Page 54

"Yeah, it's on all the local stations."

My sister leans over and gives me a gentle hug.

"Please don't ever scare me like that again," she says into my ear. "Mom and Dad are beside themselves. I told them you're okay and will be released later this morning, but I'm sure you'll get a call from them this afternoon. Be prepared for all the lectures."

I nod, knowing our once-a-week phone calls will be more frequent at least for a while. My parents undoubtedly want to fly back immediately, and I hope they don't. Not right now. "I just hate that everyone's going to so much trouble."

"It's what family does," Sully says. "And Carolina Cove is your family."

A doctor comes in and gives me an assessing look.

"Ms. Greene, it's good to see you awake and looking better. How do you feel?"

"I want to go home."

He chuckles. "That's a good sign. Once we get another round of vitals and food in you, we'll reassess you and try to get you on your way."

"What about Ty? How is he?" I ask.

"I can't disclose patient information, but I know you two came in together, so I'll say this— He's doing great under the circumstances."

"That's it? That's all you can say?"

Sully squeezes my hand to gain my attention.

"He's got some broken ribs and took some hard blows, but he'll bounce back. The guys are checking in on him and giving me updates."

I glance at the doctor to find him looking relieved he was no longer on the hook for information. "When can I leave? Can I see Ty before I go?"

"Let's see how you do once we get you on your feet and walking. Any dizziness where you are? Headache?"

I answer all the questions I've answered repeatedly throughout the night, including my name, date, pain level, etc.

"And this guy. Who's he?" Jasmine pipes up.

I shoot her a glare but notice the doctor is waiting on my response.

I glance at Sully, and his grin widens and almost removes the exhaustion I see etched on his handsome features. "He's my…friend," I say deliberately. "But a true friend would break me out of here."

Sully's gaze narrows on mine, and I know I'm going to answer for that slight later. For now, he leans over and presses a semihard kiss to the uninjured side of my mouth.

"Brat."

The doctor chuckles. "The nurses will be in soon to do some follow up tests, and if everything goes well, we'll get you released as soon as we can."

"Thanks, doc," Sully says.

"Yes, thank you for taking care of her," Jasmine adds.

I watch the doctor leave before splitting my attention between the two people wearing the same worried expressions as they look at me. "Stop it. I'm fine."

Jasmine crosses her arms over her chest and shakes her head. "Vi, normally I wouldn't think twice about this, but—are you sure Thad wasn't one of the three men last night?"

The words have no sooner left her mouth when my peripheral vision catches motion at the door to my room. Gabriel Wolfe and Officer Chase MacCallum—MacGyver—are there. Both men are in uniform.

Sully stands to greet the men with handshakes. When they turn their attention to me, Gabe leans over my bed and gives me a kiss on the cheek.

"That's from me and Bronwyn both. We've been worried about you."