Page 88 of When He Protects

Vanessa glanced over her shoulder toward the door. “Pretty hard to miss Kane.”

“Oh, good, you know him already,” Tyler noted.

Esme didn’t speak. She had no idea where Tyler was going with this chat so…she just waited. And watched.

“I’ve seen him in town a few times,” Vanessa returned.

“He’s already offered us a place to crash for the next few days.”

Vanessa crinkled her brow. “He stayed the night here.”

Yes, guarding me. Way to keep a low-profile, Kane.

“But, you knew him before, didn’t you?” Vanessa motioned toward Tyler. “Clay mentioned that you were all in the Marines together, so you are old friends.”

“Right. Friends worry about friends.” An easy response from Tyler. “We appreciate the offer from you and your dad, but we’re covered. Thank you,though.”

“Thank you,” Esme echoed. When was the last time someone had tried to help her this way? And a wholetownwas helping? That was just…overwhelming.

She didn’t know how to respond.

“You’re still getting the clothes and food,” Vanessa warned. “And anything else you need, just say the word.” She cleared her throat. “Now, let’s finish up this exam because I know you are ready to leave this place in the dust.”

Vanessa meant the hospital. But Esme knew that, soon enough, they’d be leaving the entire town of Asylum. Too bad. She could have liked the place quite a bit.

If someone hadn’t blown up her home.

Vanessa quickly finished up the exam, and then told Tyler, “You’re clear to go. Be warned that you may experience some headaches and nausea.” She rattled off the medicines he could and could not take. “But if you lose consciousness, if you have seizures or signs of confusion, you come back to me right away, got it? You seek immediate medical help. And no heavy lifting. Zero, understand?”

“Got it.”

“Clay has been handling your paperwork.” Vanessa fiddled with the stethoscope around her neck. “He told me that when you had the all clear, he’d have a ride waiting for you out back.”

“Thanks, doc.”

She nodded but her stare had shifted to Esme. “Thank you,” the doctor said. “That little girl happens to be my world. You ever need me for anything, you just say the word.”

“I’m just glad I was there to help.” And she was. “She’s a beautiful child. I know you’re proud of her.”

Vanessa nodded. “Very proud.” A soft exhale. “Take care of the patient, would you?”

“I’ll do my best.”

Vanessa marched from the room.

“Really didn’t need to stay here overnight,” Tyler murmured. “Overkill.”

He’d argued that point before. She’d just argued back. “We were in a secure facility. A very public place. And your buddy Kane was at the door. Considering you were unconscious after the blast, I didn’t want to take chances.”And you needed medical care.The concussion hadn’t been his only injury. Blood had soaked Tyler’s shirt.

“You can get out of handcuffs.”

That was a conversational change.

He was also sliding from the bed. Turning his back on her and giving Esme one killer view of his ass.

Damn.Her hand rose and tugged on her right hoop earring.

He yanked off the hospital gown. Balled it up. Tossed it onto the bed.

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