The Deputies: 3 Novella Box Set by Olivia Jaymes Page B

better today than she had all week. People said there was no better medicine than being at home and it appeared to be true. She had only been out of the hospital for forty-eight hours but already her color was healthier and she’d actually eaten some of her breakfast. She’d spent the first day at home pretty much sleeping most of the time. The best part had been the look on her face when she’d seen the chair by the fireplace. She’d smiled at him despite all the pain she had to be feeling.
    “I’d love some more coffee but I can get up and get it in a minute. You don’t have to fuss.”
    Hank had to hold in his frustration and smile instead. His lovely wife didn’t want people waiting on her but she was still hurt and in pain. The deputy in him wanted to order her to pipe down, relax, and let him take care of her. The husband in him preached patience and kindness. It was in that spirit that he ignored her reply and refilled her cup.
    “You need to take things easy. Don’t overdo today. I’ll be giving Presley very strict instructions.”
    Today would be the first day since Alyssa’s accident that Hank would be going back to work. Presley had offered to come spend the day and help out. There was no way Alyssa could take care of herself no matter what she might say. Hank would drop Luke and Hershey off at his mother’s house on the way to work to give Alyssa some quiet. Luke wanted to cuddle and hug and she wouldn’t say no even when it hurt. Even the dog wanted to jump up on her lap.
    “I’ll be a good girl. I promise.”
    For the most part she had been a cooperative patient. Last night he’d helped her take a bath and wash her hair. With her unwieldy cast, he’d had to help her off with her pajamas and into the tub. Propping her left arm on the edge, he’d gently soaped and rinsed her skin and hair – careful not to get her stitches or cast wet. Afterwards, he toweled her dry and rubbed lotion into her soft skin.
    It had been pure torture. When she’d had the accident, he’d vowed to keep his distance, letting her decide if she had forgiven him for the things he’d said and done. But once they’d come home, it hadn’t been an option. With her hurt ribs and broken arm, she needed help with even the simplest tasks.
    He’d never realized it before but taking care of someone was an intimate and very rewarding experience. Despite her protests that she could do it herself, she always smiled gratefully when she realized how difficult things were going to be for awhile. He’d loved her before, but now that love had grown exponentially at the thought that he might have lost her. It made him want to protect and care for her for the rest of his life.
    Hank crossed his arms over his chest and gave her a mock stern expression. “See that you do, young lady. You won’t heal if you don’t rest.”
    Alyssa sighed and looked down at the stack of books and magazines next to the chair. “I feel like all I’ve done is rest. I’m not used to just lying around like this.” She fiddled with the handle of her coffee cup. “I hate to even bring this up, but did you call my parents?”
    The mere mention of Babs and Jim made Hank stiffen. His recent interaction with Alyssa’s folks hadn’t raised his opinion of them in the slightest.
    “You’ll probably be surprised, but yes I did. I got one of the maids since they’re vacationing in the Caribbean. They did call me back though and offered to send a car for you if, and I quote, ‘Alyssa has come to her senses and is ready to return home.’ I told them you were still crazy and would be staying with me. If that’s not right I can always call them back.”
    Hank squared his shoulders and waited for her verdict. She’d had time to realize the accident was his fault. Leaving, even with her parents, might seem like a superior choice.
    Rubbing the bridge of her nose, Alyssa sighed in frustration. “You don’t need to do that. I’ll call them in a few days when