On the road back to Destiny in her SUV, Paris sat in the passenger seat as Mick drove and Dustin stretched out in the back with the blanket and pillows Maude had provided them. Dustin had grumbled when she’d lowered the seats to make him the best bed possible, saying he was fine. She’d finally convinced him it was for the best due to the length of the drive and not wanting to aggravate his injury.
“I really think you are going overboard with my treatment, baby.”
She grinned. “We’re only thirty minutes out of Wilde and you’ve only told me that five times, honey. Can I expect you to continue for the whole trip with your complaints?”
“I really am able to sit up and drive.”
She turned and smiled at him. “Doctors are always the very worst patients. They always think they know what’s best. But you better liste
n to me and—”
“I think you’ve forgotten something, Paris Cottrell.” He stared at her with his gorgeous gray eyes. “You’re a doctor, too.”
Mick shook his head. “God help me if you both get sick at the same time.”
They all laughed.
“Dustin, will you please, for me, do what I’m asking you to do so I won’t worry.”
“You got him on the ropes now, baby.” Mick chuckled. “Don’t pull any punches.”
“Okay, sweetheart. I’ll be your best patient ever. But when I get the green light that I’m okay, you’re going to have to pay for your bedside manner and I have some very wicked ideas as to how.”
She tingled with excitement, hearing Dustin’s voice deepen. “Ideas? I’m sure you do, Dr. Ryder.”
“Hey, Mick. What do you think about us ramping up the old game of ‘playing doctor’ with Paris?”
“Damn right, I’m in.”
“Perfect. And we’ll find out what kind of patient she really is.”
“You two are devils.”
Dustin smiled. “Doms and devils, baby.”
Mick placed his hand on her thigh and squeezed. “And we’re your devil Doms, Paris.”
“Always,” Dustin added.
Mick looked into the rearview mirror. “Your dad is keeping up with us with Old Martha. I’m impressed. My truck isn’t the easiest vehicle to drive.”
“Dad can drive any vehicle. He loves cars almost as much as Eddie and Curtis Blue.” Since her dad had flown into Wilde, he’d offered to drive Mick’s truck back to Destiny. “He’s always over at their garage shooting the breeze. Mark my words, he’s going to have a list for you to get your truck running perfectly.”
“I have no doubt about that, baby.”
“Speaking of lists.” Dustin sat up. “We need to start ours for our wedding.”
“First we need to set a date,” Mick said.
Dustin nodded. “I agree. The sooner the better. We’ve wasted enough time.”
“Why don’t we just get Ethel to marry us in her chambers? No fuss. I just want to be Mrs. Ryder.”
“Are you sure, sweetheart?” Dustin reached over the seat and touched her cheek. “You deserve whatever you want.”
“And we’ll be happy to give it to you, too.” Mick smiled. “We don’t want to shortchange you, baby.”
“You couldn’t if you tried.”