already took care of that.
He called me the next second.
“Hey!” I answered. What was that? How was my face already stretched in a grin?
“Hey, you! Hope Tess and Skye weren’t too... curious.”
I giggled. “Nah, they said they need me well rested for a thorough questioning.”
“Damn. I thought they’d give me some insider info by tomorrow.”
“You’re out of luck. Looks like you’ll have to do all the legwork yourself.”
My tone was teasing, but I pressed a palm to my stomach. I knew I couldn’t postpone talking to him about Ryan. I wanted him to know everything about me. A thin sheet of sweat covered my palms at the thought, but I knew I could do it. Tomorrow was D-day.
“That’s a challenge I look forward to,” Cole said. That bossy tone made it clear he was used to being in charge, to winning every challenge. I was surprised how much I liked this whole take-charge thing he had going on. I didn’t want to own up to it though, because who knew what other ideas he’d get.
“Then you’d better go to sleep, charmer. You’re going to need your charming skills to be sharper than ever tomorrow.”
“It’ll be my pleasure.”
Chapter Twelve
Cole
Next morning, I was at the hospital at eight o’clock on the dot. I expected to find Laney in a zombie state, or at least looking tired. To my surprise, she was wide-eyed and full of energy. Skye had been discharged half an hour ago, and Rob had taken her home right away. I regretted not seeing her—I was better at giving pep talks in person—but I trusted my brother-in-law to take good care of her.
“Why are you so awake?” I inquired.
“I might have drunk five coffees in the past two hours.” Her grin was priceless.
“Someone was looking forward to this day.”
She nodded, licking her lips. “You promised a day of proper pampering. Who needs sleep? Pffft.”
Laughing, I pulled her close to me, barely keeping back from capturing her mouth. “Want to check out that broom closet right now?”
I only realized that she wasn’t her usual self when she wrapped her arms around my waist, looking up seductively.
“Or you can kiss me right now.”
I took her hands in mine. “You were worried about colleagues seeing you, remember?”
She blinked, nodding. “Oh, you’re right. I forgot. So gallant of you. Saving my reputation. I think I like you a little more.”
“You think?”
“Yup. I have to consider this when I’m not lacking sleep and high on caffeine.”
“I happen to like you this way. You’re... corruptible.”
She blushed. “Just need to change out of my scrubs, and then I’m good to go.”
Tilting closer, I whispered in her ear. “You’re hot in them.”
She playfully pushed me away. “Hey, stop being so charming. I’m extra susceptible when I haven’t slept.”
“Susceptible and corruptible. I think I’ll pay you visits on your night shifts.”