“You might as well tell her,” Ashley said from the bed.
“Or we can assume that I’ve already correctly guessed you’re not a masseuse.” She taped the dressing over the wound site.
“It’s not all I am.”
Objectively, she’d known the moment she walked into his room that he’d been keeping secrets. Apparently, practice didn’t make the familiar, sick sense of betrayal any easier to swallow, though. Harlan had tried various excuses for his infidelity. Eventually, he’d settled on the it was just a fantasy story. On the one hand, Gray didn’t owe her anything. She hadn’t needed to know that the US Military was at work on Fantasy Island. On the other hand, she’d had every right to know that her lover wasn’t who she thought he was.
“Don’t split hairs with me.”
“I’m also SEAL Lieutenant Commander Gray Jackson.”
Part of her, the part that wasn’t busy being Doctor Laney Parker, realized she hadn’t known his last name. She’d had sex with this man without knowing his name. She wasn’t sure what that said about her, but that was something to worry about later. When he wasn’t bleeding. “You’re here on an operation.” It explained a lot.
“I can’t tell you the details.”
“Then give me the big picture.” Surely he owed her that much for the patch job.
“We got word that Fantasy Island was expecting a particular guest. A guest that Uncle Sam has an interest in.”
“Will that guest be checking in today?”
He eyed her. “Not anymore.”
“Should I be expecting additional patients?”
He shook his head and straightened up. Slowly. His color wasn’t ideal, but it had improved. “As soon as the weather clears, we’ll get you off the island.”
Figured. He left or she left. That was the story of her life.
“Am I in danger?” Risking her life would be stupid.
He exhaled harshly. “Not if you take orders and stay put.”
“Fun times for me.”
“As soon as the weather clears, we can get you off the island.”
“Offer noted.” But she wasn’t sure she wanted to leave. “Keep the wound clean and dry. No swimming, no strenuous activity, so keep covert assaults to the minimum. After twenty-four hours, you can remove the bandage and wash the area with soap and water.” She leveled him with a look. “Spread an antibiotic ointment over the site and reapply the bandage. I’m also putting you on a course of oral antibiotics.”
“Yes, Doctor.” This time his voice held a thread of amusement. The bastard was feeling better. “But that’s a pass on the painkillers.”
Of course. Because he was Superman and impervious to pain.
Knowing he was a rough-and-tough SEAL explained his dominant side, but it also meant she’d never been in charge of their relationship. He’d been in control from day one, both in bed and out. The smart part of her demanded an immediate evacuation of the island—her fiancé had certainly taught her the dangers of men who wouldn’t open up and share—but another part of her wanted more. More Gray, more pleasure and a chance to explore the darker side of passion...
Sam rose to his feet, packing up his kit and disposing of the used gauze in a plastic bag. “Take it easy, okay? You don’t have to save the world singlehandedly this morning. It can wait until tomorrow or next week.”
Naturally, Gray didn’t say anything. He was Mr. Stoic, keeping his feelings to himself. She got that he was no fan of opening up, but she needed words from him.
“Here’s a hint,” she said in a clipped voice. “We’re having a conversation. I say something. You say something. It works like tennis or ping-pong.”
“Or tossing a live hand grenade back and forth,” Levi added helpfully.
Gray cursed. “There are things I can’t talk about.”
No kidding. “If you tell me this is one of those things, I might scream.”
“Fair warning.” He looked around the room at their audience. “Out.”
Her nipples tightened at the command in his voice as everyone else jumped to obey. Staying professional with this man was impossible.
“I expected details,” Ashley said, brushing past her and making for the door.
“Only if I’m still talking to you.”
Ashley clearly had a double life, too, and Laney wasn’t sure how she felt about that.
“Point taken.” The other woman patted her on the arm. “But we’re friends, so I’m holding out hope for a conversation later today.”
Levi paused, hand on the door. “Sorry about the chokehold.”