Page 77 of More Than a Spark

“You need someone to drive you home. You lost a lot of blood.” The doctor tossed the bloodied towels into a container in the corner. “I don’t want you driving for at least twenty-four hours. We replaced the blood with fluids, but you might be lightheaded.”

“Ryder, it’s not the end of the world to have someone take care of you.” Leaning down, I kissed his forehead. He was used to being the strong one. Well, it was time for me to be strong for him.

“Yeah, fine.” He pressed his lips together. “Did they tell Dad what happened, or does he think I’m lying here dying?”

“Um…I don’t know. He didn’t even get that far with me. He just told me to go be with you.” The sound of the curtains rustling behind me snagged my attention.

Captain Schilling and Russ stepped through, the captain saying, “So what’s the prognosis?”

Washing his hands, the doctor said, “he needs rest for the next few days, but he can probably return to the academy on a light load on Monday.” He dried his hands and focused on Ryder. “You be careful of that wound and change the dressing every few hours today. We don’t want an infection.” He ticked his brows up.

“Yes, I know how to care for wounds.” Ryder hooked his good arm around my waist and pulled me into his side. “So, what happens now?”

The doctor left the room.

“The standard paperwork needs to be filed, but we can do that on Monday.” The captain glanced at me. “Listen, what you did today could have saved Novak’s life on a real call and it was quick thinking. I’ll be putting in a commendation for you.”

Ryder snapped his brows up. “Really? Thank you, sir.”

“Now, how do you want to handle your situation here?” The captain waved his finger between me and Ryder. “The Chandler Fire Department has an LGBTQ liaison I can put you in touch with. We take equality very seriously.” He dipped his head, then focused on Ryder. “We’ve also found that when we take a call and someone there is queer, it helps to have a queer responder on scene for them. It makes them uh, feel more comfortable.” He arched a brow. “But you can keep this private if you like. Novak here”—he pointed his thumb at Russ—“told me he already knew, but nobody else does.”

“Yes, that’s right.” Ryder sighed, and peeked at me. “I don’t want to hide.” Pressing his lips together, he shook his head. “Nope, my secret’s out and it’s going to stay that way.” He held me against him. “Milo has been by my side since fourth grade as my best friend and now he’s so much more. I want everyone to know he’s my boyfriend.” A smile tugged at his lips. “I’ll talk to the liaison, and follow your lead, Cap, on how to let the other guys know.”

“Sure thing, Scott.” Captain Schilling straightened his spine. “Get some rest, take care of that wound and I’ll see you on Monday.” He ticked his head and tapped Russ on the shoulder. “Let’s get back to work, Novak.”

“Yes, sir.” Russ stepped to the bed, squeezed Ryder’s shin, then gave him a warm grin, and left.

A woman with long, blonde hair walked into the area with papers in her hand. “I have your discharge paperwork here.” She handed the papers to Ryder, who freed me to take them, then she removed the IV from his arm. “Let me know if you have any questions.”

He scanned through the papers. “Looks pretty straight forward.”

“Okay, then you’re free to go.” With a quick smile at both of us, she left.

“Get me out of here.” Ryder threw his legs off the bed and stood up.

“Am I taking you to your dad’s house?” I grabbed his hand and led him down the hallway and toward the doors to the waiting area. I really wanted to take him home, but I had so much studying to do.

"Yeah, that would be best.” He hit a square button on the wall to open the doors and they swung open. “Shit, I have to call him. He’s probably worried.”

Greg rushed through the sliding glass doors from the parking lot and stopped at us. “Ryder? What happened?”

“Guess you don’t have to call him now.” I freed Ryder’s hand. It also looked like Ryder no longer needed a ride home from me. My heart sank a little bit. I did want to spend more time with him, but I knew he’d be in good hands with his father.

“I just got a nasty cut on my arm and some stitches.” He held up his well-bandaged forearm to his dad.

“What in the world?” Furrowing his brows, Greg stared at Ryder’s arm, then held it.

“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it on the drive home.” Ryder faced me. “Milo, I’m happy you outed me, and I can’t wait to hang out with you this weekend.” Stepping to me, he grabbed my shoulders and kissed my forehead. “Love you.”

With warmth blooming in my heart, I said, “love you, too. See you on Friday.” I cupped his cheek, gazing deeply into his brown eyes. “I’ll pick you up.”

“Sounds perfect.” Ryder turned to his dad and patted his shoulder. “Let’s go, Dad. I have lots to tell you.”

* * *

After pickingRyder up from his dad’s small bungalow a few miles from the band house, we’d driven up into Scottsdale and I parked my blue Honda Accord in the circular drive. My gaze roamed over the columns and rounded window tops of his mother’s mansion, then the red tiles on the roof, everything in Spanish revival style like most of the homes in the area. I hadn’t been here since Ryder’s eighteenth birthday party. “So, are you ready?” I looked down at my black shirt and gray board shorts. I’d tried to dress a little nicer and more conservatively for this.

Ryder breathed in deeply, his chest rising under his short-sleeved button-down shirt. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

---