Read Online Here With Me by Megan Nugen Isbell - Free Book Online Page B

his and carefully brushed his hair off of his forehead before turning and leaving the room.
     
    ****
     
    The FBI and the two men in suits were there when Mallory returned to the nurse’s station.  She knew immediately the tall suit was Nate and his eyes grew large when he saw Mallory.  Ignoring him, she went to the computer to enter Ryan’s information, but kept a discreet eye on Nate as she did so.  The discussion looked intense, but it eventually disbanded and everyone, aside from Nate, headed towards the exit. 
    He looked nervous, but he finally approached Mallory.
    “Hey,” Nate said timidly.
    “Hi,” she said and couldn’t help but take notice at how different he looked in the pristine black suit.  Serious and older than at the clam bake.   
    “I hear Ryan’s going to be alright.”
    “Yes.  He’ll be fine,” she said, grabbing some charts and standing up.
    “I’ll bet you’ve got a lot of questions,” he said as he walked beside her down the hall.
    “It’s not my business.  I’m not owed any explanation,” she lied.  She was dying to know what was going on. “I’m just glad he’ll be okay.”
    “Thanks for taking such good care of him.”
    “I don’t need any thanks.  It’s my job.  It’s what we do here.” She knew she was being curt.  She just wanted to put this past her. “Now, I’ve got patients to look after.  If you’ll excuse me.”
    Nate nodded and Mallory kept walking.
     
    ****
     
    “He’s awake and he’s asking for you,” Savannah said as Mallory was thumbing through a magazine during her break.
    “He is?” Savannah nodded and Mallory sighed. “Okay.  I’ll be right there.  Thanks.”
    Savannah left and Mallory put her magazine away before walking into the bathroom.  Looking in the mirror, she smoothed the hairs back that had escaped from her ponytail.  After straightening her scrubs, she took a deep breath and headed nervously towards Ryan’s room, not knowing what she would say to him.  I’ll keep it professional.  I’ll ask him how he’s doing.  That’s it.  Nothing more.  
    He was sitting up when she walked in and he looked up when he heard her footsteps.  The door shut slowly behind her and she waited a few moments before making her way to his bed.  The color was returning to his face and he was smiling.  It was an unsure smile, but it was a smile nonetheless. 
    “How’re you feeling?” she asked, once at his side.
    “I’ve been better,” he laughed nervously, carefully reaching up and patting his bandage.
    “How’s the pain?”
    “I’m good.  I’ve got this handy drip I can push any time I need a hit to take the edge off.” He laughed again and held up a button attached to his IV. 
    It got quiet and she looked around.  She knew this hospital like the back of her hand, but for some reason she was intent on finding something new to catch her interest to avoid meeting his gaze.
    “I’m glad you were here when they brought me in,” he finally said, drawing her attention back to him.
    “I’m glad I was here to help.” She was being distant, but she didn’t know how else to act. 
    “I suppose yo u want to know what happened and how I got myself into this situation.”
    “Like I told Nate, it’s not my business.  You don’t have to tell me anything.”
    “No, I guess I don’t, but I should.”
    As she stared down at him, he looked uneasy.
    “Then go ahead.  How does a security company worker find himself shot while at the home of the Bush family?”
    Ryan took a deep breath and then looked up at her.
    “I don’t work for a security company.”
    “Oh, so you’re a liar then?” she smirked and folded her arms.
    “I only lie when it’s necessary.”
    “Okay.  You’ve piqued my interest.  If you made up the whole story about the security company, then where do you really work?”
    The room grew quiet again as she waited for his answer.
    “I work for the Secret Service.”
    She felt her mouth open,