Conor picked up his book from the bedside table and sat in the chair next to the bed, prepared to keep watch. The threat to Louisa’s life was over, but she’d need time to recover.

CHAPTER 35

35

One week later

Louisa opened her eyes. For the first few minutes she was surprised she was in her apartment. Sunlight streamed into the bedroom onto the dog lying next to her. A three-inch row of stitches tracked Kirra’s pink belly. Louisa put her hand inside the plastic cone and scratched her head. The dog sighed.

“Are you all right? Do you need anything?”

She turned her head. Conor sat in an oversize chair he’d brought in from the living room. A book lay open on his lap. He hadn’t left her side since he brought her home the day before.

“I’m fine.” She shifted. Pain surrounded her rib cage, shortening her breaths, but she was content. Home, with her man and dog, was enough for today.

“Maybe you should have stayed in the hospital a few more days.” He moved to the side of the bed and helped her adjust her pillows.

“No.” She’d had quite enough of needles and tubes and IVs. “It felt so good to sleep in my own bed last night.”

“I’ll bet.” Conor eased his weight onto the edge of the mattress. He patted the dog’s flank. Her tail stub wagged.

“Are you sure you can stay here all the time? Don’t you have to work?” Louisa reached for the glass of water on the nightstand.

Conor picked it up and handed it to her. “No. Jayne’s fiancé is back. He’ll fill in for me. I’m here until you’re both back on your feet. We’re hiring a new bartender, so I’ll be cutting some of my hours back on a permanent basis.”

Sipping through the straw, she settled back on the pillow. “How’s your apartment?”

“The remodel is going to take at least a month.” His hand rested on her thigh. “I was hoping I could stay here until it’s done.”

“You can stay here as long as you like.” Forever would work for her. She squeezed his hand. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He leaned forward and kissed her, then brushed a stray hair off her cheek. “Do you want me to close the curtains so you can sleep?”

“No. I don’t want to sleep.”

“You look exhausted.”

She glanced at the clock. “How can I be this tired? My biggest feat for the day was walking to the bathroom a couple of times.”

“Don’t push yourself,” he said. “The nurse is coming at three. If she gives you the all-clear, you can take a shower.”

“Oh my God. I want to wash my hair more than anything right now.”

“Then you should rest up.” Conor stood. “How about some lunch?”