“Yeah, you’re probably right. We’l see how I feel tomorrow, I guess.”
Cherry leaned down and whispered, “Cal me and let me know how it goes.”
Wade was curious, but stayed silent. After Dante and Cherry were out of the room, he looked at Gracie. “When can you leave?”
Gracie started to pick at the blanket, as if nervous al of a sudden. “The doctor said to just rest a little bit, to let the effects of the chloroform wear off.”
Wade pul ed up a chair and sat down. “It’s time we talk, Gracie.” He looked around the emergency room and shrugged. “This is as good a place as any, I suppose.”
“Before you say anything, I have something to tel you.”
Wade’s chest tightened. Was she done with him? Now that it was al over, would she give him the brush-off? “You do?”
Gracie bit her lip, her fingers tangling in the bedspread. “I know we’ve only been together for a short time, and with everything that’s happened you’l probably just think I’m crazy. I wouldn’t blame you if you did, I mean, I’ve never done this before and I’m not sure—”
“Are you blowing me off?”
Gracie’s eyes widened. “What? No! I-I’m trying to tel you, wel , what I mean is—”
“Blurt it out, baby. Like a bandage, fast and painless.”
She frowned. “I would if you’d stop interrupting me.”
Wade chuckled at her disgruntled tone. Hel , he wasn’t sure if she was about to kick him to the curb or not, and stil she managed to make him laugh. “Sorry, sweetheart. The floor’s al yours.”
“I love you.” Gracie said between clenched teeth as she continued to glare at him.
Wade’s entire body went stil . “Come again?”
“I said, I love you. Even though you drive me crazy and I’d like to clobber you right now, I love you.”
Wade shot out of the chair and hovered over her. Bracing himself on his hands beside her head, he whispered, “I love you too, my Fiery Angel.”
Gracie blinked several times. “You do?”
Wade pressed his lips to hers. Soft and warm and so damn intoxicating, that was Gracie. He lifted slightly, letting their breaths mingle. He could see the green fire in Gracie’s half-closed eyes; the sight had his blood pumping faster. “Yes, I do. I’ve never told another woman those three words.”
“It’s happened so fast,” she said, her gaze fil ing with alarm. “And I don’t know how to be in a relationship, Wade. I’m scared I’m going to mess this up.”
“I told you, I don’t need a relationship expert. I only need you, open and wil ing. We’l figure out the rest together.”
She smiled and kissed him. It was quick, too quick. “I was so afraid you didn’t feel the same way. I talked to Cherry about you, you know. She told me I should go for it. I’m glad I listened to her.”
Wade cupped Gracie’s cheek and smoothed his thumb over her bottom lip. Damn, how he wished they were back at his place. “I’m sending that woman a dozen roses. I owe her big time.”
“There’s stil a lot unsettled. My apartment, my car. My dad. I come with a lot of baggage, Wade.”
“It’s nothing we can’t handle together, Gracie.” He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, then let his lips sip at hers. Soon they were both panting.
“Right now the only thing I want to do is get you home. The rest can wait.”
“Yes, home. That sounds heavenly right now.” Wade stood and held out his hand; she took it and started to lift up, then stopped and frowned.
“What is it? Are you in pain?”
“No, but there is one little problem.”
Baffled, Wade asked, “What’s that?”