Page 62 of Rescuing Ryder

“Now, you do.”

She let out a contented sigh and smiled sleepily. Ryder pulled her back to his chest. She yearned to belong to the Serenity crew. He recalled how much he enjoyed PT with the team, the witty banter between the men, and the love they shared for their women. Once, Ryder experienced the same comradery with another team, and part of him knew how Claire felt.

Her breathing evened out, and he adjusted the covers over her, allowing Claire a nap before he pushed her to eat something. A strange longing for what the men of Serenity found overcame Ryder as he stroked her blonde hair and studied her features. His heart grew sad at the thought. Ryder didn’t deserve a second chance after bungling the lives of all his brothers.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Claire winced as the specialist flashed the bright light in her eye. “It’s healing, Dr. Meyers. You won’t need anyone to stay with you daily, but no driving, limit reading for an hour every day for the next four weeks. We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment and discuss your release back to work then,” he instructed.

Disappointment filled Claire at his instructions. “What if I agree to no reading and only seeing patients?”

The doctor chuckled. “We make the worst patients. No. You failed to report you still suffer migraines and when you focus too long on something with the injured eye, you’re dizzy. I can’t stress the importance of honesty, Dr. Meyers. It might cost you your vision,” he reprimanded.

Her mouth firmed straight as Claire guessed the culprit who reported on her. She nodded when the physician refused to move from his stool until she acknowledged him.

Claire made the four-week appointment and smiled as the receptionist handed her the card, which she wasn’t allowed to read. Ryder rose when he noticed her enter the waiting room. Infuriated with him, she headed toward the door, pushed it open and walked outside.

“Claire, wait,” he demanded.

“Go to hell,” she gritted out, glancing back. She stumbled and fell against the vehicle.

A strong hand shot out to help her balance. Claire jerked away angrily and walked to the car. Ryder opened the door and waited until she settled before closing it. Starting the engine, he backed out of the stall.

“Do you feel like eating lunch?” Ryder asked.

“No.”

“Did the doctor confirm your eye’s healing properly?”

“Yep.”

“Is this all I’m getting from you? One-word answers?” he asked, miffed.

He didn’t like one-word answers? Claire sent him a middle finger. Maybe he liked sign language instead.

“Wow, Claire Bear.” He laughed. “I didn’t expect you to take the news this hard.”

She clenched her jaw, refusing to respond to him.

Ryder sighed. “I know I overstepped, but I’m worried about the headaches. You’re chomping at the bit to read the file on Kilner, and I want you to feel better before you hit the ground running.”

“Believe it or not, I can take care of myself. You went behind my back,” Claire accused.

“Yes, because you can be a stubborn twit. If you counseled a patient with your symptoms, what advice would you give them?” Ryder asked gruffly.

Claire remained silent, knowing he guessed correctly, but it didn’t mean she liked it.

“Let’s eat some lunch, take a walk, and get some fresh air,” Ryder suggested.

She leaned against the window, not caring what he decided. Her thoughts drifted back to the night before. They made love and she fell asleep. Ryder woke her around midnight, and theywent to the kitchen to eat a slice of pie and ice cream from the container. They went back to bed and Claire lay on his shoulder, listening to his breathing. Her eyes closed and she relived the nightmare of David Kilner in her living room, demanding her file. Why?

As Taco mentioned, Claire didn’t act as the lead on his case. Dr. Klein kept the same records. David Kilner appeared angry and yet…desperate. What did she miss?

Ryder pulled into a parking lot and she straightened, noticing he stopped at a restaurant. Ryder opened her door and extended his hand. “I’m calling a truce. You can stay mad after lunch,” he cajoled.

Claire gave him her hand, and Ryder helped her get out of the vehicle. She didn’t let go as Ryder led her inside and into the booth. The hostess gave them two menus and he scooped both of them up.

“What sounds good?” Ryder asked. “Do you feel like a burger, soup, and sandwich? They offer a selection of brunch items.”

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