Page 390 of A Matter of Time

“We’re through with that.” I yawned.

She lunged at me then, grabbing me tight, burying her face in the side of my neck. She shivered just once and then squeezed me as hard as she could. I hugged her, rubbing circles on her back.

“I’m all right.”

Easing free, she stared into my eyes. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. Do you know when they’re going to release me?”

“The doctor was here maybe thirty minutes ago. He said he was going to get the paperwork going so you could leave when you woke up.”

“Awesome.” I smiled at her. “Then let’s get me changed and⁠—”

“Wait.” She put up her hand. “You know Dane isn’t letting you go anywhere but home with us, right?”

“No, I’ll talk to him. He’ll change his mind, you’ll see.”

“I don’t know, Jory. He’s been pretty upset.”

“I know I put you both through a lot, but⁠—”

“Jory, half the time I don’t know whether to hug you or strangle you. I need to know that you’re safe, and I really can’t fault Dane’s logic. If he can see you, he knows you’re all right.”

“I guess.”

“He told me he’s going to hire you a bodyguard too.”

“How’s yours? Is he hot?”

“No, not so much.” She widened her eyes.

“No Kevin Costner?”

“Absolutely not.”

I had to smile; she was so cute.

She glared at me and stood from where she’d been sitting next to me on my bed. “Get up and change. I brought you stuff to wear.”

After I took a quick shower, I was back into my own clothes and felt better. I walked with my sister-in-law to Sam’s room. I complained about the gel she’d bought me the whole way.

“God, do I even get a thank-you?” she chided me.

“I said thank you a hundred times.”

“Then quit bitching about your hair. It looks fine.”

“Fine is the kiss of death,” I told her, running my fingers through it again. It wasn’t the gel I used, and it felt weird, but the glare from her told me I should drop it.

“You are really very vain. Has anyone ever told you that?” she snapped at me.

“I am not,” I grumbled, rubbing my cheek with the backs of my fingers. “I need to shave.”

She snorted out a laugh, which was very undignified. “A little stubble looks good on you. Makes you look like a cowboy.”

“Oh, screw you,” I whined.

She tipped her head at me.