Page 96 of Reckless Chance
Iwake up in Sean’s bed, surrounded by billowy pillows everywhere—under my head and back, around each arm and leg, even between my legs. I can barely move because there’s so much padding. It’s like I’m a fragile sculpture packed and ready for shipping. This is hilarious. I’d be laughing uncontrollably if it wouldn’t hurt my ribs.
This must be his way of protecting and cushioning me to ease the pain inflicted by Reese. It’s way overkill, but I’ll admit, it’s not just funny; it’s sweet.
Last night, Dr. Stewart assured Sean that while I’m badly bruised, my injuries aren’t serious. The doctor prescribed rest, pain relievers, and ice packs—not pillows. Those were entirely Sean’s idea. When I went to sleep, there were pillows tucked under my head and supporting my lower back. He must have added the ones around my arms and legs as I slept.
Despite the painkillers, I had trouble falling asleep last night. It wasn’t until we heard that Reese was in custody that I finally relaxed enough to doze off. This morning I’m feeling better, except for the soreness and bruises. Those will take time. Of course, when I can actually move, who knows what else will behurting. Maybe immobilizing me with padding really did help me sleep through the night.
I’ve never seen Sean this attentive, and it’s not just the multitude of pillows. Between the continual offers of food, drink, and fresh ice packs last night, Sean smothered me in attention. I’d swear that he purposefully woke me up at least twice to make sure I was alright. Finally, I told him he had to let me sleep.
Ironically, I felt loved for the first time since I was a young child. That’s when my parents were still happily married, or at least pretended to be.
Oh, I know Cassie loves me. She’s my bestie, but it’s different. This is a different type of love. It’s deep and intimate. I swear Sean stared at me all night long with a mix of worry and adoration.
Wait a minute. Careful with those emotions. Otherwise, I risk being hurt yet again. It may
feel like love to me, but this isn’t a love that’s meant to be forever. We’re temporary, even if I’m wishing for more.
“Sweetheart, are you awake?” Sean asks when I turn my head toward him. It’s obvious he didn’t sleep a minute, based on the bags and dark circles under his eyes this morning.
“Uh huh. But I’m stuck. Please unpack me.”
“Okay, but It’s going to hurt if you move around.”
“I’ll be careful, but not being able to move is making me claustrophobic now that I’m awake.”
“Got it. I’ll remove the pillows. Give me a minute. I’ve asked Jenny to stay with you for the next hour or so. Detective Fielder called. He wants to give me an update. Will you be okay while I’m gone for a little while?” Sean asks as he frees me from the pillow packing.
“No. I’m going with you.” I laugh. Oww. No more coughing or laughing until these bruises heal.
“You should stay in bed. Dr. Stewart said you need rest.”
“I slept all night. A hot shower and I’ll be fine. There’s no way I’m going to miss hearing the detective’s update firsthand.”
Slowly maneuvering myself out of bed, I hobble my way to the bathroom and savor a hot shower. Emerging, Jenny has clothes ready for me. I’m starting to understand why Sean likes having a butler. She saved me from the painful steps and movements that would have been required to retrieve my underwear, clothes, and accessories. I won’t admit it to Sean now because I’m going to the meeting, but my body hurts like hell, and without her help, I doubt I could dress myself.
When I’m dressed, Jenny hands me a couple of the pain relievers and a glass of water. I thank her and carefully walk to the living room to meet Sean.
“Are you sure you’re up to this meeting? You don’t have to go. I’ll tell you everything,” he says, handing me a cup of steaming coffee.
“I’ll be okay. I’m moving a little slower than usual, but after yesterday, it’s important to me to be at this meeting. I need to hear the final update in person.”
“I understand. You need to know the threat is gone.”
“Exactly.”
Gently wrapping my arm around his for support, he says, “Fortunately, my office is only an elevator ride away.”
The caffeineI consume on the ride to Sean’s office gives me a welcome energy boost. We exit his elevator as Emily is showing Fielder into the office. Perfect timing.
“Good morning, detective. We understand you have news for us. Let’s sit by the window. It’ll be more comfortable for Lowri after her ordeal yesterday,” Sean says, ushering us to a sittingarea in his office. With Sean’s help, I sink into the comfy sofa with a pillow at my back for support. He and Fielder choose the nearby chairs.
“Ms. Upton, I hope you’re feeling better today,” Fielder says with a nod in my direction.
“I’m recovering. Thank you. I’m anxious to hear what you are here to share.”
“We both are,” Sean adds.
“I thought you would be. Once we had both Reese and Galanis in custody, they were tripping over each other to be the first to make a deal. It didn’t take long to piece together the rest of the puzzle. It turns out that Reese and Brentwood ran into each other in a bar one night soon after Amelia dumped Brentwood. They’d met a few times when Brentwood picked Amelia up after work, so they recognized each other and started talking. That led to drowning their sorrows over their money problems.”
