Holding Out for a Hero (Baytown Heroes #9)

Chapter 10

10

Brad stood outside the hospital door and peered inside. Belinda was lying in bed, pale but sleeping peacefully. When Aaron arrived at the station, Brad updated him on what was happening. Until they knew who had fired the weapon into a crowd, Colt had dictated that the shooting would take priority for the detectives, not willing to have a possible random shooter running loose in the county. There would be little to do until daylight hit and the deputies could comb the beach area. They had already started looking at Aaron’s past cases to see if someone was after him. Brad would start combing through Belinda's wedding photographs in case there were some hidden clues she’d unknowingly snapped.

But he couldn’t go home to rest just yet. He found himself back at the hospital, wanting to check on Bess. When he’d first laid eyes on her when she’d thrown open her apartment door, the riot of colors she wore caused him to blink in surprise and appreciation. The tie-dyed top clashed wildly with the plaid pajama bottoms. She was winding up to give him a tongue-lashing for showing up in the middle of the night, but as soon as he explained why he was there, shock and dismay had replaced her irritation.

At that moment, he wasn’t sure how she would take the news. Fall apart? Drop to the floor and begin crying? Even though he didn’t know her well, it didn’t surprise him that she immediately darted off to take care of what needed to be done. He choked back a snort at the idea that Angeline would have done the same. Thinking of his plus-one date, he shook his head. What a moron I was for asking her out. Then thinking of the expression on Bess's face when she’d spied Angeline sitting in his vehicle, he shook his head again. What a serious moron I was.

A slight movement on the far side of Belinda’s bed caught his eye, and he stepped in just enough to see Bess curled in what looked like an uncomfortable position in the chair, her head resting on her elbow as her body was twisted to fit in the seat. Most of her wavy hair was falling out of the messy bun she’d fixed before they left her apartment. Her chest rose and fell gently with each breath, and while he wasn’t trying to perv on her, he couldn’t help but look at the front of her T-shirt, remembering seeing it when she’d walked out of her bedroom. The bright purple shirt with the words I bake because punching people is frowned upon now had him drop his chin while shaking his head, trying not to laugh.

A sound caught his attention, and he looked up quickly to see Bess's head up and her eyes pinned on him. He didn’t want to enter the hospital room and possibly upset either of the Crowder sisters although it appeared Belinda was sound asleep.

Bess unwound her body and winced as she stretched. Standing, she approached and stopped a few feet away. Her head tilted to the side in silent question.

“I just wanted to check to see how you were doing.”

She nodded and glanced over her shoulder before turning back. “She’s doing really well for someone who was shot. The doctor said it was a clean entrance and exit wound and that she could go home in a couple of days.”

“That’s good to hear, but I really wanted to know how you’re doing.”

She blinked, and her brow furrowed. “Me? I’m fine.”

“It was a shock.”

“Yeah, but…” She hefted her shoulders. “I’m fine.”

“It’s important to take care of yourself.”

She peered up into his eyes, and he held her gaze, carefully taking note of the dark smudges against her pale complexion. Finally, she said, “I told Aaron that us Crowder girls might look like marshmallows, but we’re tough on the inside.”

He chuckled softly. “That’s good to know.”

A moment of uncomfortable silence followed, and then she said, “I didn’t thank you properly for picking me up and bringing me here. That was nice of you.”

“You don’t need to thank me. It was my pleasure.”

“I’m sorry about your… um… date?—”

He immediately waved his hand, shaking his head. “No, no. Don’t give it another thought.” Scoffing, he added, “Believe me, I won’t be.”

Something flashed in her eyes, but she forced a smile before he could ask about it. “Well, thank you again. I need to get back to Belinda.”

“Bess, I…” He hesitated. He wanted to say so much, but now was not the time. He hoped there would be a time in the future when he could find out what happened last summer. At least clear the air. But right now, she needed to focus on her and her sister, and he needed to focus on his work and family. “It was my pleasure to make sure you got here safely and hear the news before the rumor mill hit.”

Their gazes held for a moment, then she simply nodded and whispered, “Good night, Brad.” She turned and walked over to the bed, checking Belinda before settling back into the chair. He walked down the hall, and as he pushed his way out of the main door and into the cool, early pre-dawn air, he sighed heavily. His hand dragged over his face. He had a long day ahead of him and was functioning on no sleep. But at least, for the first time in months, he and Bess had a short conversation that didn’t involve angry glares. Right now, he considered that to be progress.