That Day by Karen Deen (best novels to read in english txt) 📕

“Mhmm, were they there before you fell?”

“No, they must have arrived after I was passed out. I don’t know.” She takes a breath and changes the topic. “Is Coco alright? She’s home alone.”

“She is fine. I fed her and locked her inside until we get home. You can see her soon. My dad has already dropped my truck to me here, so when you’re ready, I can take you home. But not to your place. We’ll swing past your place to grab some clothes, your laptop, and Coco. Then we’ll go to my place where I can look after you properly and you can sleep in my super comfy bed.” I decide not to tell her that it won’t be for one night, either.

“I don’t want to be a pain. I’ll be okay at home.”

“Not happening, Asha.” I almost growl at her without meaning to. “I want to care for you. You know that’s what boyfriends do.” She rolls her eyes at me. “I know, crazy, right?”

“You know you’re cute when you go all caveman.” This time it’s a genuine smile.

“Ugh, just what a man wants to hear when he’s trying to be all macho, that he’s cute. Couldn’t you say I look manly, or handsome, or better still…” Leaning in close to her ear, I say, “that I look hot as fuck when I’m being protective. And when I’m naked, I’m super sexy.” I know I’m supposed to me be keeping her calm and resting, but the hitch in her breath when I whisper to her brings my heart rate up a little, this time for a good reason. I love seeing her a little flushed. It’s better than the pale white on her cheeks when I walked in.

“Kurt.”

Straightening back up, I act all innocent. “What? Just putting it out there, you know, in case you need some good describing words for later.”

“I think I have the describing words part under control, but thanks for the suggestion. Maybe you will need to show me what you mean later.”

“Ah, ah, ah. I’ll have none of that, please. I’m under orders from your doctor, you are to rest and stay calm for a few days. So that’s what we are going to be doing.”

“What are you, the fun police?”

“And there she is, my girl is back and feeling better.” Reaching up, I run my finger down her cheek.

“I wouldn’t go that far. My head still hurts. I mean, only I could be clumsy enough to fall close enough to hit the cupboard.” I know tomorrow the bruising will start showing itself from under the bandage. Glancing up, I see her IV bag is almost empty. She might be feeling better now that she’s not so dehydrated, but she still looks exhausted from her ordeal.

“You look tired, baby. Sleep for a while until they’re happy with you, and then let’s get you home.”

After watching her sleep peacefully for a few hours, with nurses coming and going checking on her machines, finally she wakes up and is looking a little better.

“I’ll see if I can find the doctor to get you signed out, so we can get out of here.” The way Asha just nods slightly and lets go of my hands tells me she’s also ready to leave.

After tracking down the doctor, who went off to sort out the paperwork, I’m walking through the doors to the waiting room, trying to keep myself calm.

I had been out here earlier to give them a quick rundown on how she is and that the plan was to stay for observation. Jodie also popped her head in a few times when she was back in the ER dropping off other patients. I always felt good seeing her face; it made me feel better when she assured me Asha would be okay.

Seeing both the agents sit up as they see me, my heart rate picks up a bit. I couldn’t give a fuck about Scott, but it’s the right thing to do to tell Davina what is happening. Then she can handle Scott.

“Is she alright? Is there really no permanent damage, is she awake?” Davina looks like she is about to burst into tears; it’s almost a guilty look, which I can only guess is because this happened on her watch. It must be a relief for her to know Asha is fine. It’s such a contrast seeing her like this compared to the hard-ass agent I’m used to in the field when we worked together.

“She’s okay and just needs rest now. Nothing bad, and they’re just getting ready to discharge her.” I put my hand out on her shoulder and give her a squeeze.

“I’ll get the car out front, ready for when you bring her out,” Scott says, so matter of fact.

“Not a chance. Asha will be coming home with me and staying until she is ready to be on her own again. If I have my way that will be never. So, you better make plans for that, because we both know I can take better care of her.”

The look from him is like it could cut me down.

Davina pinches the bridge of her nose. “I don’t know if I can allow that, Bull.” I snap a look at her using my code name. “Shit, sorry, I’m not thinking clearly. We need to have access to her and protect her from threats.” Davina looks torn and unsure what to do with me.

Trying to keep calm, I feel sorry for her dealing with all this, and being on crutches at the same time.

“I thought I made that clear earlier. You don’t get to make those choices unless you want to blow this wide open. It would be normal for any boyfriend to take his girlfriend home to take care of her after her scare, now, wouldn’t it?” I wait for both of them to acknowledge that I’m right. They can try to argue all they like, but I’m not changing my