Page 42 of Possession

She slid the tray onto my rolling table and pulled off the lid. Jell-O cup, a box of orange juice, box of milk, and plain scrambled eggs stared back at me. “Have a good day.”

Jack glanced down at the tray and reached for my Jell-O.

I slapped his hand.

“Aww, come on.”

“Get your own orange Jell-O, slick.”

“There’s an idea.” Jack stood and hightailed it out the door.

When he came back with two cups, I rolled my eyes. “Con artist.”

“I didn’t con her. Much.”

We ripped off the tops and clicked plastic spoons.

“Bon appetit,” I said. I was scraping the bottom of the cup and laughing at Jack when Blake rushed through the door.

Jack twisted his head around. “Hey, how’d it go?”

“A satisfactory conclusion to the meeting.”

Jack rolled his eyes. “Do I break out the champagne? Or just beer?”

Blake looked from me to Jack, his face curiously blank. “Beer.” Blake draped his coat over his arm. “Craft beer,” he corrected.

“Hell yeah. We’ll take it.” Jack stood. “Good luck on a jailbreak, my Jell-O compadre.” He dropped a kiss on my forehead. He turned to Blake. “Any fires to put out?”

“I emailed you a few things to look into. And I was able to reschedule two appointments until tomorrow. I’d like to get Grace settled before I return.”

“Take the day.”

“I’ll be in later.”

“I’m okay, Blake. I can take care of myself.”

He barely glanced my way. “I’ll see you later,” he said to Jack.

“Suit yourself.” Jack saluted me. “Bye, beautiful.”

“Thanks for keeping me company.”

“Anytime.” Jack shined his sunny smile on the nurse rushing into the room. She blinked, then she smiled just as wide right back at him.

Ah, Jack. Ever the charmer.

Blake’s brow lowered, and his mood seemed to disintegrate before my eyes. I grabbed his hand and dragged him down to me. His glower lessened briefly as he looked me over. When his gaze landed on my mouth, there was nothing but appreciation in his hazel eyes.

“Morning, Ms. Copeland,” the nurse said. “Let’s get you freshened up. The doctor will be in to see you within the hour.”

“Perfect,” Blake said. He brushed his lips over mine, then he glanced at the tray. “Jell-O?”

“I happen to like orange Jell-O.”

He licked his lips. “Hmm.”

The nurse pushed over the wheelchair that had been stashed in the corner. She was a far more chipper version of my nurse from last night. I was pretty sure I’d rather have the efficient one back. This one babbled incessantly as she got me into the bathroom.

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