Uncovering Hope (Uncovering Love Book 3) (28 page)

Trent nods, apprehension clear in his eyes. “But you will? Be able to play again? I’m not being selfish about the band—we’ll find a replacement for as long as you need—but playing and writing, it’s what you do.”

“Yeah. Docs see no reason I won’t regain full movement with time and work.” I pat Carly’s hip. “A small price to pay for the safety of my girl.”

“I love you,” she murmurs and I kiss her lips. I only pull away because of our audience.

“I hope that fucker goes back to jail for life,” Trent adds and then glances down at Luis. “Oh, sorry. I mean jerk.”

Carly nods. “He won’t be able to hurt us again. He’s behind bars, if not for life, then for a very long time. In addition to the charges we’ll press for the attack, there’s also the gun.”

At the band’s confused expressions Carly continues, “That’s the main reason my ex came back. He had me hide a gun years ago, when we were still married. The police suspect it was used in several drug related murders. They’re running it against a bunch of local cold cases.” She shivers and I rub my hand up and down her arm.

“I should’ve brought the gun in sooner. I was just so scared and trying to move on.” She feels guilty for keeping the weapon a secret. Blames that for the reason Josh hurt me, but I’m glad for it. I suspect he’d have come back regardless. Everything Carly did brought us to this place, and I’d do it again to keep her safe.

“Good.” Austin nods. “We should probably head out now.” The rest of the guys take his lead and offer waves on their way out the door.

“Dude. That was awesome,” Luis says with awe laced in his tone. “I just hung out with the entire band of 3UG.”

Carly laughs and stands from the bed to give Luis a hug. “I’m going to give you two time to chat. I’ve got to check in with my boys anyway.” She’s been too good to me, arranging for childcare each night to stay by my side. Another reason I can’t wait to get out of here. Eli and Ezra need her as much as I do. It’ll be easier to rehab from home.

Luis stands and comes closer to my bed to take the seat to my left. “So . . . the tables have turned. Who would’ve thought I’d be visiting you in the hospital.” He grins and I laugh.

“True, man. So very true. So, how are things?”

He looks down at his shoes and taps his fingers over his knees in a steady beat. My eyes light up.

“You’ve been practicing?”

“Hell, yes.” He grins. I memorize the way his eyes catch the light, the happiness they contain, the way they almost dance with his smile.

“Good. Keep at it. You’re a natural.” He looks away with a shrug but his lips pull up at the corners. The silence stretches.

“So, Carly probably told you. The cancer spread again. We’re taking a break from chemo.” He meets my eyes with a hard gaze.

“Yeah, she did. How are you feeling, Luis?” I keep my voice neutral. Tone even. I won’t let my fear for his disease add to his worries.

“Actually, pretty damn good.” He laughs humorlessly and shakes his head. “I’m sure it’s just the lack of chemo, but I feel great.”

“Maybe it’s not just that. Maybe you’re getting better,” I suggest. His gaze snaps to meet mine.

“I’m not stupid, you know. I hear what people say when they think I’m not listening. I know I’m dying, Derek.” And he’s right, but his words and the acceptance behind them makes it more real. I swallow, a feeble attempt to keep my emotions inside.

“Just promise me something, Luis.” He holds my gaze. “Promise me you won’t give up, you don’t stop fighting, even when it seems hopeless. That might just be the moment things turn around, ya know?”

“I won’t ever give up.” He looks back down at his shoes. “I still want to live, you know? And my parents found some trial treatment. Children’s agrees it’s my best bet. I start the day after Christmas.”

A knock sounds at the door and it opens to reveal Carly’s face. “How are my favorite patients? Can I get in on the bro bonding time?” she asks with a tentative smile.

“What are the chances of scoring us an Xbox for the next hour?” I ask and Luis beams.

“Easy as pie. Trent and the band brought one over for you. It’s in my car; I’ll be back.” She leaves the room.

“Get ready to lose,” I goad. He just laughs.

“I doubt that, you one handed gimp,” he teases.

“Don’t be so sure of yourself, kid.”

THURSDAY MORNING I’M BACK AT
work, my first shift on the day schedule. I took over a week off to help Derek and be there for him. Get him settled. He’s a busy body though, so a few broken fingers and a wrist fracture doesn’t keep him down. His entire back, stomach and ribs are an ugly purple blue, but the edges are beginning to fade to a greenish-yellow hue. He’s moving around and driving himself, broken hand and all.

I thought I lost him. The look in Josh’s eyes when he kicked him over and over again. The way Derek’s body went as limp as a rag doll. Blood everywhere. When I close my eyes I still taste my fear.

But I was lucky. Derek’s strong and his injuries, while extensive, could have been so much worse. When I finally came to after fainting, Jon was there to reassure me Derek was already on his way to the hospital and Josh was on his way back to jail. It was then I knew I had to come clean. I told Jon and the officers everything. The abuse, the drugs, admitting to hiding the gun, my suspicion it was used for a crime.

