Lucky Like Us

chapter Twenty-Seven

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Thursday, 1:30 P.M.

FOUR LONG DAYS passed since she’d woken up from the coma. Monday morning she awoke to discover Sam had left her in the middle of the night. She missed him, but knew she couldn’t ask him to stay with her every minute of every day just so she felt safe. She spent the day doing physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and having nurses and doctors poke and prod at her. Doctor Watts wanted to order more surgery to repair the scars on her back. He told her a plastic surgeon could make them almost invisible. She’d had enough of the hospital and the last thing she wanted was more surgery. They told her it would only take a couple of hours. Since Doctor Watts and her parents ganged up on her, she conceded.

The evening after the surgery she awoke to find herself lying awkwardly on her stomach. Sam sat in a chair next to her bed, holding her hand. He kissed her on the head and told her he’d spent much of that day in and out of meetings with his superiors, before attending his mandatory psychiatrist appointment.

So sweet, he told her he got more from talking to her than he did from talking to the mind benders. She had to laugh at the term and the disgusted look on his face. She was about to fall asleep after they’d talked for over an hour when his phone rang. He’d be back on the job the next day, so it surprised her when he told her he had to go to work. He’d kissed her on the head again and gave her butt a soft caress that made her smile and her blood heat.

Sam spoke to her guards and left her alone to worry about him and whether the elusive Silver Fox would try to kill her again while Sam was gone.

Tuesday and Wednesday were more therapy and visits from her family. Kay tried to visit, but the guards refused to let her in. Kay made a fuss in the hallway, and Elizabeth rescued her, grateful for the chance to confide her mixed up, overwhelming, strong, and deep feelings for Sam. He hadn’t come to see her since Monday night. It worried her, but he was trying to find the man responsible for shooting and drugging them. She reminded herself, she wasn’t his only case.

She hoped she wasn’t only a case.

As Kay expressed her excitement about her friend’s possible new love interest, Elizabeth simply hoped Sam was different from the others. She’d been proven wrong so many times. If Sam turned out to be like the others, she’d give up on men all together. Maybe it wasn’t in the cards for her.

Irritable and cranky, she hadn’t slept well in the noisy hospital since Sam left her Monday. The nurses checked on her every hour on the hour, and she was in a constant state of unreasonable fear. As soon as she saw her parents this morning, she announced she was leaving the hospital and going home. She refused to stay even one more day cooped up in that room.

She called Deputy Director Davies and told him he could find her at home that afternoon. She told her father to either get the hospital to release her, or she was simply walking out. Apprehensive at first, her parents saw her determination and made arrangements with the doctor for her release.

Her next call went to Patrick. Since he had been staying at her house, she asked him to bring her some clothes. He’d chosen well. Black yoga pants, a long sleeve white T-shirt, and a pair of tennis shoes. Comfort and convenience were the order of the day, since her thigh and back were still bandaged. She’d have to use crutches for several more days until the thigh muscles healed and could support her weight for longer than a few hours.

Before she dressed, she managed to take a shower and wash her hair and felt almost human. Two weeks without a proper bath, she needed one.

The shower tapped almost every ounce of her energy. She managed to get her underwear and pants on. The bandages on her back and the healing wounds prevented her from putting on the bra. She’d have to go without and find a better shirt when she got home. Her arms in the sleeves, she couldn’t lift them to put it over her head. Her back to the door, it swooshed open, and she assumed her mother was coming in to help her finish getting dressed so they could leave.

“Mom, I can’t get the shirt over my head. My arm hurts, and I’m too tired from the shower.” She put her head down, her gaze on the floor and her bare feet. How was she going to do this at home alone? Well, she’d take her time and get it done.

With her arms in the sleeves, the shirt covered her breasts. She thanked God for small favors when a large pair of men’s boots appeared next to her bare feet.

It didn’t surprise her anymore to simply know without looking. Sam. “I’m stuck.” She tilted her head back to see him. His mouth tilted up in a mocking half smile, punctuating the absurd situation she’d gotten herself into.

She’d had surgery on her back on Monday, but he hadn’t actually seen her back until now. Black, blue, and green bruises bloomed across her skin. He wanted to remove the bandages, see for himself the damage done by the bullets. When he got close to her, he saw the long scar on her arm where he’d shot her. Nearly healed, he hoped in time the scar would fade so she wouldn’t have to look at it and be reminded of what he’d done. He couldn’t see her thigh, but imagined it was healing well too.

