“I’m not even dead yet and you’re replacing me,” Mason said. He laughed and grimaced.
I rested a gentle hand on his good arm, hoping to settle him back down. “I’m sure they’re not replacing you,” I said.
“I wouldn’t be too sure,” Lincoln said. “I’ll do it, at least for now. It’ll be awhile until the check comes through from insurance, and then I’ll have to decide what I’m going to do.”
“I’m sorry about your restaurant,” I said, smiling weakly at Lincoln. If I hadn’t gone to his restaurant that morning, maybe the thugs who wanted me dead wouldn’t have shot up the place.
Lincoln’s jaw was tight, and he leaned against the wall near the foot of the hospital bed. “Don’t mention it. These guys have been bugging me for the past several years to join Eagle Tactical. They’re probably happy about what happened.”
“Happy is a strong word,” Mason said, “but ecstatic, yes.”
Lincoln rolled his eyes.
Jaxson headed past Lincoln and gestured for him to follow out of the room. “We’ll leave you two to talk. We’ll be in the waiting room with Ariella and Izzie. Let us know if you need anything,” Jaxson said.
“Thank you for coming. Hopefully, they’ll spring me out of here soon,” Mason said.
I waited until the other guys were gone and down the hall.
“Something on your mind?” Mason asked.
“I’m sorry for everything.” I leaned down planting my lips on his, hungrily taking a taste. Having almost lost him had torn me up inside. I’d already lost my brother at my own hands. I couldn’t lose the man who I’d loved since I was a teenager.
Mason reached out and his thumb stroked my cheek as my chin rested in his palm. “You have nothing to apologize for, but I do know one thing you could do to help me feel better after we get out of here.”
“Anything,” I said. “I’m all yours. Whatever you need, Mason, I’m here for you.” I meant it too. I’d do whatever he needed me to do to care for him, whether it involved changing bandages or making him meals.
“Any chance you have a cute little nurses outfit? As long as you’re going to be taking care of me, I thought we could do a little fantasy roleplay.”