Chapter 18
Chapter 18
After Emma left, it was just Kaylee and William in the small treatment room.
She helped him carefully remove his shirt.
The fluorescent lights were typical hospital issue. Much brighter than his bedroom’s soft lighting. The harsh glare filled the small space, making the scars on his back even more vivid.
Kaylee studied them professionally.
Her medical experience told her these scars had formed over many years. Old wounds hadn’t healed before new ones appeared. The lighter ones weren’t necessarily more superficial – just older. Children’s bodies heal better than adults‘, leaving fewer scars.
And these marks seemed to come from different sources…
William noticed her examining his scars but said nothing.
He sat perfectly still.
Kaylee refocused, administering the local anesthetic. Once it took effect, she efficiently completed the sutures.
“The new stitches will take longer to heal, about three to four weeks,” she said while applying the bandage. We’ll need to change the dressing regularly and keep it clean for optimal healing.”
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Thinking of his other scars, she added: “With proper care, this won’t leave a scar.”
William’s lips curved slightly. “Good. I’ll get your schedule from the hospital for regular wound care.”
“Of course. I’ll be there for all my shifts, no absences.”
Kaylee knew his wound had reopened because of her. Taking responsibility was the least she could do.
After finishing the bandaging and helping him dress, she added, “You should technically avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and seafood while healing. But if you can’t skip business dinners, just try to moderate.”
She’d given Alex the same advice before.
She remembered his irritated response, “If I followed all your rules, I might as well stop living.”
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She guessed William wouldn’t appreciate the lecture either. Well, she’d said her piece – whether he listened was up to him.
William stood from the chair, adjusting his belt. He met her eyes with a slight smile. “Doctor’s orders.”
Such a simple, common phrase.
Yet something about his agreeable tone made her cheeks flush.
Kaylee busied herself cleaning up the medical supplies before leaving with him.
Emma was waiting in the hallway. She walked them to the ER entrance.
“Thanks so much,” Kaylee said warmly. “Let’s grab dinner in a few days and catch up properly.”
“Of course,” Emma smiled. “Take care of your boyfriend first. Dinner can wait – we’ve gone this long without catching up, what’s another day or two?
“Boyfriend?”
1/2
Chapter 18
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Kaylee stopped short.
Emma nodded toward William. “No need to be shy about it. Isn’t this that boyfriend you kept talking about in college? The one who was always too busy to visit?”
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