Page 7 of Bleeding Hearts

Fucking asshole.

I’ve tried every position, but none offer a spit of relief from the unbearable agony. My frustration explodes with a grunt as I slap the bed and tug at the covers. And of course, that’s when someone enters my room to likely poke and probe me before asking my pain level.

If the scale is from one to ten, then I’m at a six hundred.

“Jesus.” Heavy footsteps stomp toward me, as a deep, male voice mumbles, “Would you stop? You’re going to hurt yourself more. Let me help.”

Pausing my battle with the covers, I open one eye to confirm the voice I’m hearing is the one I’ve replayed in my head since being loaded into the ambulance. Sure enough, it’s my grumpy, sexy neighbor wearing his permanent frown while carrying an enormous colorful bouquet of calla lilies. It’s then I notice he’s not alone. His daughters are with him. One’s holding aget well soonballoon, while the other holds a poster board the best she can with a sweet smile on her face.

“What time is it?” It comes out as a grunt. With a determined blink, I try to fight off the waves of sleepiness threatening to pull me under thanks to the meds that are finally kicking in.

The weight of Nolan’s glare is palpable as he places the glass container on the table. “Just a little past eight. We wanted to stop by to check on you before heading to the beach. I noticed your sister is staying with the boys, but who’s the guy? I don’t remember seeing him before.”

“Her boss’s brother, Dillon Kohl.” Frustrated, I slap the bed once more, desperately searching for the remote to adjust my bed. However, my actions only result in my IV becoming entangled in the sheets, causing the machine to make that annoying beeping sound. “Son of a bitch. Sorry. I meant son of a banana monkey.”

The man glowering at me doesn’t curse around his precious angels. There was a time I was better about that too, but after my boys entered high school, I stopped. Being a college professor, I’m aware students hear far worse from their peers than the few choice curse words that slip out of my mouth.

“You’re funny.” Climbing into the chair, Mollie’s giggle fills the room, but her expression quickly changes to a frown. “Youdon’t look so well. I made this for you. Maybe it will help you feel better. Daddy drove me to the store last night after we took down your Christmas lights. I’m sorry you got hurt.”

“Thank you, sweet girl.” I try to smile, but my forced grin feels strained and unnatural. I’m probably scaring her more than reassuring her. “Show me what you made and then have Kellie help you hang it on the wall.”

She proudly displays her drawing while her father attempts to untangle my arm. I look away to deal with Mr. Cranky before telling her how lovely it is.

My gown slips off my shoulder as Nolan disentangles me from the sheets, causing his cheeks to flush. “Fracking heck. This is a mess, and I think I’m making it worse.” Tugging at my nightgown, his mischievous grin shows his playful side. “Nice pillows.”

It’s a rare sight, and damn if he doesn’t look even sexier.

New goal: do my best to make it happen more often.

Glancing down at my nonexistent pillows, I raise one eyebrow. “Not really. Felix’s mosquito bites swell up bigger than my pillows.”

His blush deepens, encouraging me to press on.

“I thought after having the twins they’d grow, but nope. They shrunk fast once I stopped breastfeeding.”

When he shuts his eyes and shakes his head, I figure it’s time to back off.

“I’m glad to hear you upheld your end of the bargain. You really took down my Christmas lights?”

Finally freeing my arm, he tugs on the sheet, creating a crisp, clean fold, and then takes a step back.

Fuck me, that little move makes my neglected inner cougar purr, even though I know nothing can happen between us. A cougar can dream, and oh boy, the thought of taming this man is quite enticing. He’d make one hell of a pet.

“The girls helped.” In one swift motion, he stretches across me, his fingers grazing mine. It’s done to retrieve the remote I’d been frantically searching for. He places it in my hand but doesn’t pull back right away. “I should have done it months ago.”

Before I can tell him how right he is—even though he’s not, because I put them up and I can take them down—Mollie squeals in excitement, directing my attention back to her.

“Do you like my drawing, Ms. Beth?” The little girl lifts it higher with a proud smile on her face. “I know how much you love your flowers, so I drew them the best I could. That’s me. I’m helping you water them, like we do sometimes. Daddy said we can water them later when we get home. I like your flowers. Remember when you cut me some to take to Mommy? They were so pretty. I know she loved them.”

“It’s beautiful. Have Kellie help you hang it up so I can show everyone.” I love this little girl. She reminds me of myself as a child. A bright ray of sunshine breaking through the ugly cloud looming over her family. “If you want to cut more flowers for your mommy, I’m okay with that. Do you remember how we cut them?”

Her head bounces up and down rapidly. “Uh-huh. At an angle, so the water keeps them pretty longer.”

“That’s right. Kellie can help you. Is that okay? Will you help her?” I don’t want this near teen to think I’m volunteering her. She should have a choice. “In the garage are my pruning tools. You’re old enough to use them without cutting off a finger.”

Kellie sets the base of the balloon next to the calla lilies and nods. “Sure thing, Miss Beth. Dad said, we’re gonna mow your lawn too since your mower cuts the grass like crap because it needs its blades sharpened.”

The carnal grunt that escapes Nolan has me turning my head so I can see him. Goddamn the man for blushing again. He’sgonna cause me to leave a wet spot on the bed despite the pain overtaking me. Later, I’ll be forced to explain what it is to the nurse when she comes to check on me. Wouldn’t want her to think I peed myself, because that’s embarrassing. Much better for her to know my grumpy neighbor got me a little excited, right?

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