“Hey,” I said, wondering if there was enough light coming from the hospital for her to see my flaming cheeks.
“Nurse Redhead,” Boxer greeted with a flirtatious grin.
“I see you’ve fully recovered. An appendectomy didn’t slow you down at all,” Peyton remarked with a happy smile. “Linden, I’ll see you inside.”
I buried my head against the lapel of Boxer’s leather cut and let out a low laugh. He gently eased my head back so he could press his mouth to mine. It was in no way chaste, but over far sooner than I would’ve liked. He kissed me one more time for final measure and then sauntered toward his truck.
The driver’s side door opened, and South Paw got out. I waved to him and then headed inside the lobby. Peyton was waiting for me, an amused grin on her face. “So, you guys are doing sleepovers.”
“Yeah, I guess we are,” I admitted.
“How did you ever get out of bed this morning?” she demanded.
“Sheer force of will.”
Chapter 19
“Joey hassomething he wants to tell you,” Mrs. Fosco said with a smile at her ten-year-old son.
I looked at the adorable boy with brown hair and freckles splattered across his cheeks who was leaning back against his hospital bed, looking embarrassed.
“I’m sorry I threw up on you.” His tone was contrite.
It took all my effort not to laugh at his sincerity. “Thank you for your apology, but I understand why you did. In fact, you are not the first boy to throw up on me because of his appendix.”
His eyes widened. “Really?”
I nodded.
“Who else threw up on you?” Joey asked in excitement.
“My boyfriend,” I said before I could stop myself. I didn’t even stutter over the word.
“You have a boyfriend?” Joey asked.
“I do,” I admitted.
Joey flashed a toothy grin. “He’s really lucky.”
“Why,” I asked with a smile.
“Because you’re really pretty and smart.”
I looked at his mother. “You’re going to have your hands full.”
She snorted. “Tell me about it.”
“Did you save my appendix?” Joey asked, switching easily from one topic to another. “I want to take it to school and show all my friends.”
Kids were fascinated with the most gruesome things. I looked at his mother for help.
Mrs. Fosco instantly jumped to my aid. “That’s not appropriate, honey.”
“What about my scar?” Joey pressed. “Can I show them my scar?”
I threw Mrs. Fosco a sympathetic smile and then hastily retreated.
I checked in on a few more patients and wrapped up my long shift. When I went into the locker room, Peyton was shrugging into her sweater. “Drink?” she asked.