The detectives took me to retrieve the gun and I was thankful it was still exactly where I left it in the bottom of the church garden planter. For now I’m not facing any charges. My willingness to help with the investigation and voluntary offer of information will help my case. But Jon’s friends at the precinct have warned that could change at any point and to be ready to find a good lawyer. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but honestly, the need to come clean and be done with my past—even if I have to pay more consequences for those actions—is worth the peace of mind.

Derek’s back at home in his apartment. His physical therapy starts next week and will keep him busy. And as much as I’d love to go see him after today’s shift, we both agreed I need to be home with my boys. Besides, I owe Tate and Evie big time for the amount of babysitting they’ve put in. Tonight my brother doesn’t work and I promised I would come straight home so they can have a date night, my treat.

My first shift on days is almost like starting a new job. It’s strange to work with so many different people. I never realized how comfortable I am being left alone. It’ll take some adjusting but I’m certain my new routine will help bring some normalcy to our lives.

“Hey, girl, how was your first day? You ready to head out?” Jenny asks. She pulls her lunch bag and purse from her locker.

“Good, and yes, I’m so ready.” I grab my things and we walk together down the hall.

“You getting the big D tonight?” She waggles her brows and I slap her shoulder.

“Jen!” I shake my head and then mutter to myself. “He’s on strict orders to refrain from certain
activities
. Still.” I try not to pout. I’m happy he’s safe and healing but I can’t wait to make love again. I know we have lots of time in our future. But I’d be lying to say I’m not eager to feel him inside me again.

“What?” She shakes her head. “He didn’t break his dick. What’s the problem?” We step inside the crowded elevator and I stifle a giggle.

“You’re preaching to the choir, sister. He has an appointment tomorrow. Should get the all clear.”

“Then it’s on like Donkey Kong.” Jen smirks and nods.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to feel too bad for me. His tongue works just fine,” I tease and stick my tongue out for added effect. And oh, what a glorious tongue he has. I never thought I’d be into guys with piercings of any kind, but that one is most definitely my favorite. The way he rolls the stud over my clit, licks and sucks simultaneously, then flicks the metal to send me over the edge. No vibe invented comes close to the sensation. I fan my face and my skin heats just thinking about what he does to me.

“I know you’re my best friend but . . .” Jen leans in close to whisper, “You bitch!” We break into a fit of laughter and are still joking around when we walk outside toward the parking lot.

“Carly.” I stop and lift my chin to find Dr. Brooks leaning against one of the light poles. His hands are tucked inside the pockets of his oversized coat. A bright blue scarf covers his neck and chin.

“Oh, hello,” I stammer. Jenny stands to my right and protectively crosses her arms over her chest. I don’t need to look to know she’s giving him a dirty glare. Garrett’s eyes dart around the parking spaces and his weight shifts from one foot to the other.

“I was hoping I could have a few moments of your time? To talk,” he says.

“I don’t really have anything to say to you.” He looks hurt by my admission.

“Carly, please. It won’t take long. There’re a few things I need to say to you.” He glances at Jenny before adding, “Alone.”

“Carly, you don’t owe him anything—”

“It’s okay, Jen.” I reach out to squeeze her hand. “I’m okay. I’ll just hear him out. I’ll see you tomorrow, ’kay?” She nods my way and then makes a point of glaring at Garrett all the way to her car.

“Walk with me?” he asks, but it’s more like a command. I follow along as we stride through the parking lot.

“What did you need to say, Garrett?” I pull my phone out to glance at the time. “I really need to get home.”

He stops and so do I. He twists so that he’s facing me. I try to read the emotion behind his eyes, the blue storming with expression, but I don’t know him well enough to decipher their meaning.

“Can I take you out? Maybe we can grab some dinner right now?” His eyes dart around. My brow furrows with confusion.

“Garrett. I thought I made it clear I don’t want to date you. I don’t even want to be friends with you. Besides, I’m in a relationship with someone else.”

His focus snaps back to me and he cocks his head. One blond lock falls forward just above his eyebrow. His gaze narrows.

“Carly, I know it was you.”

“What?”

“I just need to know why.” His voice grows louder and I take a step backward. “Why did you do it? What did he ever do to you? To deserve that!”

My back hits a parked car. My skin prickles and goosebumps cover my flesh. Unease seeps into my belly.

“Garrett. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Damn it, Carly! I already know the truth! Just tell me why!” He steps closer, a wild look overtaking his normally perfect features.

“Garrett, you’re scaring me.” I state. He takes one more step and frames my body against the vehicle at my back.

“I really didn’t want to do this but you leave me no choice,” he murmurs.

I feel something prick my arm. I try to struggle but it’s as if my limbs fill with concrete. My eyes are heavy, my lips try to scream, but everything fades to black.