Page 32 of Bear Boss's Mate
“I’m happy to see you both,” Marcy slurred before closing her eyes.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
THE DOCTOR STOOD ATMarcy’s bedside while Austin sat nearby. She hoped today would be the day she could finally leave the hospital.
“You’re healing up nicely. I’d like to release you today, but I want you to rest for another couple of weeks. Your ribs will take some time to heal completely. Do you have someone at home to help you out?” the doctor asked.
She scratched her head. “No. I live alone.” She hadn’t thought about how she’d manage at home, but she would.
Austin stood up next to the bed. “She can stay with me.”
What?Her mouth fell open, and it took her a moment to fully realize what he was offering. She shook her head. “It’s okay. I can manage,” she said.
Her heart was full of love for Austin, after all he had done for her since the attack. Austin had come in every afternoon, staying until late evening to visit her.
Sometimes, they would just sit in silence, or she would sleep, and he would read.
Over the last three weeks, he told her stories about his life, discussed shared interests, and kept her spirits up. During thattime, there was no discussion of a romance between them. It felt as though she’d known him all her life.
Austin would kiss the top of her head when he arrived and when he left, but nothing else had happened between them. It surprised her he would have her stay with him. She hoped this meant he still wanted to be with her in a romantic sense.
Each day, as she improved and pain medication was reduced to where she was more clear-headed, it hit her. There was no question. The incredible man made her feel whole and cared about. She’d fallen in love with him. Their connection was unique.
When he spoke to her about shifters and how they had special fated mates, she understood with certainty that she’d found her prince charming. However, she’d not said as much to him.
Marcy had been overwhelmed with happiness at the sight of Austin by her side when she woke in the hospital. No man had ever shown her such kindness or compassion.
He’d held her hand and whispered comforting words to her. It sounded strange to hear his deep voice speaking in a low register filled with so much pent-up emotion.
One thing he’d alluded to several times, however, was that he felt responsible for her being attacked. She knew he wasn’t to blame and didn’t want him to feel obligated to care for her. She sat up straight, looking at Austin. “You are not responsible for me. I don’t want you to do this out of obligation.”
Austin frowned and looked over at the doctor. “She’s coming to stay with me,” he repeated.
The doctor looked back and forth between Marcy and Austin. “It’s settled then. You’ll go home today. I’ll get the paperwork ready and send the nurse in to assist you.”
She gave the doctor a brief nod. When he left the room, she tilted her head to face Austin. “I don’t need you to take care of me.”
“You’re still recovering. Youwillneed help at home. Being independent is great, but sometimes we need to accept help from the people who love us. I am not doing this out of obligation. Nothing would make me happier than to have you stay with me.” His lips pressed into a warm smile.
Love?Marcy felt herself blush and looked away. So he still had romantic feelings for her? She was overjoyed at the prospect.
Austin put a finger under her chin, tilting her head to look at him. “I love the way you blush so easily.” He chuckled. “I want to take care of you, please let me?”
After three weeks in the hospital, she was ready to leave. The last thing she wanted to do was argue.
Marcy couldn’t deny that her feelings for Austin had grown into something she’d never expected. She hoped it wasn’t too late to show him how she felt. Marcy never imagined herself falling in love with someone so completely and so quickly. He was there for her in her darkest moment, and she would never forget that.
When she was free to go, the nurse helped her get dressed in the outfit that Austin had brought for her. She’d had him pack an outfit from her apartment to prepare for the day she would be released from the hospital.
In fact, he’d taken care of many things so she could focus solely on resting and healing.
Helping her into the wheelchair, he wheeled her to his car and lifted her into the passenger seat. “I can walk, you know?” She flushed, looking up at him.
He waggled his eyebrows with a mischievous grin and reached for her seatbelt. He pulled it around her and locked it.Closing the door, he went and slid into the driver’s seat. “Is there anything you want me to get for you before we head home?” he asked.
Home?Hearing that word brought her immense happiness. She was over the moon to be going home with him. “I don’t know. Did you get everything on my list from my apartment?” she asked.
Austin gave his signature steamy grin, bowing his head. “I did.”
