Page 20 of Hard Hat Hottie

“Don’t leave.”

“Harrison, the procedure is over. They’re putting a splint on you and then you can rest for a bit. They’ve called your family, and they’ll be here soon.” Guilt washes over me as I recall the flirty way we’ve smiled at one another lately. Innocent or not, I know I wouldn’t appreciate my husband doing that with another woman. My mind harkens back to Stewart, and his philandering, and my spine stiffens, wondering if this man is just the same. Setting his sights on fresh prospects while he’s away from the nest.

Probably.

His face scrunches before he breaks out into a fit of laughter. “Nah.”

I’m immediately relieved we ushered out his co-workers. Something tells me they would’ve used this against him for years to come.

Two radiology techs approach the room with a portable machine. I decide to take this opportunity to return to my patients. I’m not sure I want to be sitting here holding his hand when his family arrives.

As I again try to pull away, he clamps down harder, almost painfully so. “They need to get an x-ray, Harrison. I can’t be in the room for that,” I cajole as I attempt to peel his fingers off of my hand. “It’s not safe for me to stay.” I’m hoping this will encourage him to free my hand.

“Oh.” He looks so sad. This guy really is a mess.

I step into the hallway beside Shay as Sadie comes to join us. The three of us break out into a fit of hysterics.

Shay doubles over, gripping her knees. “What just happened?” She laughs.

“I have no idea. But he’s the cutest thing ever.” I cover my mouth to try to stay professional, but fail miserably.

“You know it has to be true love, right?” Shay says with a straight face.

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“Look at you.” She cackles.

My eyes drift down to find my belly exposed under the boy band crop top and a lab coat large enough the three of us could wear simultaneously, and I lose it. But before I can get lost in Shay’s antics, a flash of red flies in front of us.

“Harry! What on earth happened?”

I immediately recognize her and cross my arms over my midriff, digging my hands into my sides in embarrassment. She’s the gorgeous woman from the other night at The Wild Shrimp.

“Who’s that?” Leaning into me, Sadie asks.

“His wife, maybe?” Shay answers cautiously.

Guilt. Oh, the guilt.It was all in fun. We didn’t do anythingthatbad. But I still feel gross. Dressed like a circus clown, overcome with shame, I turn my face away to gather my composure. I need to get back to work.

“I fell. Broke my wrist. How’d you know I was here?”

“Ellie called me. She asked if I could come sit with you until they could get here.”

Is Ellie his wife? Then who is this?

Deciding to walk away before I get any more tangled in this crazy web, I look to Sadie and nod. “Time to get back to my patients. Thanks for covering for me.”

She gives me a solemn look.

“It’s game over, Char,” Harrison says, sounding more alert than he has since I walked into his room. The Versed must finally be wearing off.

I can’t help but look in their direction one last time before heading back to my station. Curiosity getting the best of me.

“It’s game over. And I’m ready for it.”

The stunning redhead by his side abruptly glances over her shoulder in my direction, and her lips part as if in shock. Humiliation washes over me as I stand in this ridiculous getup. I have no idea what just happened. Innocent or not, I need to get some distance between us. Before he utters anything else this woman could connect with me. Something that could unknowingly bring harm to him.

Or to me.

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