Page 28 of Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire

Chase’s mind spun.He’d take the next two weeks off and stay with Meri himself.He could handle his business wherever he was, as easily as he could from his office.He’d be there to help her with anything she needed.As sure as his name was Chase Harper, he knew the shooter would be back to finish the job…on Meri and on him.

He’d relocate her to his apartment.Guarding it would be an easier task compared to hers.He had not only his home in the building but the offices and, most importantly, a safe room if he needed one.Though he doubted this would be an occasion to need it, he liked to be prepared.

He went into Meri’s room.She was lying there with oxygen on and her eyes closed.Approaching the bed, he stood at the end and realized he didn’t know what he would have done if she hadn’t made it.The thought was too horrible to contemplate.

Chase turned to leave.

“Chase.”The word was so softly spoken he almost didn’t hear it.

He walked back to the bed.“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“How are you feeling?”He stood to the side of the bed and took her hand.

“Not feeling anything except groggy.Too many drugs.”

“I’d say it’s just the right amount if you aren’t feeling any pain.That’s the most important thing right now.You need to heal and sleep will help that.”

Her lids dropped to half-mast as she struggled to remain awake.

Chase raised her hand and kissed the knuckles.“You go to sleep now.I’ll be back a little later and see how you are.”

“Okay.Thanks for staying.I needed to see a friendly face.”

“Of course, sweetheart.I couldn’t leave until I saw you.”

With eyes closed, she slept.

Chase kissed her hand again and then released her.Then he kissed her forehead.“Get well, soon.”He whispered the words so as not to wake her.He lingered for a few minutes and then departed the room, with a glance back before he closed the door.

He went home to shower and change.The sun was coming up and was in his eyes as he drove home, his mind on Meri.This was his fault.He should have—dang it, he didn’t know what he could have done differently, but that didn’t change his guilty feelings.

When he walked into the apartment, he wondered what Meri would think of his home.The entire west side of the unit was floor to ceiling windows.The east side would have been, but he had built walls.He had two sitting areas, one facing the windows and another facing the ninety-inch TV on the east wall.He’d had the windows heavily tinted to prevent the sun from fading the furniture and to have the mountains as a stunning backdrop for entertaining, even though he never entertained.

The enormous kitchen had all the newest appliances, including a Jenn-Air range and a Sub-Zero Pro 48 refrigerator.The countertops were a golden granite with black streaks running throughout.The island was about eight feet long, with five padded and high-backed barstools.

Off the kitchen was a dining room that would seat twelve people, though if he ate at home, it was at the island or in front of the TV.

He hoped Meri would like his home since he intended on her living here for at the very least the ten days before she got her stitches out.Why did he care so much if she liked his home?He couldn’t get the image of her in the wheelchair as the nurse rolled her away out of his mind.She leaned to the left, and he knew from experience she was trying to ease the pain in her left side.

Dr.Schneider was the best.If he couldn’t help Meri, no one could.He had to have faith in the good doctor’s skills.He’d said Meri would be okay.She just had to.

By the time he returned, he should find Meri in her room.Plus, he could stop and get flowers if he waited a little longer.The shop in his building did a booming business and since he knew the owner, he was sure the woman would open a little early for him.

After he had showered and dressed, he called the flower shop.Sheila Howard, the owner, should be there by now.

“Hi.Sheila?Chase Harper.I need some flowers.I know you’re not open, but I hoped you might make an exception today.”

“Hi, Chase.What can I do for you?”

“I have a friend in the hospital.She sustained an injury.I’m heading over there soon and would like to stop and get the flowers on the way.”

“Sure.I’ll make something nice for her.”

“That would be great.I’ll see you in half an hour and thanks, Sheila.”

Chase fixed some coffee and opened the refrigerator for cream even though he usually took it black.His housekeeper always brought him fresh donuts or rolls every Monday.He swore she was trying to fatten him up.He usually took them down to the training room for the men and women there.He hadn’t been able to this time.That was why a dozen of them sat in the refrigerator just waiting for him to snatch one up and devour it.But he had no appetite.Not while Meri was still in the hospital.Private hospital or not, it was still a hospital, and she was just out of surgery.She could still be asleep, but if not, he didn’t want her to be alone longer than necessary.