Page 6 of Bradford

"Ah, okay."

I rub my brow, part of me delighted that I’ll get to see Florence again, but also disappointed that my team is leaving without me. I get it. They have games. That doesn't make it any less disappointing.

"The boss has security set up as well at the apartment." Dover smirks. "I could get in line with that." He closes his eyes and grins. "He would be toned and wearing a tightly fitted suit.”

"If you ever need care, I'll make sure Dodge knows what to wear," I tease.

He narrows his eyes, and Madden and Dario cough behind their hands, refusing to look my way. “What did I say?”

“Dodge is home in Boston.” Dover sighs. "He hasn't been around the arena for a while."

"You have him running scared!"

"Says the single guy with an erection because of the tube in his dick,” snickers Dario, the asshole.

We glance toward the doorway when we hear a throat being cleared, and we see Florence standing there with flushed cheeks. My eyes widen when I realize she heard what Dario said.

"You assholes, get out!" I snap, feeling embarrassed.

"No way. We just got here." Madden sits back in the chair and grins. "Nurse, we really must stop meeting like this. My wife is going to be jealous.”

"Your wife is passed out drunk with my wife," Dario mutters. "She won't even know you're not there."

Madden opens his mouth to continue the discussion, but I beat him to it. “Florence, please ignore my friends.”

"He doesn't have thestiffissue now that the tube's out." Dover laughs and moves past her to leave the room.

5

FLORENCE

My cheeks feelon fire after what I overheard. I certainly don't want to imagine that aspect of Bradford's autonomy. He's my patient. But that doesn't stop me from feeling awkward. One of his friends leaves, but Madden and another friend stay and smirk. I kind of feel sorry for Bradford right now. "I'm afraid visiting time is over."

Bradford grins and sinks into his pillow. "I'll see you idiots when I'm back in Boston." His smile fades, and I see Madden and the other friend exchange a worried glance.

"Florence, would you mind giving me a minute with Bradford?" Madden glances at Dario. "You too."

Joking aside, his friend steps forward and hugs Bradford. "Follow instructions, and you'll be back with us before you know it." He clears his throat and adds, "I want daily updates."

Bradford nods.

I step outside with his friend, feeling worried that they're leaving because I know Bradford doesn't want them to go.

"Dario," the guy says, holding out his hand. "We haven't been introduced."

I shake his hand. "Florence Night."

He nods, his lips twitching. I smile and shake my head. Not many people know who Florence Nightingale is, especially in my generation.

"You'll take care of him, right?" Dario asks with a hint of worry in his voice. "He's an adult and more than capable. It's just that we're across the country?—"

I hold up my hand to stop him. "Your friend will be fine." I pause, then add, "I owe him a lot for coming to my rescue. I promise to make sure he's okay while he's in town."

He lets out a long breath. "I won't worry now. Thanks." His gaze moves to the doorway, where Madden appears. He nods in my direction before walking toward the exit, leaving a confused Dario behind. Saying, "See you, Flo," he rushes after his friend.

I head back to my patient, who I find gazing out of the window. He can't see much from his reclined position on the bed, but I can tell he's trying to regain control. He turns my way and deep sadness is evident in his eyes. I feel out of my depth with Bradford. I'm supposed to be professional, yet this man's vulnerability draws me in. Actually, it was his smile and charm that first caught my attention. He'd been buzzed after the sedation I gave him. I can't deny there's a spark between us, though.

He's my patient.

---