Resisting Ryann(59)
Trouble? Clearing my throat, I say, “N-No. Not at all.” My eyes move in every direction, except toward him. I know he can read me pretty easily.
“Has he been here to see you?” Cocking a brow, he adds, “Check on you? Given you a call? Please tell me he’s talked to you,” he says angrily, like he already knows the answer.
Stop! Stop asking questions! I internally count to ten. “We aren’t together anymore,” I blurt out. “It’s over between us. And please … please don’t ask. I don’t want to talk about it right now,” I say, exasperated.
He stiffens beside me, and we’re silent for a few minutes, “All right, I won’t ask,” he finally says, without looking straight at me. “Can you tell me one thing?”
I close my eyes, clenching my jaw. “I said, don’t ask!”
“Okay, sorry … I’ll shut up.”
“Thank you.”
He pauses, seeming to think about his next words. “So, what do you want to talk about?” he asks carefully, looking like a puppy who’s recently been kicked.
“I’m sorry,” I groan. He came here to comfort me, and I go and bite his head off. “You didn’t deserve for me to snap at you. Thanks for putting up with my bitchiness,” I say, nudging his shoulder. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
He flashes a dimpled smile then puts an arm around me. “Don’t worry. You’re forgiven.”
“Well look at what the cat dragged in,” I grumble, watching Rachelle prance into my hospital room wearing my shirt, with a pair of jeans and some cowgirl boots. “Rachelle, this is Lauren, my sister. Lauren, this is Rachelle, my lawful-wedded wife.”
“Yeah. We’ve met already … a couple of times,” Rachelle replies, like she could care less. “Glad to see you’re feeling better,” she adds, treading toward my bedside.
I pin her with my stare, wondering what she’s up to. “Glad you’re getting use out of my shirt.” Not really.
She shrugs. “Thought I’d wear it for good luck. Looks like it worked.”
Getting out of her chair, Lauren says, “I’ll leave you two alone for a bit.” She grabs her purse and tucks her hair behind her ear.
“Stay,” I tell her. “Unless you’re ready for a break.” I don’t want her to feel like she has to stay for me.
Clearing her throat, she says, “There are a few things I need to discuss with you, in private,” Rachelle intercedes, her gaze flicking to Lauren like she’s a nuisance. It pisses me off.
“She can stay if she wants.” I slowly move my injured leg to get the blood circulating. “I don’t keep secrets from her.”
Lauren tips her head. “I think I’ll go down to the cafeteria. My stomach’s been growling. Can I get you anything?”
“Yesss. Frozen yogurt, please.”
“What flavor.” She grins like something is funny.
My gaze moves up to the ceiling, as I think. “How ‘bout vanilla, with some chocolate sprinkles if they have it,” I add, gesturing with my fingers.
“All right. I knew that’s what you’d say by the way.” She points at me as she’s walking out the door.
“Thanks, sis!” I try to yell loud enough so she can hear me.
Rachelle purses her lips. “Cute.” Her cheeks are coloring.
“What?”
“Chocolate sprinkles.”
I fix my pillow and lay my head back. “I’m treatin’ myself. Now, what’s the deal with you telling everybody you’re my wife?” I cock a brow. “My sister? C’mon, she’s family.”
“They’re only allowing family in here, and I wanted to see how you were. Did she tell you I have your dog?”
“Yeah, she did.”
Toying with the corner of my sheet, she lifts it up and takes a peek underneath.
I swat her hand away and flinch in the process, then narrow my eyes at her. “What the hell are you looking for under there?”
“I was checking out your injuries,” she snaps with a glare. “Don’t flatter yourself.” Plopping herself down on the chair, she rests her palms on her knees. “Anyway, your dog’s been taken care of.”
Blowing out a breath, I relax a bit. “I’ll pick him up once I’m out of here. I appreciate it. And thank you,” I add, meaning it.
Her eyes light up with a small trace of a grin. “You’re welcome.” She gives a single nod then grows silent. “So what exactly happened that night?” she asks finally, tilting her head. “Do you remember?”