Page 12 of Bloom: Part 2

“Not of me informing Bloom that the hospital will be honoring him this Saturday for his bravery that kept so many of our people alive during the hostage situation here at the hospital. That he was wounded protecting us must be rewarded and celebrated. We will present you with the hospital’s Golden Heart Award.”

I crinkled my nose. “But I don’t deserve an award. If anything, Logan should be recognized. I only wanted to save him. He was the reason I did what I did while he was ready to hand himself over to those other men to let the staff go. See? He’s a hero, but I’m a villain who would do anything to protect him.”

“That’s enough, sweetheart,” Logan said gently but firmly.

I exhaled loudly at his use of the endearment in front of others. Logan turned his glare back on Andrews, his jaw hardening in a way that made me grin despite the situation.

“You should go. Bloom will accept your award, but there will be no press.”

“That’s not for you to decide. You shouldn’t even be here. You’re on the verge of being fired!”

“I’m here in the capacity of his emergency contact. We have nothing more to say to you, Andrews. Come back without the press if you are serious about thanking him for what he’s done for this hospital.”

Andrews spluttered for a moment, his face turning a shade of red that matched his tie perfectly. “I’ll come back when you’re not here. Honestly, Dr. Simms was right about the hold you have over this young man. Let’s go, Natasha.”

As the door closed behind them, silence descended that was only broken by the slight hum of the hospital machinery. Logan’s grip on my hand tightened to the point of pain, and his knuckles turned white under the strain. That man had upset Logan.

“I can make him disappear, if you want,” I whispered. “You can decide if you want it to be quick or painful.”

Logan’s breath hitched. “What kind of question is that?”

“One that can solve your problem if you give me the right answer.”

His features softened, and Logan smiled. “You’d do it if I asked, wouldn’t you?”

I tilted my head back. “Are you asking?”

“Of course not, you adorable little gremlin. I can’t believe I’m touched that you’re willing to go that extra mile for me.” He chucked my chin. “But listen, Bloom. I’ll never ask you to do anything like that. Ever.”

“Even if I’m willing?”

“Even then.”

“Then what good am I?”

“More good than you realize,” Logan said so softly I had to strain to hear him.

“I guess there’s the sex.”

“I’m not talking about the sex either. You’re good enough just for being you.” He chuckled at my bewildered expression.“Just being with you, talking to you, holding you…loving you is enough.”

4

LOGAN

Bloom’s eyes drooped to a close, and I stopped reading the book he’d given me earlier. I’d spent the day with him, which had cheered him up, but it was time for me to go home. And think about my options should I remain in Smoky Vale.

“You’ve stopped reading,” he said, his eyes still closed.

“Sorry.”

He yawned, eyes open to slits and lips curved in a smile. “I love you reading to me. I stumble over too many words.”

“You’re a late bloomer, and that’s okay.”

“Bloomer. That’s like my name.”

“Yeah, it is.” He was being silly, and I loved seeing him this way—relaxed without a care in the world, although that probably had to do with his medication. He’d finally confessed about how much pain he was in, and I’d ordered an increase in the dosage. I hated seeing him in pain, especially knowing I caused it.

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