The Naughty List Bundle - Kylie Adams [257]
Jordan nodded, uncertain what he could say to that. She looked hot enough to tempt a saint, and he supposed that was the main reason for wearing the outfit on stage.
To his surprise, she said, “Thanks for thinking of it.”
“No problem.” With her sitting so close to him, and having so much skin exposed, it was a wonder he’d been able to think of anything else. “Unfortunately, it’ll take Case a little while to get here.”
Morgan pulled right up to the emergency entrance, and what with his flashing lights and the earlier call, it only took about fifteen seconds before a stretcher was rolled out to the Bronco and Ruth was being taken inside.
Georgia looked overwhelmed by the speed at which things were happening. She rushed to get her kids out of the car, trying to reassure them and keep sight of her mother as she was being whisked away.
Jordan touched her arm as she started to lift Adam from the front seat. “Go on, Georgia.” She glanced up at him, clearly distracted. “Get your mother settled and appease the hospital officials with all the paperwork they’ll need. The kids and I will meet you in the waiting room when you’re done.”
She looked at him as though he was insane, cuddling her children closer in a protective gesture and attempting to walk around him. Jordan moved to her side and kept pace with her hurried stride. Both kids stumbled along while staring up at him.
Just as the automatic entry doors opened with a swoosh, he heard Morgan call out that he’d park and be right in. Jordan waved him off.
“Georgia…”
Her high heels clicked on the tiled floor. “Come on, kids. We have to hurry.”
There was a note of brittle urgency in her voice that tortured him. No woman should ever be put in such a position. Jordan again took her arm, this time pulling her to a stop. The children seemed fascinated. “Georgia, listen to me.”
Utter exasperation, exhaustion, and near panic filled her face. “What?”
Well aware of the kids’ engrossed attention, and at how close Georgia was to losing it, Jordan spoke softly, giving her a very direct look. “You can trust me, sweetheart. I swear it.”
She shook her head, her face pale.
“We’ll be in the waiting room,” he added, ignoring her refusal, “just around the corner, drinking hot chocolate and watching television and talking.” He reached out for Lisa’s hand, praying she wouldn’t shy away from him, and let out a breath when she released her mother and moved to his side. Her shy smile showed one missing front tooth.
Jordan enclosed her tiny hand in his own. To Georgia, he said, “Did I tell you my oldest brother is a doctor? Well he is. Everyone at the hospital knows Sawyer, though he’s always chosen to work from home, treating the people of Buckhorn. He has an office at the back of the house. His son, Casey, is the one who’s bringing you some clothes.”
She looked around and bit her lip when she saw her mother being wheeled beyond a thick white door. A nurse stood there, papers in hand, waiting for Georgia.
Jordan felt something against his side and looked down. Adam, chewing on the edge of his coat collar and staring up with big brown eyes, leaned trustingly against Jordan’s thigh. His heart swelled with an indefinable affection. He put his hand on the boy’s downy head and said again, “You can trust me, Georgia.”
She wavered, probably aware she had few choices, then dropped to her knees. Pulling the coat collar from Adam’s mouth, she said, “If you have to use the bathroom, or get hungry, tell Mr. Sommerville, okay?”
Adam nodded, then gave her a huge hug. Lisa was next. “We’ll drink hot chocolate,” she said, mimicking Jordan.
Georgia’s smile was misty. “Okay, sweetie, but not too much. It’ll keep you awake.”
Adam tilted his head. “But we can’t sleep here, huh?”
“Sure you can.” Georgia grinned, kissed him again, then stood. “There’s probably a nice soft couch for you to get comfy on. If you get tired, just close your eyes and pretend you’re at home. And before you know it, I’ll be right back.”
Jordan watched her stride quickly to the desk, her legs looking absurdly long