Page 10 of Secret Seduction
“Of course. Since you’re being discharged soon, howabout we get you up and changed? I brought a pair of oversized sweats and tee shirt for you. I don’t think you’re going to want to wear that gown out of the hospital, and the shorts you brought might still sit too tight on your waist.”
“God, you’re the best. I don’t know what I would do without my baby sister.” I’ve been dreading getting dressed. She’s right; my abdomen looks like I’m a few months pregnant, and the thought of restrictive clothing makes me want to cringe.
“I know. It’s a good thing you’ll never know, either.” Coralynn stands up, more than ready to help me back into the bathroom to change. Maybe I’ll see if she can fix my braid, too. Showering might take me out with how heavy my eyelids are feeling.
“No kidding.” I hold my palm up, and she slides hers in mine, giving it a quick squeeze before we go about getting me out of the hospital bed.
6
SHAE
Ilook down at my phone. The vibrating hasn’t stopped, which is the number one reason I keep it on silent. Between my parents, my brother, and my sister, it hasn’t quit since I got out of the hospital. My dad insisted he and Mom stay the first night, and I’d allowed them to with reluctance. I also regretted it instantly. They were adamant that I sleep in my bed, and they took the couch. Sleep came, but only because the drive home, a shower, and a full belly, plus the half of the pain pill I’d been convinced to take knocked me out.
The next morning, I felt better. Mom and Dad were already up and moving around, being quiet so as to not wake me, but I’d had enough of lazing in bed. We had a cup of coffee together, and Mom made breakfast, this time keeping it light on the cooking with toasted bagels, cream cheese, and eggs, which were for Dad.
When they left, I picked up a few things around myapartment, making sure to walk as often as possible without lifting anything too heavy. Coralynn came over later on, bringing me goodies to pass my time. Coloring books, the adult kind with dick and boob illustrations, coloring pencils, magazines, and she even hit up my favorite gas station for a fountain drink with the good ice. Pebbled or chipped, it’s the best and an indulgence. I make it a treat for myself, or you would find me there every day. I’d also be strung out on caffeine and unable to sleep at night.
She hung out with me until I started yawning, then Coralynn made a pitiful excuse to leave. Of course, this was after she questioned me aboutMcHottiefor Doctor Camden andMcBroodyfor Doctor Gallo. I held steady. I didn’t bring up the fact that unless I’m sleeping, I’m thinking about a certain doctor who made my insides quiver like never before.
A day later, Lyric, Lennie, Kenny, Winnie, and Maci bombarded me in a group text, telling me to be ready by eleven o’clock sharp Sunday morning. It was time to be introduced into the fold, and they weren’t taking no for an answer. I replied that I could drive, but Lyric shut me down, telling me not to bother. My place is on the way, which I doubted very much, but I went along with it. I’d offered to bring something, hating to arrive empty handed. I’d been shut down once again, this time by Lennie.
“Thank you for inviting me,” I say once we’re inside Asher and Lennie’s house, going straight to them to say hello. Jagger and Lyric meander through the throng of friends and children. Winnie’s son clings to her leg, begging to go swimming.
“No need to thank me. I’m pretty sure I strong-armedyou,” Lennie jokes, her belly getting in the way of our hug, and a slight tinge of uncomfortableness with my healing abdomen doesn’t help.
“Glad to have you here. Grab a drink, a snack, and make yourself at home. We’re missing a few, but they’ll show up. I’ll fire up the grill here soon,” Asher says, pulling me into a side hug before he walks away.
“Who’s getting in the pool?” Kennedy comes up beside me, bringing the girls with her.
“Me. I’m going to look like a beached whale, but who cares?” Lennie says.
“You will not,” I reply.
“Well, make that times two, because I’ll be right there beside you,” Winnie follows up.
“Whatever. We’re pregnant and hot,” Maci says. She has a slight roundness to her stomach but isn’t near as far along as Lennie and Winnie.
“Touché.” Kennedy high fives her.
“It’s too hot not to,” Lyric states the whole truth. She turns her attention to me. “Are you getting in with us?”
“Nope, not this time. No swimming, no tampons, no heavy lifting, and no sex for two weeks, minimum. I probably shouldn’t even be here, but the thought of sitting at home and staring at four walls is unbearably boring.” When I dressed for today, I did it for not only comfort but also to beat the Florida heat and humidity. I’m sure I’ll still be drenched with sweat at some point today, unless I hunker down inside the house, an idea that defeats the purpose of getting out of my place in the first place.
It took a lot of deep digging to find something that wouldfit decently and not hit me where my incisions are. A pair of deep burgundy running shorts that are pulled higher than I’d usually wear them, a black strappy sports bra, and a cropped white tee complete the ensemble of being semi put together. I did have the good sense to wear a pair of flip flops just in case the decking gets wet. A baseball cap to ward off the sun complete the look.
“Bummer. The doctor really knows how to make it hard on a girl,” Lennie says, adding a wink at the end.
“At least she has good eye candy.” Lyric is lucky her man isn’t around. I’m pretty sure Jagger would have something to say about her comment.
“You’re as bad as my sister.” I lean in closer to the huddle, telling them the names she uses for them. I get a lot of oohs and aahs as well as nodding in agreements.
“McHottie and McBroody. Your sister is a hoot. Bring her along next time. Though, whatever you do, do not let them hear you. I promise you this, they do not need an ego bigger than what they already have.” Lennie is holding her belly while laughing at Coralynn’s antics.
“Don’t let them hear what?” I close my eyes when his voice slides down my spine. He’s not touching me, he’s not even breathing near me, yet I can feel him like we’re still in the hospital room, except nothing prepared me for this moment to hear the deep timbre. Nothing prepared me to hear his voice again. I knew there would be a possibility Luke could be here, but I stored it in the back of my mind, not allowing any more thoughts of the hot doctor to invade my every waking moment. Besides, it was him who left like the fires of hell were on his feet the last time I saw him.
“Oh, nothing. Girls, let’s head to the pool. Shae, I know you can’t get in yet. Luke will move an umbrella near the edge, so you can at least put your legs in the water,” Kennedy chimes in, firmly shutting the conversation down, or so she thinks. The girls disperse, scattering into different directions and leaving me with Luke. Well, it looks like I’m facing him head on. I turn around and come face to chest with him. Our height difference causes me to look up. I’m not short standing at five-foot-six, and yet he’s still a good bit taller than I am.
“Hi.” I give him a little finger wave, more than likely looking awkward as fuck.
