Page 101 of Dragon Charmed

Lily snuggled into her arms, and Ben’s heart was officially gone. For both of them. A few minutes later Ian walked into the room. Ben could already tell that Tessa was going to argue with being examined.

“Lily, would you hold Tessa’s hand while Dr. Murphy checks her over? You can help too if that’s okay with Tessa.”

Tessa narrowed her eyes at him before nodding, and Lily clambered off her lap. Ben reached down and helped her up from the couch. Another flinch. He picked her up, and she opened her mouth to retort.

He whispered, “Little ears.”

She glared at him all the way up the stairs.

He thought he had won until they arrived in the bedroom and Tessa told Lily to escort him from the room. And she did, the little rascal. She was bossy without uttering a word. And she wagged her finger at him before she went back into Tessa’s room and closed the door. He could hear Tessa laughing, followed by Lily’s giggle.

A few minutes later Megan came up the stairs and went to Bella’s room, peeking inside before joining him in the hall.

“Nurse Lily kicked me out of the room.”

Megan smiled. “She has won over everyone.”

“Lily is easy to love.”

“She’s not the only one.”

Ben opened his mouth and then shut it.

Megan rested her hand on his arm. “That’s okay. I shouldn’t be the first one you say it to.”

Ian opened the door and stepped outside.

“How is she?” Ben asked.

“She’s good. I took some blood work so I can try to determine what type of sedative they gave her. She’s sore and has some bruises from being thrown in the van. Otherwise she is suffering from some mild shock, which she is trying to hide. Rest and plenty of fluids. Although Tessa told me to tell you that she needs food too, especially sweets.”

Megan chuckled. “Of course she did.”

“They both fell asleep a couple minutes ago.”

Megan turned back to Ian. “I’ll grab your bag if you can carry Lily back to her room for me?”

“Sure.” Ian opened the door, and Ben’s dragon settled as soon as he saw Tessa and Lily asleep on the bed.

Ian picked Lily up gently and left the room. Megan nodded to Ben before walking out and closing the door.

Tessa stirred on the bed and her eyes opened.

Ben took a step closer. “You’re okay. Go back to sleep.”

“Are you going to stand there staring at me all night?”

“No.” Yes.

She smiled and patted the bed. “Come rest with me for a while.”

He walked over to the bed and lay down on top of the covers.

She graced him with a sleepy smile. “We need to work on your bed manners. You laying on top of the covers with all your clothes on.”

He wrapped his arm around her gently. “We can talk about bed etiquette when you’re feeling better.”

She snuggled against him with a sigh. “Sounds like a fun conversation.”