“Is there, um, anything I can get you? Something to eat maybe?”
Chad was definitely hungry, but he didn’t want to put Jeff out. “No, I’m fine,” he said just as his stomach growled loudly, outing him as a liar.
Jeff grinned. “What do you want? I’ll run and get us some dinner.”
Chad quirked an eyebrow at him. How had it become an “us” for dinner? But the man stood strong, waiting for an answer.
“Fine. I wasn’t looking forward to hospital food, to be honest. Really, anything nearby.”
“You like Charlie’s over on Third Street?”
Chad nodded. When he’d moved to town, Charlie’s had been highly recommended and he loved it so much, he grabbed dinner there at least once a week. “Their Number Three with cheese and mayo only and medium curly fries.”
“Anything to drink?”
“No, I’m really just drinking ice water,” he answered, tilting his head toward the glass on the small side table.
“Got it. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Jeff flashed Chad a smile before he slipped out the door.
Funny, but Chad actually missed the guy after he’d left. He chuckled at himself, realizing he must be on more drugs than he thought.
No, Chad wasn’t the type to fall that fast for a guy. Any guy. His sister wanted him to meet someone andsettle down, but he never saw himself in love. He knew most people dreamed of meeting someone and makinga life together, but he was practical. If love was real—and that was a big “if”—it needed time to grow. It wasn’t something that happened immediately. And Jeff—what was his last name?—was not his type. Not in the least. The fact that Chad was looking forward to having dinner with him was just a reaction to this crazy day and the multitude of pain meds flowing through his body.
The quick rap at the door surprised Chad. Apple Grove was small, but Jeff had returned lightning-fast.
“Can I come in?”
He grinned at Lydia’s voice. “I’m decent,” he called to his fellow officer.
“Whatever,” she said as she stepped into the room. “Like you have anything I want to see, anyway!”
Chad chuckled. Funny that they had known each other for only three months. They had bonded instantly at the station, and she had become like a second sister to him in minutes. He had a feeling that if she and Mandy ever met, they would never let him get away with anything.
“You are a sight for sore eyes,” she said on a breath. “Shit, we were all so worried when we heard yougot sent to the hospital.” She placed a quick kiss on his cheek, cupping his chin in her hand when she pulled back.
“I’m fine,” he groused, embarrassed that tears welled up in his eyes.
She laughed. “Sure, you’re ‘fine.’ First, you’re a hero that saved a little boy from getting hurt in the parade, then you get kicked by a horse and end up in the hospital.” She wiped away a tear that had dared to fall from his right eye. “That, my friend, is not a normal day.”
He shrugged, but wisely stayed mute as she dragged the chair to his bedside. “So, how long you gotta wear the cast?” she asked as she flounced into the seat.
“At least six weeks. Plus I’m off at least a week before they release me. That means—”
“Desk duty,” she interrupted with a shiver. “Ugh. I’ve been there.”
“Yeah? When?”
She grasped his hand and filled him in on the month she’d endured desk duty. He leaned back and listened, feeling the tension leave his body. Lydia always had that effect on him.
“I’m back,” a voice called as the door swung open. Jeff entered with a bag of food. He stopped short, and his face went beet red as his gaze darted between Lydia, Chad, and their joined hands. He cleared his throat. “I…I didn’t realize you had…” His eyes grew wide.
Lydia jumped up from the chair and beamed. “I’m Lydia. Did you bring Chad dinner?”
Jeff nodded.
“And it’s from Charlie’s! That’s his favorite.” She took the food from him. “I’m Lydia,” she offered again, gesturing for him to take her seat.
“I’m Jeff,” he said, making no move. “Um, I think…I…yeah, I should get going.”
Chad watched him curiously, wondering about the change in his demeanor between now and earlier. He caught Lydia’s eye and shrugged. She shot him her you’re-an-idiot smile. Hmm, apparently she knew what was going on.
“So, Jeff, how do you know Chad?”
Chad bit back a smile as Jeff stuffed his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and stared at the ground. Kind of adorable. He fidgeted with his feet. “My horse sort of…kicked him.” He met Chad’s gaze and his lips curved into a small, wistful smile. “I’m the reason he’s in here.” He looked away.“So much for fate.”
What the hell was he talking about? Fate?
At Lydia’s quirked eyebrow, Chad’s eyes widened and he shook his head. He seriously had no idea what the guy was talking about. Maybe he was nuts.