Page 29 of Wicked Healing

By the time they got to his room, though, she could tell he was worn out. A couple of the nurses waved hello to him and within a few minutes one came in to see if he needed anything. Luca asked for something to eat and the nurse disappeared.

Erin sank into the recliner as he took the bed. Wicked had already jumped onto the mattress and Luca removed his prosthetic, checking to make sure that the dog didn’t have any wear spots on his foot. From her position it looked completely fine.

“If it gets damp or anything you can just leave it off for a while. He gets around fine on three legs.”

Luca nodded. “It’s completely dry. Just a little sandy.”

He brushed the irritants away then replaced the prosthetic. Wicked licked his hand, then put his head down again.

Erin sighed. They were going to have to go back to the hotel soon, and she hated to leave. “Did you get a message about that rental you were looking at?”

Luca grabbed his tablet, woke it up and began swiping. He grunted and looked up at her. “Well, looks like I got it if I want it. I just have to email him to confirm.”

Erin’s heart sank but she forced a smile. “Congratulations, then. That’s excellent news.”

Luca was frowning. “Yeah, I guess.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know.” His dark eyes locked onto hers. “I had a really good time with you today. I know you aren’t here for me, not exactly, but I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”

She smiled, shrugging. “It was for me as much as you boys. I wanted to see the ocean.”

He stared at her for a long moment before crossing his arms over his chest, then uncrossing them. It looked like the movement had hurt. She wasn’t sure what he was wrestling with, but it kept him quiet for a long moment. When he turned back to her his jaw was firm. “I don’t want to take that house, Erin. I know for a fact I’ve imposed on you too much, but I’ve been thinking about your offer. I think I would like to go home with you. To Phoenix.”

Her heart set off into a gallop, and she knew she had to look surprised. “Okay,” she said slowly. “I thought this house was ideal for you?”

“It is,” he agreed, frowning hard. “But I think I want a complete change of scenery. Is that crazy?”

“No, not crazy. Not at all. You are completely welcome to come home with me. We would love to have you.”

Oh, damn. Luca was coming home with her. Panic raced through her at the thought. She would need to call her mother to let her know. They would have to clean the apartment.

This fluttering attraction she’d been feeling was going to have to be controlled.

“What will your parents say?”

Luca frowned. “They’re not going to like it. But, at least we can say it’s partially Mom’s fault. She hired you through that Helping Hands service.”

Laughing, Erin shook her head. “I don’t think that’s going to keep your mother from being angry.”

If this happened she would need to let Carolina know that there might be trouble on her horizon. If Luca’s mother wanted to, she could probably cause Carolina some grief.

“Well then, why don’t you talk to your team and see when you’ll be released, then? And we’ll decide if I’ll come back to get you or if you’ll go home with us now.”

Luca nodded, looking completely calm, like now that he’d made the decision part of his worry had disappeared. And if he wanted to come home with her that was completely fine. She would provide him with a way to heal and recover, and the space to find the man he needed to be.

“I think we both have work to do. I’ll head back to the hotel and you can do what you need to do here.”

He nodded, stroking Wicked. “That’s fine. I’ve taken up a lot of your day. You probably need a chance to chill without taking care of me. I swear to you that I will be self-sufficient.”

Erin shook her head. “No, that’s not why I’m leaving. You are not an imposition in any way. Don’t misread me.”

He didn’t look completely mollified but she couldn’t say it any plainer. And she’d spoken truth. She need to call the ranch and get ready.

Gathering Wicked she left the hospital room, leash in hand. “Call me to let me know what your team says.”

He gave her a wave, then watched the two of them walk through the doorway.

Erin didn’t feel bad about leaving. She really did have things to do. Literally she had done no work for three days other than be here, and she knew she had emails to answer at least. Her mother had called once, leaving a voicemail, and she needed to get back with her. Besides, it would probably be smart to give Luca just a little distance. As much as she enjoyed him, she didn’t want them to become entangled in each other too quick. She wanted to give him the space he needed.

Plus, she needed some space. She didn’t do relationships, but she could definitely do one with Luca, she could feel it in her heart. And it was too much too fast.

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