"I need to give Nicole time to get well. They plan on doing something and I think they wanted her out the way in order to do it." He passed his brother the information about Parker Mills. "Find out what he has to do with the business without getting up Lynne's suspicion, would you?"
"That's fine." James stood up. "You'll owe me a big birthday gift, brother."
"You'll get a kick in the ass."
James hooted amused. "I'll pass."
#### Two evenings later, she slowly opened her eyes and just stared up at the wall. He watched her from across the room not drawing any attention to him. She looked around the bed and the dimly lit room. Ethan knew he could not be seen in the dark corner.
Sitting up, she pushed the covers away and inspected the I-V in her arm. After a few moments, she yanked the needle from there, then tried to move, but gasped and flushed all over.
"I wouldn't be so quick to do anything," he said from his corner.
She turned sharply in his direction. Ethan came forward and sat up on the bed. "The nurse will be here in an hour to check on you. She'll take off the catheter."
Her throat was dry and he knew this. There was a cold pitcher of water next to the bed and he filled it for her in a glass, and then handed it to her. "You've been sleep for a couple of days. You had a fever the first night, but it went away. Dr. Desmond said you'll feel like shit, but he gave you a shot of antibiotics. The nurse will be able to take care of any other concerns when she comes."
She nodded but there was still a lot of questions in her eyes.
Lightly, he kissed her cheek. "Cleo's coming over when she gets off at one. I told her it was alright although I didn't know you'd be awake then. Get some rest." He pointed to a bell on the table next to her. "If you need anything, just ring. There was a small infection in your throat which is why it feels like you swallowed a million nails."
Again she nodded and smiled softly.
He started to leave the bed, but she took his hand to hold him there. Leaning over, she kissed his check and whispered, "Thank you."
It was his turn to blush. When he got up this time, she let him as she lay down. She was asleep before he returned to his chair. He moved it closer to the bed while he waited for the nurse to come.