Chapter 27

“Okay, can I just say goodbye? I won’t take long. I promise,” Cade asks, and Arkady doesn’t know about nurse Mia, but Arkady couldn’t say no to those big brown eyes.

“Five minutes, then I’ll come back. Your boyfriend needs to rest,” Mia says firmly.

“Okay.” Cade nods and waits till Mia leaves to close the gap again. He puts his left hand on Arkady’s, threading their fingers together.

“I can come help you pack some stuff up tomorrow when they let you out, if you like,” Cade says.

“You don’t have to, but I would like to see you,” Arkady replies.

“Well, then let me help, and afterward, maybe I can take you for lunch?” Cade asks, and Arkady is so glad Cade hasn’t been scared off.

“I’ll need a turtleneck before I go out, but I’d like that,” Arkady says, touching his sore neck lightly.

“Or a scarf, if you don’t want stares,” Cade jokes, and Arkady frowns. “You scowled? Too soon to joke?” Cade asks.