Read Online Cedar Bluff's Most Eligible Bachelor (Cedar Bluff Hospital) by LAURA IDING - Free Book Online Page B

steady on her feet, he backed away. She kept her gaze on trained on the floor as she cautiously swung the crutches forward, moving slowly toward the kitchen.
    There was an empty bowl on the table sitting beside the small bottle of pain medication and a fresh package of crackers. As she lowered herself into the chair, Simon filled her bowl from the steaming pot on the stove and set it back down in front of her.
    “Do you need anything else?” he asked, when she took a sip of the soup.
    She nearly scalded her tongue. “No, Simon, this is perfect. Just what I needed. Thanks. For driving me home, shopping and cooking for me.”
    A ghost of a smile flirted with his lips. “You’re welcome.”
    As much as she wanted him to leave, for her peace of mind more than anything, she gestured to the empty seat at the table beside her. “Please, join me. I’m sure you’re hungry, too.”
    He moved as if to do just that, but then stopped abruptly. “Ah, no, thanks. I should probably get going. Are you sure you’ll be okay here alone? I could wait until you’ve finished eating if you think you need help getting settled for the night.”
    This time she did scald her tongue and she took a sip of white soda to cool the burning. The thought of Simon anywhere near her bedroom made her break out into a cold sweat.
    Not because she didn’t want him there.
    Just the opposite.
    “I’m sure I’ll be fine,” she said firmly, tearing her thoughts from that traitorous path. She was not going to wonder what it would be like to kiss Simon.
    Not. Going. There.
    “I’m not helpless, you know,” she said tartly. “I’m not the first person with a broken leg and I won’t be the last.”
    She caught a glimpse of his grim expression before it vanished. “Okay, then. Here’s my cell phone number.” He slid a slip of paper across the table toward her with his number scrawled on it in his bold script. “I want you to promise me you’ll call if you need anything.”
    “All right,” she agreed, knowing she wouldn’t. If she’d call anyone it would be Rachel. Not Simon.
    No matter how tempting.
    “Thanks again, Simon.” She took another sip of her soup, hoping he’d take the hint.
    He did. “Goodnight, Hailey.” He stared at her for several long seconds before turning on his heel and walking toward the door.
    She held her breath until he shut the apartment door quietly behind him.
    Letting out a ragged sigh, she dropped her spoon and buried her face in her hands.
    And fought the overwhelming urge to call him back.
     
     
    Simon left Hailey’s apartment, calling himself every kind of fool.
    Hailey would be fine. He was being a total idiot for overreacting like this. She would be absolutely fine.
    A broken leg wasn’t the end of the world. Logically, he knew that.
    But he couldn’t help feeling responsible. It was his fault she was laid up for the next two weeks at least.
    He didn’t need to keep checking on her. Unless she called. Which he knew she wouldn’t.
    Hailey was perfectly able to take care of herself.
    Shoving his hands in his pockets, he ducked his head against the drizzle and walked out to his car. As he headed home, the thought of sitting around in his empty house made him restless. Normally he yearned for some quiet time. He’d just bought a new book but tonight the idea of losing himself in a great story did not hold any appeal. In fact, he didn’t want to go home.
    He’d wanted to stay with Hailey.
    Not an option, he reminded himself harshly. Then what? Call Jadon? Or Quinn? Nah, both men had families of their own.
    Executing a safe and legal U-turn, he turned the car around to head back toward Cedar Bluff hospital.
    “What are you doing here?” Seth asked, seemingly exasperated when he strolled in. “Hell, Simon, I’m here covering you so you can have the night off.”
    “I know, but things have changed.” Simon forced a smile. “I’m here to finish my shift, so you can go back home to your pretty