Page 44 of Protect

I open my group chat with my parents right away.

Did you give King my phone number?

Mom

Not me.

Dad

I did, he said it was important, something about his care at the hospital.

I roll my eyes.

This is my second day off. From what I hear, Rowan may be checking out in a few days. Which means my time with him in the hospital will be over and as much as I originally tried not to let him get back under my skin, I think he might be starting to, and I really don’t know what to do with that. Every night we talked a little more, went a little deeper. During my last night shift, I spent way too much time with him, granted he was only one of two patients I had to care for. I spent most of it eating the remaining snacks out of his basket and playing Euchre. Where I beat him three games to none. When he suggested Euchre just wasn’t his game and that’s why he was losing, we switched to Gin, where I once again beat him. Twice.

It was comfortable. Too comfortable.

Much like it was too comfortable and enticing having his warm skin under my fingers as I was bathing him, but I know I can’t ever letthathappen again. Being turned on during patient care is a big no.

I roll over and quickly add him to my contacts because as much as I hate to admit it, I actually missed him yesterday. Fuck.I am in total control,I try to convince myself then blow out a breath.

I hear Hollie stir over the monitor. She’s finally sleeping on her regular schedule now, which means I have exactly thirty minutes before she’s up and bursting with three-year-old energy.

And before my coffee is even finished brewing, she’s asking for cereal andSuperPets.

Rowan

I want a rematch

www.euchre-tips.com

Rowan

Savage.

I smile and set my phone down on the table, it buzzes seconds later.

Dad

Are you and Hols coming for lunch?

I look down at my side where Hollie is cuddled in happily munching dry Cheerios on the couch with me, and I feel the need to just stay close to home today and be with her. Troy is coming to take her for dinner tomorrow night. It will be the first time he’s seen her in three weeks. I kiss the top of Hollie’s sweet smelling head and decide to ask her.

“Do you want to go to Nani and Papa’s for lunch?”

“Can I play with Bishop and Bentley?” she asks about my parents’ two Yorkies.

“Of course.”

“Then, yes,” she answers immediately.

Yes we’ll be there.

Dad

In case I haven’t mentioned it enough, it’s good to have you home kid.

It’s good to be home.

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