Page 54 of Tough Justice
“Head still hurts but not as bad,” Heather said.
“Dizzy? Nauseous? Blurred vision?” the nurse asked.
“Nope. I even managed to keep down two slices of pizza.”
“I’m glad to hear it. And your vitals look good, too.”
Dorthy stood by Heather and squeezed her hand. “Does that mean she can be discharged?”
“Sorry but that won’t happen tonight,” the nurse said. “The doctor ordered another CT in the morning to make sure the swelling is gone. Then she’ll talk to you about when Heather can go home. Let me know if you need anything.” She flashed a small smile and hurried out the door.
“Looks like we’ll have a good ole fashion sleepover tonight.” Dorthy dropped back in chair. “Then tomorrow everything can go back to normal.”
“Are you sure you want to stay the night in this room?” Duke asked.
“No doubt in the world. I’m so tired I’ll be lucky to keep my eyes open long enough to change into some sleepwear.”
Duke stood and gently pulled Suzy to her feet. “Then we should go. Wouldn’t want to get in the way of the sleepover.”
Dorthy held up her arms, and Duke leaned down for a hug. “I’ll see you in the morning. I love you.”
“Love you, too. There will be a deputy posted outside the door but call me if you need anything.”
Dorthy reached past Duke and took both of Suzy’s hands. “You, my dear, are a delight. I look forward to getting to know you better.”
The words were like a soothing balm on her soul, and she blinked back tears. Duke’s mother was amazing, just like Duke had said. She just hoped Dorthy wasn’t one more person she’d be forced to say to goodbye to.
19
Duke stifled a yawn as he ushered Suzy into his home. Night had fallen, stars dotting the black sky, but the hour wasn’t too late. He didn’t want to go to sleep. Didn’t want to watch Suzy duck into his bedroom while he claimed the couch.
Not like he’d get much sleep anyway. Not with her so damn close.
But he wanted more time. More conversation. More Suzy.
He set the alarm then slid off his shoes. “How about some dessert?”
“What? You have more chocolate covered peanuts for me?”
Swishing his lips to the side, he tried to remember what he had in the kitchen that would pass for a sweet treat. “I don’t think so, but I do have some ice cream.”
She grinned. “Sold.”
He placed his hand on the small of her back and ushered her down the hall, flipping on lights as he went. “Take a seat at the island. I’ll grab the bowls and scoop it out.”
She hopped onto the stool and propped her elbows on the marble top. “I always get such good service here.”
He smirked over his shoulder before retrieving the dishes and finding a container of cookies and cream in the freezer. “Get used to it because I don’t plan to stop.”
Her smile stayed in place, but something flashed in her eyes. “I hope not.”
His stomach dropped. A hint of doubt painted her words. He filled their bowls then sat beside her, turning to face her. “Do you think I’ll stop treating you right?”
She slid the ice cream filled spoon in her mouth. “I think this is new and as much as I want to tell myself to just live in the moment and see how it goes, I can’t stop playing the what-ifs in my head.”
“Okay, then let me play with you?”
“Are you sure?”
