Needing Him - Tory Baker Page 0,3

will be in the sling though, for four to six weeks,” he tells me again what he already said before the operation. If anyone wants out of this shit, it’s going to be me. There’s no way I want to be laid up any more than necessary.

“You got it,” I tell him.

“Knock, knock, look who I found wandering the halls,” Bridger announces as he opens the door.

“You look like shit,” my brother states. I roll my eyes. He’s one to talk.

“Those bags under your eyes are saying the same thing about yourself.” My tone is gruff, and what patience I did have is dwindling the longer I’m caged in this place.

Braxton recently bought old man Red’s mechanic shop, and he’s been busting his ass ever since. Working night and day, even with the help of Leo and me, it still has a long way to go. Especially with Braxton wanting it set up a certain way.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I guess it takes one to know one.” His hands are stained from grease and motor oil, a sign that the man has the same work ethic as me.

“No shit,” I grouse.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Drake.” Dr. Smith waves his hand and heads out the door. It has me laying my head back down on the pillow and taking a full breath of air. The guys told me earlier what the surgeon had said to them after I was brought in to recovery, but until I heard it from the man himself, I hadn’t been breathing easy.

“I’ll be counting down the hours, Doc,” I tell him, causing Braxton and Bridger to laugh.

“So, what’s the plan?” I ask Bridger. I’m not stupid enough to know he didn’t come back here scheming something.

“What do you mean, what's the plan? We break you out of here, take you home, and nurse you back to health.” His hands are in his pockets, and he rocks back on his heels.

“Bullshit. I know that stance. I’ve known you for how many years now? What do you have cooking up?”

“We’re in the process of getting you a certain nurse to help you.” He winks.

“Yoo-hoo,” someone says, walking through the door. I swear to Christ this place is like Grand Central Station, where anybody can come and go as they please.

“I’m here to take out your IV.” A woman who looks to be as old as my own mother comes in. Not the angel I had before.

“Where’s Giana?” I grumble, not wanting this nurse in here. Which is stupid. It’s not like she can’t do her job.

“She’s on her break. Giana will back in a bit and is pulling a double tonight, so she’ll be your night nurse.” She goes about her business removing the line for the pain medicine, allowing me to move my free arm better.

“Thanks,” I tell her, trying not to be so harsh with my tone this time around.

“No problem. Visiting hours end in an hour,” the nurse tells Braxton and Bridger.

“We’ll be leaving in the next little bit,” Braxton states. I know why he’s leaving. He’ll be heading back to work. That’s going to put him in an early grave. Not like I can say much—I did the same thing when Slade started Nighthawk Security.

“Who’s the nurse who’s helping me out?” I ask Bridger, making sure his eyes don’t leave mine, meaning business.

“It’s still a work in progress, but I think you’ll be happy if it all works out.”

“That’s not ominous or anything.” I roll my eyes.

“Don’t worry. If she doesn’t work out, you’ll be pleased as punch to have me by your side, forever and ever.” He does this stupid dance and smiles. It causes me to laugh, which jars my shoulder, making me stop.

“You're a pain in the ass.”

“Yeah, but you love me. Alright, I’m outta here before Kellie eats dinner without me.” Kellie really has calmed his ass down. Sure, he’s still a clown day to day, but you can see the calmness in him now.

“Enjoy. I’ll be here eating shit on a brick.” My demeanor isn’t getting much better, and I know I’m poor company.

“It’s only for tonight. You’ll be back to eating your bland chicken breast, vegetables, and brown rice before too long,” Braxton replies for him.

“As if you don’t eat that?” I quirk my eyebrow.

“True enough. Get some rest, big brother. I’ll see you when you’re home.” He clasps my uninjured shoulder, and both of them leave me staring at a vacant room. Not that I blame them, but