Free Second Chance Hero by Winnie Griggs

I’ve had my rest, I’m thinking clearer and I believe it’s better if I go on home.” He shifted, feeling at a distinct disadvantage dressed in this ridiculous nightshirt.
    She crossed her arm like a schoolmarm confronting an unreasonable child. “Uncle Grover, as an experienced physician, would certainly know better than you how to deal with your injuries. And he has stated that it’s important for someone to keep an eye on you for at least twenty-four hours.”
    He shrugged. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Then, before she could throw another argument at him, he added, “You may consider me foolhardy if you wish, but regardless of you or your uncle’s warnings, I plan to head home as soon as you leave so I can get dressed.”
    He held her gaze, refusing to back down, hoping she’d give in to his determination. If she only knew the truth about him, she’d be showing him to the door rather than trying to convince him to stay.
    Finally, the authoritative frown slipped from her expression and a furrow of uncertainty creased her brow in its place. “I see. You obviously feel quite strongly on the matter.” She slid a stray tendril of hair behind her ear. “Have we done something to offend you? Made you feel unwelcome or uncomfortable in some way?”
    â€œNo, of course not.”
    â€œThen I don’t understand. Why the sudden change of attitude and the rush to be gone from here?”
    What could he say? That he was no longer comfortable here not because of anything they’d done but because of what
he’d
done, because of the kind of man he was? If he said that, he’d have to give her the whole sordid story, and this wasn’t the time or place for that. If he was lucky, that time would never come. “I just don’t want to be a bother,” he said feebly. Then he waved a hand in near surrender. “If you’re certain it won’t put you or the doctor out...”
    Her smile returned, as if he’d just given her a wonderful gift. “That’s settled, then—we’ll have no more talk of your leaving today.” She became businesslike again. “Shall I help you get settled back in the bed?”
    Nate shook his head, doing his best to not put her out more than he had to. “I’m tired of being a slugabed. I think I’ll get dressed and sit up for a while.”
    He saw the objection form on her lips, but then she seemed to think better of it. “As long as you don’t wear yourself out, I don’t see any harm in that.” She crossed the room to retrieve his change of clothing.
    As she brought it over to him, she took a quick look around the room. “If you’re going to be sitting up for a while, the most comfortable option may be to use the wheeled chair. I can put a pillow at your back to make it more comfortable.”
    â€œWhatever you think best.” He might as well capitulate completely.
    She wheeled the chair next to him, then retrieved a pillow from the spare bed and plumped it up against the back of the chair. Then she turned back to him with one fist planted on her hip. “I would tell you not to take advantage of the added mobility this chair gives you,” she said, her tone dry, “but I know I’d probably be wasting my breath. So instead I’ll tell you to be careful you don’t put any strain on that left arm of yours.”
    Was that actually a hint of amusement in her eyes? Surely the straitlaced widow wasn’t teasing him.
    â€œDo you need help with anything else?” she asked.
    â€œI think I can manage.”
    â€œVery well.” She waved toward the bell pull. “Just remember to give that a tug if you find you do need something.”
    As he watched her leave, he decided that what he most needed was to get away from here as soon as possible.
    Otherwise, his resolve to keep his distance from the intriguing—and now