Her dark hair hung wet down her back past her shoulders. Her face was pale with black circles under her bloodshot blue eyes. She trembled from the exertion of trying to get dressed. Exhaustion had depleted all her strength. Speechless, he stared. Regardless of everything else, she was so beautiful.

“Sam, can you help me? I can’t lift my arms.”

“Sorry. Yeah, here let me do it. Let go of the shirt, and I’ll pull it over your head.” He grabbed the shirt and her arms and lifted them both over her head. He had a nice view of her lush, round breasts, but that didn’t hold his attention. Well, for long. He’s a guy after all.

A scar ran at least six inches along the underside of her breasts. “Oh God, honey. That must hurt like hell.” He didn’t pull the shirt down, but stared at the line marring her creamy skin. Red and healing, he could imagine how much it hurt and what she must have gone through in surgery.

“Sam, let go.” She tried and failed not to be self-conscious about him seeing her breasts. They were just breasts, after all. He’d probably seen a lot of them. Okay, she was embarrassed she couldn’t hide her response to him. Her breasts grew heavy, her nipples tightened, and her whole body became aware of his intense scrutiny.

Lust didn’t hold him enthralled. No, the scar bothered him, but not her, really. “They took the stitches and staples out the day before yesterday.” She pulled her shirt down and grabbed the pair of socks from the end of the bed. Unable to meet his eyes, she tried to scoot back on the bed to pull her feet up and put her socks on. With her thigh bandaged and making it difficult to move, she couldn’t manage.

Sam took the socks from her and picked up one foot and then the other and helped her put them on. He grabbed her shoes, slipped them on, and tied them. Before she slid off the bed, he planted his hands on each side of her hips and leaned down, his face close to hers.

“I’m sorry.”

“I don’t want to do this with you again. You didn’t do this. I’m fine. See. Here I am going home.”

“You’re fine, huh. You can’t even put your shirt on.”

“Thanks for pointing that out.”

Already on shaking ground because, as much as she wanted to go home, facing the street and car where she and Sam had been attacked frightened her.

“Yeah, well, we both know I’d rather take your clothes off.”

“You might get your wish. I’m so tired from putting them on, I may never get them off again.”

“Never fear, fake fiancé is here.” He gave her a wolfish grin.

“Funny. Very funny.” She laughed and gave him a playful smack on the shoulder. “You look good. I forgot to tell you I like the haircut. You’ve gotten some sleep too, I see.”

He did look good. In addition to the black work boots, a nice snug pair of blue jeans showed off his long, muscular legs. He had a dark blue T-shirt on and a flannel shirt over that. The T-shirt was tucked in and on his belt he wore his gun and badge. He looked good. Dangerous and strong were good words to describe him, but he was also in complete control and self-assured. Things she used to be, to feel. But as of late, she felt unsure and scared of her own shadow.

“My sister gave me a haircut. Apparently I was scaring my nephews. They didn’t like the fact I didn’t look like Jack anymore.”

“You sure do now. When he came in this morning I knew it wasn’t you, but God, the resemblance is uncanny. I bet most people can’t tell you apart.”

“You saw my brother this morning? Why was he here?”

“He and Jenna came to thank me personally for saving your life. Jenna wants to talk to me about a business opportunity. She wanted to know what my plans for the future included for my bakery. Odd of her to ask, but she’s really nice.”

“I hope you told her whatever it is you have planned. She’ll make it come true. She’s like a fairy godmother.”

“What do you mean?”

“She takes care of people and grants their every wish when she considers them family. I’d say she feels like you’re family, since you saved me.”

“I don’t expect anything in return.” Remembering what Sam had said about Jenna and all she’d done for his brother, Jack, and sister, Summer, she wondered what Jenna had gifted Sam.

“What wish did she grant you?”

“She built me a big log cabin-style house right on the lake at the family ranch. Four bedrooms, a huge Great Room, a big kitchen, and a deck in front overlooking the water. My dream house. I live there when I’m on vacation. Someday I’d like to live there full time. Right now I have work.

“How’d you know Jack wasn’t me? You’re right, most people can’t tell us apart.”

“There’s no difference in your appearance, but he wasn’t you. I can’t explain it. I just knew.”

She couldn’t tell him Jack felt different. She looked at Jack and saw Sam, but he didn’t make her stomach tighten or send a warm shimmer through her body. Whenever Sam came into the room, her whole being responded, and when she’d seen Jack, it was like seeing one of her brothers. She didn’t have a connection to him, other than fondness because he was nice and Sam’s brother.

