at him. “Shut it.”

He holds up both hands. “I didn’t say a word. But you really mean you don’t like how you can’t control everything when you take them.” I glare at him, and Astrid steps in.

“Boys, behave. Don’t make me go get Jules.”

We both stare at her, horrified, remembering the last time Jules had to intervene in one of our fights. He ended up having a massive anxiety attack and passed out from the strain on his body. Gunnar and I are still trying to make it up to him. I shake my head. “No need for that.”

Gunnar drops into one of the two chairs by the bed, face a bit ashen. “Yeah, we’re fine. Sorry, Bjorn.”

I wince as Dr. Morris chuckles. “Just like teenagers.” He takes a few minutes to check my pulse and listen to my lungs. Draping the stethoscope around his neck, he picks up his tablet. “You’re doing great, and I expect tomorrow morning’s test results to be well within the range to discharge you.”

“What about work?”

The look he levels at me is stern and leaves no room for argument. “You won’t be going back to the force until your primary care doctor releases you for duty. I know every police officer thinks they’re indispensable, but I have every confidence that your team can handle things while you take the time to fully recover from your near-death experience.” He emphasizes ‘near-death’ and holds out his hand. “Thank you for everything you do for our city.”

I shake his hand. “You do just as much for the city’s people. So, thank you, doc. Especially for saving my life.”

He laughs sincerely. “You’re welcome. Try to stay out of trouble. Or, at least, out of my hospital.” He nods at Astrid and Gunnar. “Nice to meet you.”

Once he’s gone, Astrid raises her eyebrows, nodding appreciatively. “Good looking man. A doctor. And no ring.”

I shake my head. “That doesn’t mean he’s available. Or interested.”

She shrugs a shoulder. “Seemed like he might have been flirting.” She turns to Gunnar. “Was he flirting?”

“Might have been, now that you mention it.” His shit-eating grin is a giveaway that he’s only agreeing with her to yank my chain.

“Fuck off, both of you.” But I laugh, then inhale sharply when the movement jars my wound.

In an instant, Astrid’s right next to me. “You heard the doctor. There aren’t any awards for not taking the pain medication.” Why does talking about it increase the pain? A sharp spike drives into my side and I wince, gasping softly. “Bjorn.” There’s steel in her voice and she’s more than annoyed.

“Fine. I’ll take something. But it makes me sleepy, and I just woke up. I don’t want to waste the day being unconscious.”

Gunnar pokes me in the cheek. “Like you have somewhere to be?”

I flip him off, because swatting at his hand would only hurt me. There’s also no point fighting when the two of them gang up on me like this. “Alright.”

Astrid kisses my temple then strides across the room and into the hall, presumably to ask the nurse for something to dull the throbbing in my side. Gunnar rests a hand on my shin. “You want anything? Magazine? A book?”

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