Page 86 of When You Saved Me

A smile split my lips. “I think so too, dad.”

“Well, I’m not so sure,” my mom said. “Why didn’t he call us as soon as you were in the hospital?”

“Do you want to answer that one?” I bit my lip trying not to laugh as I brought the phone closer to Deacon.

His hands gripped firmer on the steering wheel as he adjusted himself in the seat. A blush crept up his neck.

He was nervous.

My big tough, grumpy as hell, man wasnervous.

I giggled and his eyes narrowed on me again.

“It won’t happen again, ma’am. I can assure you that,” he finally said. I could tell he was holding his breath, waiting for my mother’s response.

The line was quiet, and I knew she was just letting time go by to make him sweat. Dad had always been the softy while my mother was the over-protective dragon who would roar at anyone she thought did wrong by me.

“Let’s just hope there won’t be a next time,” she finally said, and Deacon’s shoulders sagged with relief.

“Agreed.” He nodded even though she couldn’t see him.

“Alright you two, we’re pulling up the Deacon’s place now. I’ll give you a call a little later, okay?”

“Okay, honey! We love you!”

“Love you, sweetheart!”

“Love you too,” I said before tapping the red button on the screen to end the call.

“Well, that went better than I expected.” I let a whoosh of breath out as I gingerly shifted in my seat to face Deacon as he pulled down the gravel driveway. There wasn’t a muscle in my body that didn’t still feel tender, and my head had a dull ache to it, but I was thankful that I got away with moderate injuries. It could have been much, much worse.

“You’re telling me. I thought they were going to get in their car and come steal you away from me.”

I snorted. “It was a smart move not to call them while I was unconscious. I wouldn’t have wanted them to worry for no reason.”

Deacon’s green eyes slid over to me. “No reason? I hardly call seven stitches to the forehead and a major concussion, no reason.”

“Awe, don’t go all over-protective alpha man on me now. I’m totally fine.” His tires hit a pothole in the road, making my body jostle against the seat belt. “Agh,” I winced as the belt tightened against my ribs.

Deacon slowed down to a snail’s pace, then eyed me again. “Totally fine. Right.” His lips pursed.

I rubbed his forearm and winked at him. “Just a little sore. That’s all.”

“Mmhmm,” he grumbled.

My heart lifted when his house finally came into view. Even though the doctor only made me stay one more night after coming to, I’d missed this place. I couldn’t wait to get inside and see Casper and spend the night snuggled on the sofa in front of a warm fire.

“Stay here,” Deacon said as he put the truck in park. “Let me get the door.”

“Deacon, I can get my own door.” It was my turn to grumble.

“As long as you ride with me, no, you can’t.” Leaning in, he placed a kiss on my temple then got out and headed toward my side. He hadn’t kissed me—truly kissed me—since I’d woken up. I was damn near starving for the man, but I knew we had some things to discuss first.

I just hoped we could get it over quickly so I could jump his bones.

He opened my door and helped me out of the truck.

“Are you okay?” he asked once my feet were firmly on the ground.

---