Chapter 58 Daisy
I walked out of the hospital after my shift. There were some nerves. I hoped that Jim and Bear had managed to get some sleep, but mainly that Jim had woken in enough time to pick me up. I had no other way of getting home.
I shouldn’t have worried. He was leaning against my car, like he had after I’d said my final goodbye to Dad. I paused to appreciate the view, and he looked up and saw me.
“Holy crap, who does he belong to?” My coworker sighed appreciatively.
I smiled as my heart danced its happy dance. “Me,” I told her, keeping my eyes on Jim. I heard the hiss of appreciation.
“Girl, you’ve been holding out on us. He’s fiiine.” I have no idea who said that, and I didn’t care. He is fine, and he’s all mine. I preened at the compliment, and walked towards the man who was once again proving he loved me.
“What’s that smile for?” Jim asked as I got closer.
“Just thinking how amazing this feels,” I replied.
He pushed himself straight and winced, before collecting himself and holding out his arms.
“You’re hurting. You should have sent Bear,” I told him, accepting the hug.
He growled against my lips, then lifted his head and frowned at me.
“You may not have accepted it yet, but you’re my ol’lady. And no one looks after my ol’lady but me.” His voice rumbled against me.
“Aren’t you supposed to ask first?” I started to lean back in his arms.
He winced and I froze. “Maybe,” he groaned, and moved his injured arm from supporting me, “but are you going to say no?”
“Fuck no,” I breathed.
He chuckled. “Good to know, little Queen. Should we get you back home so you can sleep?”
“You’d better give me the keys then, and scootch that ass of yours into the passenger’s seat.”
His eyes squinted at that comment. “Daisy,” he growled. I felt for his hip pockets, and he squeezed me tighter. “I’m driving. No arguments. You’ve worked all night and I’ve had some sleep.”
He was right. Despite his obvious fatigue, he did look more rested than me. I sagged and let my head drop against his chest. It felt good. This moment was the life that I was fighting for. Jim hurt, but he still put me and my needs first, as he always had done.
I lifted my head and looked at the man I chose.
“Let’s go home then,” I whispered. He dropped a kiss on my head and let me out of his arms. I held up my finger and pointed it to the driver’s seat.
I knew what he was going to do. “However, you are not opening my door for me. You will get that sexy ass of yours into the car and just drive. I don’t want you moving more than you have to. ”
Jim smirked at my demand and ducked his head. “As you wish, My Queen,” he murmured, watching me walk around the car and opening my door, before limping his way to his seat.
I ignored the catches in breath that I heard him make with each movement.
He tried to keep it silent, like the man he is, but he was struggling.
Thankfully, my apartment wasn’t far. I reached for his knee, somehow trying to send him strength through my touch.
He flinched and then threaded his fingers through mine.
“Have you been taking your painkillers?” I asked. His nostrils flared as he shook his head sharply.
“Why not?” I asked calmly.
He tossed a frown at me. “Drugs and driving don’t mix,” he explained.
I groaned internally. “You could have taken ibuprofen or acetaminophen to take the edge off.” I sighed.
He drew in a deep breath. “Daisy, I love you, but you forgot about my past.”
I looked at him.
“I lost my brother and sister to a drugged driver. No way am I losing you.” He squeezed my hand. “I know it’s a hang-up, but it’s a rational hang-up.”
I rolled my eyes, but he was right. I’d forgotten about his siblings, and possible hang-ups resulting from that.
“I guess I’ll have to think of other ways to take your mind off the pain when we get home,” I suggested.
“I think I’d better speed up.” He smirked.