Page 35 of Lovesick

“You’re in luck,” Dr. Scott said. “We’re releasing you to the care of a very competent physician.” The doctor’s eyes held a teasing twinkle, as if she suspected there was something more between them. Hell, Louise wished she was sure that there was more between them, hoped with everything in her that this was the beginning of a long relationship and not the end of a short one.

* * *

It wasa slow and exhausting process, but once he got Lou up her stairs, insisting on carrying her, and into her bed, after the strangely embarrassing process of helping her change her clothes into a loose-fitting nightgown, she fell back onto her pillows with a deep sigh. Max administered her medication and saw to it that she was comfortable. The need to sleep warred with her desire to be in his company. And the need to finally confront him.

“You need sleep. I should go.”

“Don’t you dare.” Long years of being in charge and ordering people about took over her better judgment and he raised a brow. She gave him a sheepish half smile.

“I mean, please don’t, Max. I’d love the pleasure of your company for a while yet.” She held her tongue then, waiting for his reply.

“I’m yours.” He sat in the chair next to her bed. She patted the bed beside her.

“Prop up some pillows and join me. I want to talk to you about something.”

He gave her a long silent look as if he contemplated his alternatives. He decided to indulge her, but didn’t give away what he might be thinking about her ominous words “I want to talk to you.” She hated that phrase, more than anything else a person could say to her, she realized, and wished she could take them back. Wished she was brave enough to jump right in.

The bed moved with his weight, warmed with his heat and a sense of well-being flooded her in spite of the nagging pain in her side and the occasional waves of nausea. She turned to him. Now. She had to be strong, even if it meant spoiling the moment.

“I overheard your conversation with Sosi at the elevator the other day. I don’t blame you if you want to take the job at the clinic.” She held her breath and waited for his response. It took more than a breath, or even two. She took some shallow sips of air to tide her over while she bored her eyes into his, trying to read his soul.

“You overheard—and you think I would leave?”

She nodded. He shook his head, slowly, those sad beautiful eyes staring back at her. Leaning in, he took her hand, brushed his mouth against her temple and spoke so softly she strained to hear him.

“Louise, my adorable spunky boss, my patient, my friend, and most importantly, my lover, I would never, in a million years, in any known universe, be capable of deserting you when you need me. I couldn’t possibly take that job from Sosi without undoing all the work we’ve done, without undermining all the goodwill and messaging about the company’s mission, and without sabotaging your vote to keep the company in the family. How could I possibly do that to you?” He brushed a tendril of her hair and she shivered, let his words wash over her then run through her, leaving a spark of pleasure and desire in their wake.

“Oh, Max.” She forgot herself and tried to turn to him, to take him in her arms, but he stopped her at the same time as she felt the stitches stretching in her belly.

“Stay. I’ll come to you,” he said.

He leaned over, careful not to put any weight on her, yet managing to make her feel enveloped by him. When his lips met hers, the sigh went deep and long, melting into her soul like the velvety touch of his tongue on hers. After a moment that felt like forever and an instant, he raised his head. She wanted to reach up and stop him, but he didn’t let her, holding her arm in place, resting her hand on her chest as he moved away. Settling on his side with his head propped on his elbow, he looked down at her, teasing her senses with only his eyes roaming her face.

“Tell me something,” he said, “If you had to choose between your health and your company, what would you choose?”

“I would choose my company. It’s always been the cure for whatever was wrong with me. Besides, I have the best company doctor in the world.”

He didn’t laugh. His sad smile reappeared. Louise held her breath.

“Was that a test? Did I pass or fail?” It was the bravest question she’d asked him yet, but he ignored it.

In a quiet, serious voice, he licked his lips and said, “If you had to make a choice between your family—a husband, maybe a child—and the Regal Company, which would you choose?”

Her heart revolted with violent pounding and bounced like an overheated kernel of corn. She automatically put her hand to her chest in an attempt to hold it still, to calm it, to console it.

This was the real test question. The ultimate test, she knew without a doubt. And she had no idea what her answer was, or would be when she opened her mouth to speak, while she looked into his eyes, the dark pools of everything that had any meaning in life.

“I would choose you,” she said.

He grinned, raised a brow and said, “You passed. Flying colors.” Then he leaned in for another kiss, a deeper one, the kind that made her so sorry she had a gut full of stitches that she almost cried with the yearning.

* * *

There’d beenno reason he shouldn’t spend the night. No one waited at home for him with Tim at his mother’s. Lou didn’t have to beg him, she had him with the first hint of a suggestion. And even though he had to remain on best behavior, keeping his hands to himself, it had been easy because she meant so much more to him than a casual fling. Maybe he’d known that all along. Maybe that’s what had bothered him most. Until his son gave him the lecture.

Besides, she’d needed his help in the morning. She couldn’t stay alone for a few days at least. Maybe longer. Maybe forever.

After he’d checked her stitches and she got into a fresh nightgown with his help, she re-settled in bed. It was eight o’clock on Monday morning, an hour away from the vote.