“Oh my god, are you all right?” The side of Tanner's hospital gown was stained with blood. I lifted it up to find his stitches ripped open.
Tanner's face was pale. “I'm fine, just a little woozy.”
“Here, let me help you up.” I put his arm around my shoulder and used all my strength to get Tanner to his feet. We stumbled to the elevator and got one last glimpse of Dr. Green's limp body. I wished that Tanner had killed him but at the same time I knew that was wrong.
“Thank you for saving me,” I whispered to him, pushing the button for the fifth floor.
Tanner waved it off like it was nothing. “You would have done the same for me.”
I let out a laugh that instantly made me feel better. All the tension in my body finally released. What was I going to do about Doctor Green? Should I file a formal complaint with the hospital? Go to the police? My head was swimming with too much. I needed to focus on getting Tanner fixed up.
The elevator dinged open and I called out, “Nurse! Little help here.”
Nurse Fiona ran to the other side of Tanner and took some of the weight off me. “What happened Dr. Holmes?”
Should I tell her everything? No not yet. I needed to think it through first. “Tanner tore some stitches while walking around.” Tanner nodded and backed up my story.
We helped him back to his room and set him on the hospital bed. Tanner rolled around and groaned in pain. For being such a tough guy, he was acting like such a baby. Fiona left us alone and I began closing his wounds back up.
“You know, you don't have to act hurt to gain sympathy from me.”
Tanner grinned and stopped groaning. “It was worth a shot.”
“I hope you know that this doesn't mean I'll go on a date with you, Tanner.”
Tanner scoffed. “Way to bring a guy down after he just became a hero.”
I flushed and smiled. Tanner King, my hero. I sewed the last of the wound and cleaned him up. “That should do it. Good as new.”
Tanner lifted his arm up and rolled his shoulder. “Thanks, Doc. I feel better already.”
“No thank you, Tanner.” Tears choked my throat. I didn't want to cry in front of him. Keep it strong, Grace. “I don't want to imagine what would have happened down there if you didn't rescue me.”
Tanner reached out and held my hand. His eyes were intense and unwavering. “If he even looks at you again, I'll make sure he never takes another breath.”
I wiped the lone tear from my cheek. “I really appreciate you looking out for me. The good news is that you should be able to go home tomorrow morning.”
Tanner smiled and still held my hand. I liked the way he gently ran his fingers in my palm. “It's about time. If I have to eat one more pudding cup, I'm going to bounce off the walls.”
“I'll make sure the nurse brings you a few to take home.” I winked.
This man was bringing emotions out of me I hadn't felt in ages. I tried to shake off that feeling because I knew he wasn't the right guy for me. He might be off-the-charts hot but he'd end up in prison or dead eventually just like every other member of a motorcycle club. I didn't want that life for me.
Chapter Seven
Tanner
They finally released me from the hospital after a couple very long days. My side was still incredibly sore—especially after that knock-out punch. But the fresh air reinvigorated me.
Caleb picked me up and was driving me to the MC. Claire said I could stay there awhile until I was back to one-hundred percent. Nurse Fiona wanted to give me one more sponge bath to make up for the last one that was interrupted but she was called away.
I had hoped to say goodbye to Grace but she was nowhere to be found. One of the nurses told me she was operating on a patient. Always saving lives. I said a silent goodbye as they pushed me in a wheelchair to the exit. Caleb was standing outside in front of a nondescript white van.
“They finally let you out of this prison, Tanner?”
“Only because they were sick of me sleeping with all the nurses.” I used my arms to lift myself out of the wheelchair and to my feet. Standing on my own two legs felt good even though they felt like Jell-O. Caleb helped me into the van and I looked out at the entrance one last time, hoping to see Grace running out to me. Why did this chick have such a hold on me? So big deal, she doesn't want me. There's a million other girls I can bed.
“Tanner, are you even listening?” Caleb's voice brought me out of my daydream.
I shook my head of the cobwebs. “Sorry, what were you saying?”
“I was saying we're here now. Are you ready?”