Page 18 of The Heat Between Us

"Ms. Bennett," the doctor says cheerfully, "I'm prescribing some medication for the inflammation in your throat, but you're well enough to finish recovering at home."

Relief washes over Chloe's face. "Thank you, Doctor. When can I leave?"

"As soon as we complete the paperwork," he says. "The nurse will go over your discharge instructions, and then you'll be free to go. Do you have someone to drive you?"

"I'll take her," I say immediately. "My brother dropped off my truck last night."

The doctor nods approvingly. "Good. Ms. Bennett, do you have any questions for me?"

Chloe thinks for a moment. "When can I return to normal activities? I need to start looking for a new office space."

"I'd recommend at least three days of rest," the doctor advises. "After that, you can gradually resume normal activities, but listen to your body. If you feel short of breath or experience increased coughing, that's a sign to slow down." He smiles kindly. "I know it's frustrating, but the better you recover now, the less likely you are to have lingering issues."

Chloe nods, though I can see the impatience in her eyes. She strikes me as someone who doesn't like being sidelined.

Once the doctor leaves, Gladys goes over the discharge instructions with Chloe, occasionally shooting meaningful glances my way that make me feel like I'm being evaluated.

"Now, Lewis," Gladys says sternly once she's finished with Chloe, "I'm trusting you to make sure she follows these instructions. Plenty of fluids, rest, no exertion, and she needs to take her medication on schedule."

"Yes, ma'am," I say seriously. "I'll make sure of it."

"I am right here, you know," Chloe interjects, though there's amusement in her voice rather than annoyance. "And I'm perfectly capable of following instructions."

Gladys gives her a skeptical look. "Mmm-hmm. That's what they all say. Then they're back in here a week later because they 'justhad to' move that furniture or clean the gutters or whatever else couldn't possibly wait." She turns back to me. "Don't let her do anything strenuous. I mean it."

I hold up my hands in surrender. "I promise. She won't lift a finger."

"Good," Gladys says, apparently satisfied. "I'll go get the discharge paperwork started."

Once she's gone, Chloe gives me an amused look. "Is she always like that?"

"She used to be worse. And we'd better follow her instructions to the letter, or we'll both be in trouble."

Chloe laughs, then winces slightly at the strain on her throat. "So what's the plan? Am I really staying with you?"

The question brings me up short. In the chaos of the fire and the hospital, I didn't stop to consider how strange this must seem to her—a man she barely knows offering his home.

"Only if you're comfortable with that," I say quickly. "Like I said before, there are other options. My brother and his girlfriend have a guest room. Or I could see if Max and Jennie—"

"Lewis," she interrupts gently. "I was just making sure the offer still stands. I'm not uncomfortable with it."

"Oh. Good. Then yes, the offer still stands."

She smiles, and it transforms her face, making her even more beautiful than she already is. "Thank you. Though I should warn you, I'm not used to being coddled. I might not be the best patient."

"I think I can handle it," I say, returning her smile. "I deal with Max on a daily basis, and he's basically a six-foot toddler when he gets hurt."

That makes her laugh again, and the sound does something to my insides, something warm and bright. I want to keep making her laugh, keep seeing that smile.

While we wait for the discharge paperwork, I step out briefly to call Ollis and let him know what's happening. He answers on the second ring, sounding like he's just woken up.

"Hey," I say. "Sorry if I woke you, but I wanted to let you know Chloe's being discharged today. I'm taking her to my place to recover."

There's a pause, and I can practically hear Ollis processing this information. "The lawyer? The one from the fire?"

"Yes, the lawyer from the fire," I confirm, a little impatiently. "She needs someone to keep an eye on her for a few days, and she doesn't know anyone else in town."

"Uh-huh," Ollis says, and I can hear the skepticism in his voice. "And this has nothing to do with the fact that she's gorgeous and you haven't stopped talking about her since we pulled you two out?"

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