Breaking Clear (Full Hearts Series Book 3) by Mj Summers Page B

is long over.” She gave him a wink.
    “I’ll come get you tomorrow morning.”
    “Only if you have time. I can always take a cab.”
    “I’ll have time.” He started to leave, then turned back. “Harper, about that kiss the other night . . .”
    “Oh, that. I know you were just trying to make me feel better.” She shrugged. “You’re going to have to stop rescuing me like this. You’ll turn me into a damsel in distress, and there’s nothing I hate more.”
    He planted his hand on her cheek, carefully placing his thumb over her lips to stop her from talking. “I was going to say I can’t stop thinking about it. As soon as my lip heals, I’m hoping we can do that again.”
    He turned and strode away as her knees turned to jelly.

Ten
    Harper walked into her dad’s hospital room after knocking lightly on his door. The room was darkened by drawn curtains for the fifth day in a row. She tried to hide the dread she was feeling as her eyes adjusted to the dimness.
    “Dad, you up?” she whispered.
    “Yes.”
    Harper crossed the room to the window. “It’s a beautiful day. Let’s let some light in here.” She reached for the window but his voice stopped her.
    “Just leave it. I don’t feel like looking outside.” He spoke quietly, never taking his eyes off the blankets covering his legs. His gaze held such intensity it was as though he could force his lower limbs to work just by staring at them long enough.
    “Alright. I brought you coffee and oatmeal.” She walked over to his bed and flipped on a low light.
    “No, thanks. I’m not hungry this morning.” His voice was a monotone, as though speaking had become too much effort.
    A knock at the door was quickly followed by the entrance of a doctor. “Good morning, Roy. I’m Dr. Smyth. I’ll be taking over your care,” he said with a confident smile. He appeared to be in his late thirties and was tall and handsome, with boyish good looks and an athletic build. He was the type of man she would have given a second look if Evan hadn’t been in her brain, blocking her vision.
    Roy gave him a little nod. “Okay.”
    “Hi, Dr. Smyth. I’m Harper, Roy’s daughter.” She held out her hand to him.
    “Nice to meet you.” He reached out to shake her hand, his eyes staying on her a beat longer than they should have.
    Dr. Smyth glanced down at his clipboard. “So, Roy, I’ve been reading over your file. Says here that you have full use of your upper body but we’re still waiting for your lower body to come around.”
    “Yup.”
    “Well, it’s still early but I imagine this must be tough on you. The waiting. How’s the pain management going?”
    “Fine.”
    “Good. Well, that’s something.” Dr. Smyth made a note on the chart. “Should we open the curtains? It’s a bit gloomy in here.”
    “Nope. Suits me just fine.”
    Dr. Smyth tilted his head toward Harper, giving her a concerned look. “Roy, I’d like to bring someone in to talk with you about how you’re feeling. A psychologist. It’s very common for people to start feeling depressed in your situation.”
    “No, thanks. Not interested.”
    “That’s the thing about depression. It makes it hard to be interested in anything. Her name is Dr. Chan. She can help.”
    “No. Thank. You,” Roy barked, glaring at the doctor.
    “Take some time to think about it. You can let me know tomorrow.”
    “Already did.”
    “I have to finish my rounds but we’re going to take you downstairs for a few tests later.”
    Roy nodded and Dr. Smyth turned to Harper. “Could I see you outside for a moment? I need to go over some forms with you.”
    The bright light of the hallway streamed into the room as they walked out, leaving Roy alone again.
    Dr. Smyth turned to her. “I’ve been talking with Sadie, the head nurse. We have concerns about your father’s mental condition.”
    Harper nodded, unable to speak without her voice breaking.
    “We can’t force him to talk to a psychologist but I