Taking a breath, I opened my eyes and stepped into the room.
Sobs bubbled in my chest and the drab room faded from my vision. Nothing registered except the green stare of the man sitting in the bed. My heart thundered in triple time at the vision.
Van was alive, safe, and alert.
“Julia.” My name came forth as a plea as he lifted his arms.
If I were questioned under oath, I couldn’t say for sure where I dropped my phone or purse as I hurried to the one place I belonged—Van’s arms.
“I love you.” My words were muffled against his shoulder.
Palming my cheeks, he lifted my face and my lips until they met his. Despite the hospital bed, his kiss was strong and possessive, fueling a mutual hunger for one another.
“I love you,” he said as our kiss ended and his embrace surrounded me.
I laid my hand on his solid chest, allowing the steady beat of his heart to thump beneath my touch.
Lifting my hand, his lips came down on my knuckles seconds before Van spoke. “I’m so sorry, Julia.”
I shook my head. “No.” I moved my hand until our fingers intertwined. “Are you…?” My attention went to the machines around the head of his bed. There were so many.
Tears filled my eyes. “Are you okay?”
Van smiled. “I am now. I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“They wouldn’t tell me…Mr. Fields explained your privacy provision…”
Van’s hand cupped my cheek. “That is getting changed immediately.”
“How long will you be here?”
Michael cleared his throat.
Warmth filled my cheeks as I turned, knowing I’d forgotten he was present. “Thank you, Michael. Thank you for messaging Arnold.”
“Arnold?” Van asked.
I nodded. “I was going to rent a car…but we know how that ended last time. Arnold insisted on driving me.”
Michael spoke, “I’ll be happy to drive you to Ashland, Ms. McGrath, when you’re ready.”
“I’m not leaving until Van can leave.”
Van’s gaze went to Michael’s.
I knew that look. “Before you two plot aboutmysafety, I need to know everything about you.” I squeezed Van’s hand.
“Find Ms. McGrath a secure hotel—”
“No,” I said, standing straighter and releasing Van’s hand as I looked around the private room. “I can stay here.”
“Here,” the two men said in unison.
Scanning the room, I saw a large chair and a long sofa. Neither one looked comfortable, but I didn’t care. “I’m not leaving this room.”
Van’s gaze met mine before he said, “Michael, we’ll text when we need you.”
“The room is secure,” Michael said. Before Van or I could respond, he added, “It has been monitored since you were out of surgery.”