“I’m sorry I didn’t come back on Tuesday or Wednesday. Something on the case came up, and I’ve been working with Tyler on it in between my appointments with the mind benders. I thought I’d let you have some time with your family.”

Actually, his contact, Scott, who he was meeting at the bar the night they were attacked, was found shot to death and locked inside a cargo container at the harbor. He’d been there for quite some time. Maybe even since the night he and Elizabeth had been attacked. Sam figured Scott had made him for a cop and told the Fox. Obviously, the Fox didn’t like having someone set him up with a cop and had decided to do a little housecleaning. Now, without the middleman setting up the hits, the Silver Fox could close up shop or move on to greener pastures, and they’d never get him. No one knew who he was, except for Elizabeth, and that was a loose end Sam intended to make sure the Silver Fox didn’t tie up.

“Thanks. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you leaving me with four people who fuss over me and tell me I can’t possibly want to go back home and to work with a maniac out to kill me. Oh, and let’s not forget my stalker. Deputy Director Davies said he wanted me to stay a few more days so you guys could secure my house. No thank you. And then there’s the fact I haven’t slept since you left on Monday. And I feel like shit. I can’t even walk without crutches, or put my damn clothes on.”

She ran out of steam, her frustration spent. The whole tirade stemmed from fear and exhaustion.

She was afraid to go to sleep. The Silver Fox had tried to kill her while she slept, Jarred had snuck in while she slept, and the thought of being vulnerable like that again scared her. Who could blame her?

“You haven’t slept since Monday. You want me to sleep with you when we get to your place?”

Her parents stepped into the room at that precise moment. Her mother held back a laugh, despite the smile on her face. Her father’s gaze shot daggers at Sam.

“Maybe we need someone to protect her from you,” the Judge suggested.

Sam smiled and stood to his full height. “Hello, Rachel, Judge. It’s nice to see you again. Elizabeth says she hasn’t slept well the last few days. I thought perhaps she’d like to take a nap when I get her home,” he covered and tried to keep his face passive. He didn’t want to make her parents think he couldn’t take care of their daughter. He needed them to keep their faith and trust in him.

“It’s nice to see you too, Sam. Don’t mind the Judge. He’s upset Elizabeth won’t come and stay with us. He forgets she’s a grown woman and knows her own mind. Are you ready to go, Elizabeth?”

“I was ready days ago. Mom, hand me the crutches.”

“Didn’t Patrick bring you a sweater or jacket? It’s cold outside and, well, that shirt is rather revealing,” her mother said pointedly.

Elizabeth looked down at herself and shrugged. She didn’t have anything to put over the thin fabric. Without the bra, you could practically see right through it. Before she lifted her head to tell her mother she had nothing else, Sam draped his flannel shirt over her back and helped her slide her arms into the sleeves. He rolled up the arms because they were too long and buttoned a few buttons in the front to help keep in closed.

“There you go. All set.”

Heat from his body and his fresh clean scent lingered in the shirt. She wanted to lie down and hold the soft fabric to her nose and go to sleep smelling him. “Thank you,” she said softly and his blue eyes grew very intense. “Let’s go. I want a real meal, my own bed, and to check on things at my shop. I probably have a mountain of work to do.”

“No work today, sweetheart. Today we go to your place. While you sleep, I’ll make sure the place is secure. I’ll take you to work tomorrow for a couple hours if you’re up to it.”

“But Sam, I have a business to run. I’ve been in here for two weeks. Enough is enough. I can’t put off business any longer.”

“Don’t worry, Ellie Girl. Daniel took care of everything at the shop. He’s contacted all your suppliers and let them know you’ll pay them when you return. They’ve all agreed to hold your accounts and make their deliveries. They know you’ll make payment when you’re able. The payroll company has paid the workers. Your assistant manager signed, but Daniel verified every check before he paid the employees. Everything is running smoothly, and that’s because you run a good business. Things are fine. Let’s take you home so you can rest.”

The nurse came in with her wheelchair and Sam asked everyone to step out so he could have a word with her alone before they left.

“Elizabeth, I want to make something clear before I take you home.” He waited for her nod. “We haven’t captured the man who did this. He’s still out there, and he wants you dead because you can ID him. I’m sorry to put it so bluntly, but I want you to understand you’re in real danger.”

