"I'll lock up," George told him as they stepped into the garage.
"Looks like a bit of food poisoning, Austin. Take it easy, drink plenty of fluids, and make sure you have someone with you today," his friend, Dr. Whitman, said. When George turned away, he sent a wink to Austin.
"Thanks, Spence. I appreciate it."
"I'll call your sister and see if she can stay with you," George said while taking out his phone.
Austin didn't try to protest. He knew each of his siblings and cousins would have some pressing matters to attend to. His dad would be stuck taking care of him all day long.
Ten minutes later, George blew out his breath as he turned back to Austin.
"It looks like everyone is busy. I'll have to sit with you today," he grumbled.
"I'm sorry, Dad. Did you have plans?" They were all giving him ample opportunity to fess up.
"No," he muttered. "I'm going to stop and see Katherine. Ring me when you get discharged."
He walked from the room and Austin cracked up, his friend joining in with him.
"You guys are putting him through the ringer," Spence said.
"Yeah, we are. We're all a little suspicious they were sticking their noses in our lives not too long ago. You know what they say, paybacks a … "
"Whoa there, Austin. This is a kid friendly place," Spence interrupted him with a laugh.
"Speaking of paybacks, did you have to find the biggest needle in this place?" Austin grumbled as he rubbed his sore arm.
"I searched for that one special, just for you. I haven't forgotten about the pills you slipped me in college. Kathy thought I was a freaking sex addict, suggesting I go to meetings. I couldn't leave the house for two days."
"Hey, I was just trying to help you out with your date. I didn't stab you."
"I guess you shouldn't mess with a doctor. Next time, I might knock you out for a few days and leave you lying in your own urine for hours on end in your hospital bed."
Austin didn't doubt for a minute he'd do just that. They'd gone through college together and the pranks had been never-ending. He still thought slipping his roommate Viagra had been worth the huge needle, today.
"I better have one of these pretty nurses wheel me out. I'm feeling a bit too queasy to walk. Is Kinsey on shift?"
"Yes. Is something going on there?" Spence asked, obviously curious.
"She can't resist me," Austin told him with a confident smile.
Spence paged her, and when she entered the room, her look contradicted what Austin had been telling his friend.
"Doesn't look like she's over the moon with you. Looks like she wants to use a needle twice as big on you as the one I did," Spence whispered.
"Shut up and lock the door on your way out. Make sure no one comes near this room," Austin growled.
Spence left, laughing as he exited. Austin knew his friend would guard the door for him.
"You had me paged? Seriously? This is my job, Austin. I'd appreciate it if you didn't get me fired," she said in a huff.
"Hey, I'm injured here. I have to be wheeled out," he said, his voice sounding weak.
Her entire demeanor changed in a flash as she looked at him with concern. She walked over and noticed the bandage on his arm.
"What happened?"
"My stomach," he groaned.
Heck, two for one with his fake food poisoning. He'd take all the nursing she could give him. His conscious immediately ate at him for lying, though.
"I'm sorry, Austin," she said, guilt in her eyes for snapping at him.
"I'm not really hurt, Kinsey. All of us are on a mission to drive my Dad and Esther crazy so they'll finally admit they're dating," he said as he jumped off the bed and moved toward her.
"What?" She took a step back.
"As a matter of fact, I'm feeling pretty good now that you're here in those sexy scrubs," he added as he reached her and quickly pulled her into his arms.
"Austin, this isn't the time or place," she warned.
"This is the perfect time and place. I see many possibilities. I've missed you the past week," he said before his mouth descended on hers and he kissed her.
She was only stiff for a second before her body melted into his. Austin felt his stress drain the second she was in his arms. His dad could wait. The entire hospital could wait. He needed her.
"I have to work," she breathlessly protested, though her arms lifted as she ran her fingers through his hair.
"Then I better not take too long."
He backed her up against the small hospital bed, then removed one hand long enough to pull the privacy curtain into place. He'd always wanted to make-love in a hospital room. Chalk one fantasy off his list. He saw the moment her eyes darkened, desire overriding her fear.