Page 31 of Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire

Chapter7

When Meri awoke, she saw Chase in the chair next to her bed, just watching her.“Hi.How long have you been here?”He looked so handsome, but she had to remember she could not fall for her boss.Even if he was the kindest, gentlest man she’d ever know.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.“A while.Did you know you snore?Just little snores.It’s cute.”

Embarrassed that she snored at all and thankful she didn’t snore like her father.“You must have been hearing the person next door.I don’t snore.”

He laughed.“Yes, you do, but it wouldn’t keep me awake.”

She lifted her brows.Did he imply she would sleep next to him in the future?Was she ready for that?She wasn’t a prude, but she did like to know someone better before she hopped into bed.Besides, she’d promised herself she wouldn’t have sex again until she was married.She wanted a man who would love her enough to wait.

“I don’t plan on keeping you awake, at all.”

“I was referring to the future.”He moved and sat on the edge of her bed.“I like you, Meri, and if you don’t think it’s too dangerous, I’d like to keep seeing you.I’ll understand if you refuse, but regardless, I’ll keep monitoring and ensuring your safety until this maniac is caught.

Oh, God, is this what I want?Do I want to be with him?Yes.Butterflies filled her stomach and her heart pounded against her chest, surprising her it didn’t hammer its way out.She looked down at her hand as it bunched the sheet.Should she take the chance?What about her vow not to date the boss again?She had to take a chance to see if there was anything special between them.

“I’d like to keep seeing you, too.The doctor came by before I took a nap and said if I continue to improve, he’d release me tomorrow morning.I guess he finishes his rounds about ten and will sign all the paperwork necessary for my release then.I’ll be out of here before noon.Will you be here to take me home so I can pack some things?”

“I’ll be by your side for the next two weeks, at least.If nothing else, it will give us a chance to get to know each other and our bad habits.”He grinned.“Of course, that assumes I have any.”

Now she laughed and touched her side.“Oww oh oww.I told you not to make me laugh.”

“I’m doing my best.”He winked at her.“But I will, honestly, try to do better.”

Meri hadn’t been awake for long, but the meds they were giving her for pain were making her sleepy.She tried hard to stay awake.Suddenly, she felt Chase’s lips on her forehead and her eyes flew open.

“Sleep tight, my beauty.I’ll see you tomorrow, if not tonight.”

She felt groggy.“See you tomorrow.”She quickly went back to sleep.

When she next woke up, someone had dimmed the room lights.She looked over at the chair, and it was empty.She was a little disappointed that Chase wasn’t there, but she understood he had a business to run.He couldn’t be here every minute.

Then Chase walked into the room carrying a paper bag and carrying a drink.

She smelled hot pastrami on rye.“You don’t have enough of that pastrami sandwich to share, do you?All they’ve given me here so far are liquids except for the Jello.I’ve been wanting to try out your chef’s meals, but I haven’t stayed awake long enough.It’s been pitiful.I’ll dry up and blow away from lack of food.”

He cracked up.After setting the bag on the tray that swung across the bed, he then raised the head of her bed until she was sitting up.“How’s that?”

“Perfect.Let me see what’s in the bag.”

He snatched it away just as she reached for it.

She pouted and tried to cross her arms.The movement of her left arm made her side ache.“Spoilsport.”

Opening the bag, he pulled out a bag of Lay’s potato chips, a whole dill pickle and one huge sandwich.

She frowned.

“Don’t pout.I intend to share.”He produced a plastic knife from his pocket.“Always prepared.That’s my motto.And just so you know, I asked Dr.Schneider if this would be okay and he said you could eat whatever you want as long as you didn’t overdo it.So don’t make a pig of yourself.”He grinned.“Leave that to me.”

“It’s a good motto.”She watched him cut the sandwich in half, then she picked up her half, taking a big bite.She closed her eyes and took a journey to Shangri-La.The sandwich was that good.“Where did you get this?It’s wonderful.”

He sat on the edge of the bed, using part of her tray as his table.“My housekeeper has a brother-in-law who runs a food truck down here.Since it’s after seven, I knew he wasn’t open.But when I called, and explained the situation, he was more than happy to make a sandwich.He delivered it, and I paid him handsomely.If this tastes as good as it smells, I’ll figure out a way for him to be in front of the Harper building permanently.I think he’d like that.Apparently, he’s been trying to get a downtown gig for a while.”He took a bite and closed his eyes.

She could tell by his expression that he was in total bliss.What she wouldn’t give to have put that expression on his face.

Her eyes widened.Where did that thought come from?Now, she was thinking of making love with him?Was it yesterday she was wondering if she was in love with him and now this?How long before she would make wishes a reality?Uncertain if she would ever want a deeper relationship, yet Chase Harper was the only person she’d consider having one with.