“Sam, I know. I spoke with Tyler last night. He told me what to expect.”

“You spoke to Tyler last night?”

“Yes, he came to see me. That’s why I decided to leave here today. I’m no safer here than I would be there. I want to go home, Sam.”

She couldn’t tell him Tyler had brought a sketch artist and some photos of the suspects they had. He showed her the photographs of their suspects, and she discarded all of them without hesitation. She worked with the sketch artist to translate her description into a picture. Once they had that, she remembered the company logo on his bracelet. It took some time, but several minutes later she came up with the company name. After she knew that, it wasn’t hard to remember the man’s name and where she’d briefly met him.

Tyler accessed the company’s website on his laptop and found a picture of him, along with a short biography. Tyler was surprised to see the sketch and picture were very similar. They planned a trap for the guy, and decided it was best not to tell Sam she was the bait. She hated lying to Sam, even by omission, but it was necessary.

“What else did you and Tyler talk about last night?”

She’d drifted off into thought, and Sam wondered if she was thinking about Tyler. He didn’t like the fact she’d spent time with him alone. Tyler thought Elizabeth was beautiful, and he liked her personality. He’d been making one comment after another about her the last two days, and now he was visiting her in the hospital behind his back.

“What’s the matter? He came to talk to me about the case and make it clear I should keep you with me at all times.” She tried to lighten his mood. “I only have one fake fiancé, honey, and that’s you. I’m a one man kind of woman.” She winked. “Actually, I have two fake fiancés, but you’re the only one I want.”

He couldn’t help himself and smiled. “Thanks. I’m a one woman kind of man, and I don’t like the idea of Tyler sweet-talking you into having him guard you instead of me.”

“How’d you know that’s why he came?” She tried to hide her smile and looked up at him, acting completely innocent, but he didn’t buy it.

Sam thought he hid his feelings well, but she had a way of dismantling his walls. His jealousy showed, despite his best effort to keep it under wraps.

“All he’s talked about is you for the last two days. I think he has a crush on you.”

“Oh yeah? What about you, Sam? Do you have a crush on me?”

Uncomfortable and unable to meet her eyes, she smirked and made his discomfort worse. He didn’t know how to answer. How did she maneuver him smack in the middle of a minefield?

Defensive, he glared at her and said, “Let’s go. The two agents who have been guarding your room are going with us, until you and I are settled in at your house. If I tell you to do something, you do it. No questions. If I say duck, you take cover without questioning me. This guy has already shot you once, I don’t want to give him an opportunity to do it again.”

“Some fake fiancé. You can’t even tell me you like me.” He glared at her even more. “Okay. No questions. Follow whatever order you give me. It’s for my own good, and you’re trying to keep me alive. I got it. I’ll try to be a model protected witness.”

She slid off the bed and stepped forward to take a seat in the wheelchair so they could leave, but Sam grabbed her and pulled her to him. He held her tight against his chest and looked down into her surprised face. One arm banded around her, he traced his fingertips over her cheek and down along her jaw to her neck. His fingers rested against her warm skin, her pulse skittered against the pad of his thumb.

“God, you’re beautiful.”

Eyes locked on hers, he leaned down and kissed her. Slow and easy, when she opened her mouth to him, his control slipped, and he demanded more. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she buried her fingers in his short hair, closed her eyes, and let go. He held her by her hips, so he wouldn’t hurt her back or stomach. He wanted to pull her hips to his, but they had to leave, and he didn’t have time to make love to her like he wanted and his body demanded.

Frustrated, he pulled back just enough to see her face. “Does that tell you how much I like you? Fake fiancé or not, I want you. Stay away from Tyler. He can get his own girl. You’re mine.” He brushed his lips against hers and stepped back. It took everything he had to let her go when he wanted to keep her close.

She limped to the wheelchair and eased herself into it, her face flushed, her eyes and head dazed after their kiss. He’d rattled her, and it felt good to know she was just as affected as him.

After handing her the crutches she needed at home, Sam pushed her toward the door. “Remember what I said. Do what I tell you. No questions.”

“Okay,” she said, a little dumbfounded after the kiss, giving his ego another boost. “Let’s go. I want to go to sleep knowing no one is sneaking up on me. Not that being there will change that,” she sighed.

He stepped up beside her and put his hands on his hips and looked down at her. “I won’t let anyone hurt you again.” He gave her his best mischievous grin. “Besides, the only person you have to worry about sneaking up on you while you’re sleeping is me.”