Page 66 (1/2)

“That was then This is now The pain’s a lot better And I don’t have the tiie I have work to do” Gingerly, she moved her arm, first up and down, then fro any more time because of a stupid scratch”

Derek didn’t bother contradicting Sloane’s absurdly downplayed description of her wound’s severity “Then don’t take the Percocet But you have to eat a decent meal When I called earlier, Jerry said that all you’d eaten was tea and toast”

“Speaking of Jerry, where is he? He’s supposed to provide security, not hory I’m nauseous”

“That’s theher protest, Derek rose and walked over to the kitchen counter “I sent Jerry home I’m now security and nurse’s aide rolled into one So, back to food I figure you should start with soht I picked up chicken soup and a turkey sandwich If you eat every bite and take your antibiotics like a good girl, then we can talk investigation—which I know you’re dying to do”

Sloane shot hi me?”

“I prefer to think of it as an incentive” Derek carried over the brown bag “There’s a plastic spoon and napkins inside Knock yourself out”

“What about you?”

“I grabbed so at work”

“Really?”

“I proot takeout for the squad I ate a pint of lo mein and a ton of ribs So I’m set”

“Okay” Sloane started with the soup, then began nibbling on the sandwich She had to ad her nausea but also clearing her th

She began to eat with more enthusiasm “Thank you,” she said between bites “This was really sweet of you Especially considering how bitchy I’”

“You’re entitled You went through a harrowing experience But I see signs of the nonbitchy-but-type-A Sloane shining through You’re on thesweet, what can I say? I’uy”

This time Sloane didn’t banter back She simply leaned forward and softly kissed him “Actually, you are”

He deepened the kiss for a few seconds, then reluctantly broke it off “Get better fast I miss you”