Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

“Caleb?”

“Yes.” I hop from my seat.

“You can head back with me now. Ms. Foster is waiting for you.”

“Okay, thank you.”

I dig the phone from the side pocket and shoot a message to Nona. She’s been worried and waiting for news. It might have been an hour, but the time trickled as slow as tree sap. The stench of cleanser and medicine increases as we walk down the hallway toward the beds separated by curtains. If Romy’s in the outpatient area, her condition can’t be too bad off. My gut twists. I clench and release my fists to ease the tension.

“She’s the last curtain on the left.” The nurse points.

I shove my hands into my pocket. What do you say to someone who damn near died in front of you in your family store? If she wanted to sue, the negligent party would be the child’s mother, and they hightailed it immediately after the incident. Therefore, there’s nothing to be nervous about. The lawyer speak works well in court, but not on my brain. I’m attracted to her, and I want to find a way to salvage the situation. I prefer facts and situations I can control. I’m going into this blind.

I clear my throat. “Romy?”

“Come on in, please.” Her voice is soft and edged with exhaustion.

I push the curtain aside, slip through the opening, and, closing the cotton material, seal us in together.

Sitting on the bed with the off-the-shoulder, black, cable knit sweater I hadn’t glimpsed under her coat, the woman is a damn snack. An edible confectionary I’d love to sample. I’ve always had a sweet tooth. The shallow cuts sporadically scattered over her dark brown skin make me frown. I run my thumb lightly over the Band-Aid covering her collarbone, and she gasps.

“Sorry.” I step back.

With her braids pulled into a high bun, her make-up-free face is highlighted. Those full lips are still just as pink and tempting. My fingers itch to caress her long neck.

“Thank you for coming here with me,” she says softly.

“It’s the least I can do when you were hurt in Nona’s store.”

“Right.” The warmth of her tone dips slightly. “I’m fine other than a mild concussion.”

Other than a small concussion. “You can’t be alone with that condition.”

She clears her throat. “I’m sure it’s not ideal. But it’s what I have to work with.”

“No.”

“Excuse me?” Her lips pull back to reveal straight white teeth. She’s a lioness ready to defend her position.

“I refuse to let you make foolish decisions about your health that could lead to further injury.”

“Let me?” she asks slowly.

“Someone needs to be rational.”

“You might get away with talking to other women like that, but I’m not the one to allow it.”

I ignore her offended tone. After years in court, I’ve heard far worse. I have skin so thick it would rival an elephant. “You can stay with me, or I can come to your place if it makes you feel more comfortable. At least for the next twenty-four hours.”

She crosses her arms beneath her breasts, putting the ample mounds on display. Staring at them won’t help me win my argument, so I focus on her face.

“I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for the majority of my twenty-nine years.”

Anger roars to the surface. “Do you know how serious a concussion can be?”

“I was here when the doctor came by earlier, so, yes.”

“Then you’re ignoring his advice.” Her flippant tone has me grinding my teeth. “It’s not a condition to treat so cavalierly.”