Page 71 of Air Of Mystery
“You’re the hero,” he said, running a gentle hand over my hair before sitting beside my bed in a chair.
“Thank you for the flowers,” I told him. “They’re beautiful.”
“So are you, and you’re welcome,” he said, placing the shopping bag in his lap.
I shook my head at that, knowing I looked anything but. “What’s in the bag?”
“I brought you a sandwich and some chips,” he said. “I figured you might be hungry.”
That made me smile. “You are a man after my own heart.”
Charlie leaned in close, and his expression was as serious as I’d ever seen it. “Yes, I am,” he said, dropping another kiss on my lips. “And I’m going to stay right here, by your side, watching over you until they throw me out of this place.”
***
They let him stay until dawn, which I’m sure was bending all sorts of rules. But it was comforting to have him with me. I’d never thought I was the type of woman to need a man to hold my hand, but after my encounter with Don…I felt safer with Charlie beside me.
I was home by noon the following morning and changed with help into a pair of very comfy lounging pajamas. Meanwhile, Brynn was hovering over me like it was her job. At least she didn’t squeal on me to our parents. The last thing I wanted was to have my folks come rushing back up to Illinois. They were supposed to be enjoying retirement in Florida.
Charlie had called no less than three times since he’d left the hospital. I promised him I would rest and take it easy, and Brynn took my phone away again—that was becoming a nasty trick of hers—informing him that she was personally keeping an eye on me for the rest of the weekend.
“You go run security up at the mansion,” she said to Charlie. “I know you have a full weekend of weddings. I’m keeping my eye on your girl.”
“Jeez Brynn,” I complained while she ended the call and slipped my phone into her pocket. “When did you become such a tyrant?”
“Don’t make me confiscate your laptop next, Skye.” She smiled. “Get some rest.”
“I had planned on it,” I said limping to my couch. “I’m really sore today.” Which I knew was to be expected. The second day after an injury was always the worst.
My eldest sister brought me over a crocheted afghan. “Snuggle up. Kenna said she’d bring you some blueberry scones from the bakery if you behaved yourself.”
My stomach rumbled at the thought of it.
In a few moments, Brynn had me settled with a pillow to prop up my arm and a glass of water, a bowl of trail mix, and the television remote all within easy reach.
“I’ll leave the door open. If you need anything, holler.”
“If you give me my phone I could text you.”
“Nope,” she said. “I’ll come up and check on you in a half hour.”
I was just getting cozy on the couch, when there was a knock on my half-open door.
“Come on in!” I called and to my surprise, Amanda Beaumont-Parker stepped into my apartment.
“Hello Skye.” She closed the door behind her.
“Amanda.” I figured she would come and speak to me. I hadn’t expected that it would be so soon though.
She appeared moreordinary, I supposed. More like her witchy head librarian self and less like the dagger wielding superhero who’d saved me the day before. Today, Amanda wore a pair of dark slacks, sensible flats, and a deep purple sweater. The sweater complemented her purple glasses and deep red hair. It also made her eyes a brighter green.
“How are you feeling? How’s the arm?” she asked as she walked over and took a seat in the club chair across from my sofa.
“I go to the orthopedic guy on Monday. To get a cast,” I explained. She was being so polite that it was making me nervous.
“How are yourotherinjuries?” she asked, leaning forward to peer at my face. “I heard you had a concussion.”
“I’m sore, but I’ll be fine.”
