Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50402 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 252(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50402 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 252(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
“You need to leave,” Steele said in a tone that made the bank president take a step back. “Ivy’s doctors have banned her from working for at least a week to allow her brain to recover.”
“Be sure to get that in writing, Ivy. We’ll need documentation of the doctor’s orders to allow you to use your sick time.”
“Leave now. You won’t dock her sick leave. You won’t threaten her job status. You will be very supportive,” Steele stated firmly as he walked forward to force the unsympathetic man to back up to the door.
“I don’t know who you are, sir—” Mr. Harris began when Steele interrupted him.
“I can be your worst nightmare if you don’t handle this correctly,” Steele said ominously before closing the door in the man’s face.
He returned to Ivy’s side and lifted her legs up to the bed as he helped her stretch out. When the covers were tucked around her chin, Steele rang the nurse and requested pain medication. Pulling the chair up to the bed, he sat next to her.
Needing comfort as her brain pounded inside her skull, Ivy snuck a hand from under the covers to grab his cut. She clamped her fingers around the material and held on tight. Gratefully taking the tablets when they were held to her mouth, she tumbled into sleep.
“They’re still going to let me go home?” she asked, a couple of hours later when the nurse returned with her discharge papers.
“Yes. At home, you’ll be protected from annoying visitors,” the nurse predicted. “I have a list of your discharge instructions to review with you. There’s just one change from what the doctor said earlier. After hearing the result from your boss visiting, he’s extended your time away from the bank for a full two weeks and warns he may add more time. You need to stay as peaceful as possible to allow your brain to heal.”
“I’m so fired,” Ivy whispered.
“He also sent a copy of his instructions to his golf partner, who sits on the board at the bank,” Annie informed them with a smirk.
“Mr. Harris won’t like that,” Ivy said, trying not to feel triumphant that the doctor had gone over his head.
“It doesn’t matter. He’s done his best to make sure your job is safe for as long as you need to heal,” Annie assured her. “Let me go over these instructions with you, and then we’ll get you ready to go home.”
In a few minutes, the paperwork was complete. Annie removed all the monitors on her skin and the IV. The relief in getting the needle out of her arm made her head feel better, and Ivy giggled at the ridiculousness of that connection. Glancing up, she found Steele watching her with a smile.
Damn. He was attractive, all scowly and protective. But that grin made her heart do flip-flops. She ducked her head down so she wouldn’t give her thoughts away.
“That will make getting dressed easier! I’ll have someone come escort you to the entrance in a few minutes,” Annie said before bustling away.
Holding out the hem of the hospital gown, Ivy commented, “I don’t know what happened to my clothes.”
“They cut them off in the emergency department. They were ruined anyway,” Steele told her, remembering the alcohol and muck-soaked garments he’d found her in.
“I don’t remember a lot about that night,” Ivy admitted. “Just being terrified and their voices.”
“Maybe that’s best. Are you ready to get dressed and go check out the Guardians’ complex?”
“Yes. They’ve been really nice here, but…”
“It’s a hospital. You’ll sleep better when you’re out of here,” he said when her voice trailed away.
She watched him open the sack the nurse had brought in and pull out several items. The gray sweatpants looked so comfortable and warm. They made her instantly wish to get rid of the thin hospital gown. The thoughtful donor had included a T-shirt emblazoned with the same logo on Steele’s cut. Ivy traced the tough cartoon bear with her fingertip.
“Is it okay if I wear this?” she asked.
“If it’s been given to you, of course. You have a tie with us now,” Steele answered, studying her face as he spoke.
Ivy felt a tear roll down her cheek, and she dashed it away. “Thank you for everything.” They’d all been so wonderful.
“No tears. When Carlee heard what had happened, she thought of bringing clothes. She wanted to help. You all are about the same size, so it works well. Let’s get you dressed.”
“Are you going to help me?” Ivy asked, feeling overwhelmed by the simple task, but embarrassed to have him see her naked.
“I am. I’ll close my eyes,” he promised.
“Oh, that will be okay, then.”
She picked up the panties and noted the tags were still on the garment. “Can you take these off? Better do that with your eyes open,” she teased and then gasped as he pulled a large knife from his boot to slice through the thin plastic strips holding onto the tags.