Page 14 of When the Smoke Clears

“Not really.” She chews her lip.

“Ok. Well, you’re on bed rest. Stay put. Play on your phone, text your friends, take a nap…I don’t care, but stay here.” I pin her with my don’t-try-me look.

Her eyes hint that she’s considering an argument. “Fine. But I’m not going to like it.”

Before turning to go, I kiss her softly once more. “I’ll make it up to you later.” I’ll never be able to put into words how glad I am that she’s still here.

Her returning look is hungry. It’s hard to leave, but I do.

Chapter 5

Maci

IdoasI’mtold and rest, napping off the remaining anesthesia and running through tasks on my phone. I text Randi and Liv to give them a short version of what happened.

Thankfully, I’m not a complete invalid, because I can get to and from the bathroom on my own, and I walk up and down the hall twice before falling back into the bed.

Sutton comes in periodically, and for good around dinner. “Do you want to head into the house for dinner, or eat here?” He stands in the bathroom door, drying his hands.

“This is you saving me from questions, isn’t it?” I dangle my legs from the side of the bed.

He doesn’t respond.

“Are you going to feed me?” I ask, quirking an eyebrow and trying to elicit some sort of reaction.

His eyes flash, and I press my lips together to squash a grin. “I have a better idea,” he says. “I’ll be back in a few.” He winks and exits the room before I have time to ask any questions.

My phone vibrates on the nightstand.

Izzy:

How’s our favorite patient?

Me:

I think I’m already going stir crazy.

I could never be bedridden.

If that ever happens, please help me with assisted suicide.

Izzy:

Well that escalated quickly.

Leah:

I’ll help.

Me:

Ride or die. >kiss emoji<

Izzy:

We’ll stop by with breakfast tomorrow.

Leah:

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