Page 21 of Single Greatest Threat
Joesph had sat back down the moment Kace had focused on Shaw. He looked tired, and it hadn’t escaped Shaw’s notice how badly Joesph’s hands shook. He flashed a sad smile. “MS.”
A thought hit. “Did you take your meds tonight?”
“I haven’t been home, baby.”
“From the way your hands are shaking, either your current treatment isn’t working or you’re having a flare-up.”
Joesph winced at Kace’s words. “It’s a flare. I’m fine.”
It pissed Shaw off more than a little that Joesph admitted that to Kace and not him. “You shouldn’t be skipping your meds right now.”
A sweet look turned his way. “Don’t worry about me. Get what you need and we can deal with whatever when we get home.”
Home. The idea made him smile. Plus, it was obvious Joesph did everything he could to keep pointing out they were a couple. While they didn’t have a home they shared yet, they never slept apart. It looked like they would tonight. He hated that.
He focused on Kace. “I know I’ve been admitted, but is there any chance of me going home tonight? Joesph is just stubborn enough to sit here in pain.”
“Yeah. It’s obvious he loves you.” He spent a second typing on the computer. His gaze stayed locked on the device as he spoke. “Once your meds get here.” The door opened, and a nurse strolled in. Kace barely spared her a glance. “Speak of the devil. Give it two hours and I’ll be back. I’ll take another look at your numbers. If you’re stable and willing to pick up your new prescription on the way home, I’ll release you.” He focused onJoesph. “If I don’t like what I see, is there anyone who can bring your meds?”
“I can call my mom.”
“Mhm. I can’t imagine Haven loving the idea of getting out this late.” He checked his watch.
Shaw seethed.
“I have a break in about an hour. If you’d like, I can run and grab them.”
Joesph sighed. “Why does no one trust me to take care of myself?”
“Because you won’t choose to take care of yourself,” Shaw said at the same time as Kace.
They flashed each other a smile. All the sudden, Shaw felt oddly okay with the guy. He obviously cared about Joesph and Shaw knew Joesph would never crush him.
Joesph shoved his way to his feet. “Fine. Great. Whatever. I’ll go. You need to stay the night and make sure you’re okay. Otherwise, I’ll worry myself sick.” He swayed on his feet.
Kace practically threw his laptop on the bed. It hit Shaw’s shins, but he didn’t care. His only worry was Joesph. “Whoa. Hey. You okay?”
Shaw knew the nurse pushed meds through his IV, but he didn’t pay attention. He was too busy watching Joesph. Almost immediately, he felt better. His gaze slid toward the machine. His heart rate had dropped considerably. That was good, since Joesph scared the shit out of him.
“You okay, baby? Talk to me.”
Joesph made a dismissive motion after falling back into his seat. “I’m fine. Just a little dizzy.”
Kace went to work, checking Joesph’s eyes and pulse. “You’re not fine. Stop saying that.”
Shaw snatched up his phone and called Haven.
She answered on the second ring like she knew he would never call this late for no reason. “What’s wrong?”
“Hey, sexy lady. Sorry to call so late.”
“Who is he talking to?” Kace sounded outraged on Joesph’s behalf.
“My mom.” There was no missing the laughter in his voice.
“Don’t worry about me. What’s wrong?” Haven sounded a little panicked.
“I’m in the hospital. I’m fine,” he added before she could worry any more than he had already done. “But Joesph is here with me and refuses to take care of himself. He won’t go home to take his meds or eat anything.”
