“You sure scared us, Zach,” Dusty said, stroking his fingers with her own.
“Sweet darlin’, I’d never leave you.”
His words sliced into her heart like a knife. She was caught between the giddiness of knowing he was well and the heart-wrenching anguish of knowing she had to leave him soon. She’d break his heart. But she couldn’t think about that now. She had to see him out of the hospital and safely back to his hotel suite. Then she’d go home to Montana.
“What do you feel like? Are you hungry?”
“Yeah. A little.”
“I’ve got the nurse looking for meat and potatoes for you.” She brought his hand to her lips and kissed it.
“Got any more of those?” he asked.
“Meat and potatoes?”
“Nah. Kisses.”
She smiled. “I think I might have a few.”
“Come here then.” He urged her forward. “I hope you don’t mind me lookin’ like death warmed over.”
She shook her head, a tear forming in her eye. “You’ve never looked more wonderful to me.”
She pressed her lips to his. They were dry and chapped, but they felt like heaven against her own. He wrapped his arm around her neck and pulled her closer. She sighed as his tongue eased her lips open. She responded, even knowing he shouldn’t be exerting himself. After a few breathless moments, she pulled away.
“Don’t strain yourself.”
“I’m not.”
She bit her lip, worried. “I don’t want you to get too turned on.”
“Too late.” He pointed to the sheet at his waist, tented by his obvious erection.
“Zach—”
“Hey, I’m only human. Kissing my woman has that effect on me.”
“Oh, Zach.” Dusty’s eyes misted. “I was so worried about you.”
“Please don’t cry. I can bear anything but your tears.”
“But it was all my fault. If anything had happened…”
“I’m too ornery to die, darlin’.”
“That’s not funny, Zach.”
“I’m sorry. Come here.”
He opened his arms, and she lay down next to him, soggy sheets and all.
“You know I love you, don’t you?”
She nodded, nuzzling into his neck, still clammy from sweat. She wanted to say it back, but it would just make things harder for both of them.
“Did you stay with me the whole time?”
She nodded again.