Page 24 of Jenny
Twenty-six. Five years younger than Jenny. Not that she didn’t have friends of all ages. “He mentioned having three sisters.”
“Yes, Kate was here for the first two days. She left yesterday because she had to work. Claire and Fiona just started classes at their respective colleges, so I told them not to come. They’re furious at me for that. At least Claire is in New Hampshire and can check on the house while I’m here. I did what I thought best and what Darragh would have wanted.”
Interesting. All four kids had Irish names. Jenny wondered if Dare had grown up in New Hampshire. She’d never been there. “He’s protective of his sisters.”
“He’s worse than a mama bear. Heaven help the guy who breaks one of their hearts.” Susan yawned. “Excuse me.”
Dare’s mom looked tired. Being on her own with her injured son had to be difficult. That gave Jenny an idea.
“Why don’t you take a break from the hospital tonight?” Missy had guaranteed Jenny’s hotel reservation so all she would have to do was call and say she’d be checking in tomorrow. “I’ll stay here with Dare so you can sleep.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind being here alone?”
“Not at all, and I’m not alone.” Jenny looked at the man asleep in the bed. “Dare is here.”
“Having a night away would be nice.” Susan sounded relieved. “I…I haven’t left the hospital much. I didn’t want to leave him.”
“There’s no reason for us both to stay tonight.”
Susan nodded. “Be warned—that chair isn’t all that comfortable.”
“One night should be okay, but several has probably worn out your back, neck, arms, and legs.”
“Yes. I’m feeling my age.” Susan laughed. “This will work out well. I’m sure Darragh would rather wake up to your pretty face than his old mom’s.”
Jenny’s cheeks heated. She wasn’t so sure since he’d never seen her. “You’re not old. And he looks like he won’t be awake much tonight.”
“In the morning, then.”
She and Dare would be spending their first night together. Well, sort of. Wait until Missy heard. Jenny almost laughed. “Go eat non-hospital food and sleep.”
“You don’t have to tell me again.” Susan picked up a large, lime-green tote bag. She reached inside and pulled out a business card. “Here’s my cell number. I put yours into my contacts yesterday.”
“Okay.” Susan must be the organized type. The only reason Jenny’s life flowed smoothly was because of Missy, who kept track of well, everything, so Jenny could focus on writing. “I’ll call if there’s anything you should know.”
Susan kissed the right side of Dare’s forehead where there wasn’t a bandage or bruise. “I’ll be back in the morning if I don’t hear from you tonight.”
Jenny smiled. “Goodnight.”
“Try to get some sleep. And thanks for giving me a night off.” With that, Susan walked out of the room. The door closed behind her.
Jenny blew out a breath. “It’s just you and me, Dare.”
He didn’t stir.
She walked to his bed, removed her bag from her shoulder, and set it next to the chair. Maybe she could work on outlining her next book,Assassin Curse. She pulled out her spiral notebook and pen but then put them back into her tote. There would be time to work later. All she wanted to do was stare at Dare.
His arms lay outside the blanket. Part of a tattoo showed at the bottom of his sleeve. He was tall and fit, but he looked so vulnerable lying in the hospital bed.
“I’d give anything to make you all better.”
Jenny touched his thumb on the hand with the IV in it. That seemed a safer choice than the arm with the cast.
His skin was warm. Calloused and scarred, too.
He stirred.
She jerked her hand away. “Dare?”
