Page 35 of With You

“Well, if you were, I’d say you should talk to her. I’ve found that nine times out of ten, women are open to what you have to say.”

“And the other time?”

“Just make sure to angle your lower half away from her knees just in case.”

The doors swung open and I jumped to my feet as a woman wearing dark blue scrubs walked out. “Hebert?” She looked between me and Gage.

“Me, us I mean,” I glanced back at Gage to see he was also standing. “Is Sam all right?”

“I’m Dr. Vincent. She’s doing well, the bullet didn’t hit the bone or artery but a small vein was nicked which is why the bleeding didn’t stop. We sewed up the muscle damage and they’re waking her up in recovery. Once she’s in a room you can go and see her.”

Extreme relief and exhaustion filled me now that the adrenaline and worry had left. Gage’s hand gripped my shoulder and squeezed, “Thank you for letting us know,” he said. The doctor gave us a polite smile and then turned, leaving the way she came.

I blew out a breath as Gage released my shoulder and walked in front of me. “I’ll be back tomorrow, let me know if you need anything.”

“You’re leaving?”

“Got somewhere I need to be. When she’s awake and not all loopy from the drugs, let her know I locked up her weapons and she doesn’t have to worry about them.”

“Yeah, okay, thanks for being here.” He bowed his head and made his way to the elevator. “Wait, what do you mean by ‘loopy’?”

Gage smiled at me over his shoulder, a truly startling sight for someone that big and scary looking. “Oh, you’ll see. Night, Roe.” Then he climbed into the elevator and the doors closed, leaving nothing but his ominous statement in his wake.

* * *

Walking into Sam’s hospital room, I was surprised to find her propped up and awake. A nurse was standing next to her bed, writing something down on a chart as she nodded absently to whatever Sam was telling her.

I cleared my throat, announcing my arrival and Sam sluggishly turned her head on her pillow, a wide goofy grin spreading on her face when she noticed me.

“Are you family? Visiting hours have ended and only immediately family is allowed to stay after that.” The nurse’s stern eyes pinned me in place. She was intimidating as fuck even though she had to be over a foot shorter than me. I got the distinct feeling that she didn’t take shit from anyone. It reminded me of another stubborn woman I knew, making me instantly like her.

“Of course, he’s family!” Sam slurred. “Don’t you recognize him, Sally? That’s Monroe Cornelius Ross.”

The nurse’s lips quirked and I imagined it was a rare sight. She’d probably be able to give Gage a run for his money in a staring contest. She clipped the chart to the foot of the bed and swung her stethoscope over the back of her neck as she made her way toward the door.

“Ugh, it’s John. Monroe John Ross, not Cornelius.”

“Well, my name’s not Sally. Good luck, champ,” she patted my arm and closed the door after she left. Then I was all alone with Sam for the first time since she’d been shot.

I took a moment to make sure she was truly okay. Her skin was pale, much lighter than her usual bronzed glow and dark circles were prominent under her hooded eyes. She was wearing a green and yellow hospital gown with a pattern that made it look like it was covered in splattered vomit. My eyes assessed her bandage-wrapped arm, half hidden by a sling that was looped around the back of her neck.

“Roe, psst, Roe, come here,” Sam beckoned me with her index finger and I approached the bed.

“Hey, Sam.”

“Hey,” she smiled, eyes fluttering closed for far longer than a normal blink.

“Sam?”

Her eyes flew open, “You’re here,” she lifted her arms like she was going to hug me and winced when her left shoulder moved.

I jumped forward, clasping her hands gently in my own. “Careful, kitten. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

“Kitten,” she snorted. “If the guys heard you call me that, I’d never hear the end of it.”

“Are you saying you don’t like it?” I probably shouldn’t be asking. Sam was drugged up, more than likely she wouldn’t remember our conversation tomorrow but I couldn’t help but ask. Who knew when she’d be completely unguarded and open with me like this again.

“I love it,” she said, closing her eyes again. “Makes me all tingly in my lady garden.”

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