Page 21 of Bloom: Part 2

“Yet he didn’t leave, did he?”

“Oh.” Wow. I never imagined anyone else being interested in me. I didn’t care to know either. “Well, he can’t have me. I don’t want him. I want you.”

“That’s my guy.” He chucked my chin, then rose to his feet. “Everything good now? There won’t be any bloodshed in the conference room?”

I grinned. “Not today at least.”

Logan rolled his eyes and took position behind the wheelchair, gripping the handles. “Let’s go. If you get tired, let me know, and I’ll take you back to your room.”

We fell into silence as Logan pushed me out of the room. I looked down at my lap, entwining my fingers. I hated people. I hated crowds.

“When will I be able to return home?” I asked.

“In a few days, all being well.”

“That’s too long. You’re a doctor. Why can’t you take care of me from home?”

“Because the hospital has all the equipment and specialists you may need. I don’t want to take any risks with your health. It’s just a few days to go. Bear with it for me, please?”

I sighed and rested my head against the back of the wheelchair. He was right, but it didn’t change the fact that I longed for the comfort of his home, the warmth of his bed, the safety of Logan’s arms wrapped around me at night before I fell asleep.

Logan wheeled me along the corridor, which bore no reflection of the bloodshed that had happened weeks ago. The conference room was at the end of the corridor, a large open space already filled with people. At the door, someone pushed a microphone under my nose.

“Bloom, is it? How does it feel knowing the governor is here to recognize your bravery?”

“No comment,” Logan said firmly. Thank god for him. “He’s still here as a patient and should not be hassled.”

Logan maneuvered the wheelchair through the crowd. A shutter of unease crept down my spine until I saw Gunner, Ben, Bay, and Gerald. Crowe had thought it best not everyone from the club attend.

Gerald, as the former mayor, and Ben, as the former chief of police, were there to balance out the rougher nature of the other two. I wasn’t sure how that was supposed to work, though, given they’d left their positions in disgrace and were now dating notorious bikers.

Regardless, their presence helped to ease some of the tension inside. They stood in the corner of the room, their imposing figures not fitting in with the rest. They were far from politicians and hospital stakeholders, with their tattoos on display and leather jackets, but they didn’t seem to care.

“Ah, you must be Bloom!” A booming voice echoed through the room. A short man with ruddy, chubby cheeks and slicked-back blond hair hurried toward us. His charcoal suit jacket stretched over his round belly. “Such an honor to meet you!”

I glanced up at Logan for a cue on how to respond.

He watched the man with a level gaze, his lips slightly pressed together. “Bloom, this is Governor Richardson,” he said, extending his hand to the other man. “I’m Dr. Logan Collier. Nice to meet you.”

Logan inserting himself into the conversation made me more at ease. The governor shook Logan’s hand, a wide smile on his face. “Ah, Dr. Collier, I’ve heard much about you. One of the finest surgeons.”

Logan nodded politely but didn’t say anything. The governor turned his attention to me. “Bloom,” he said again, sounding almost fascinated. “To think what you’ve done… Incredible. We can’t thank you enough, and I deeply regret the circumstances that led to you being in the hospital now.”

“Um, thank you?” I didn’t mean for it to come across as a question. Fearing I hadn’t responded well, I looked at Logan. He nodded, smiling at me.

“I’m hoping we can keep this as low key as possible for Bloom,” he said. “He’s still on the mend after all.”

“Of course.” Governor Richardson patted my shoulder, and I stiffened. He frowned, dropping his hand. “Err, well, I’ll inform Andrews that you’re here so we can begin.”

As Governor Richardson walked away from us, Logan squeezed my shoulder lightly. His eyes were gentle as they met mine, his lips curling up in a smile. “You’re doing great.”

7

BLOOM

The governor droned on about what had happened at the hospital, condemning the brutal act that had left many dead.

“I want you all to know that such acts of violence and terror will not be tolerated in our society. We have worked too hard to improve the state of living in the town and to make you, the citizens, feel safe. It is with great pride that I acknowledge this brave young man,”—he gestured toward me—“who is the true embodiment of courage and resilience. He stood up against violence and saved lives. Let him be an example for all of us working together to put a stop to the violence that wreaks havoc in our lives. Today, we owe him our gratitude.”

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