Promises Part 1 (Bounty Hunters #1)(28)

As his guys cleared out of the room, Duke’s last thoughts weighed him down. Vaughan hadn’t come back like he’d promised. Quick told him Vaughan was working on a very big case, while still trying to visit Duke. He’d felt like shit. He hadn’t exactly welcomed Vaughan when he’d first shown up earlier. He’d been ready to tell Vaughan to stay away until Dr. Chauncey delivered the great news. His cell phone rang beside his bed and Duke had no clue how long he’d sat there lost in thought.

Vaughan’s name showed up on the caller ID and Duke’s heart fluttered. He juggled the phone with his bad arm before he got it under control enough to answer. “Hey,” he said quietly.

“Hey yourself. How you doing, handsome?”

Oh, god. Vaughan’s voice was like a soothing balm. It was late in the evening and Vaughan had thought about him. Thought enough to call him. “I’m doing, ya know. Your dad just left a little while ago.”

“I know. He told me he was heading over to see you. He hasn’t sounded so happy in ages. But. Enough about him. I need to talk about you. I’m so anxious for this to be past us so we can get back on track,” Vaughan declared softly.

Duke cleared his suddenly dry throat. “Back on track?” Jesus. Was Vaughan still considering them? Damn, he hoped so. The man could make him fly like nothing else, and all he’d done was say a few romantic lines, and briefly brush his lips with his.

“Yes.” Vaughan’s voice was dark and deep. “You still owe me a date, handsome, and I fully intend to collect.”

Duke smiled. “Well, I like to pay what I owe.”

Vaughan let loose a sadistic chuckle that had Duke’s balls tingling. “Oh, you will pay. Over. And over. And over, honey.”

Duke had to take a few calming breaths. Getting an erection with a catheter was never pleasurable. Yeah. Mornings sucked. “Jesus, Vaughan.”

“Mmm. Okay.” Vaughan’s laugh lost its seductive edge. “I’ll behave… for now.”

Duke sighed, wishing Vaughan had been able to stay longer today, but he said he had to get back to the office. He hoped he’d get to see his gorgeous face before they wheeled him into the OR in the morning. He felt like such an old man. The whole mess had happened because he was working hard and ended up taking on three people by himself. Some may consider him brave, but he felt foolish.

“Why are you so quiet?” Vaughan spoke up.

“Just thinking.”

“About?”

Truthfully. “You. Me. Us. The Surgery. Life.”

“That’s a lot.”

“Yes, and it’s complicated.”

“Hopefully, I’m the easy part.” Vaughan’s grin could almost be heard.

“Actually you’re the most complex. I want to understand you… but.” Duke tried unsuccessfully to say what he meant. But anytime he was faced with Vaughan, he couldn’t understand what the man wanted with him? Duke was much older, set in his ways, needy and under-loved, starved for affection and on top of all that… he was laid up. What the hell was Vaughan thinking?

“But… you still don’t get why I want you, huh?”

“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be cynical here.”

“Well, you’re not doing a very good job. You’re amazing, Duke. I’ve watched you for years.”

Duke snorted. Amazing? How?

“You said I could have a chance. You said – when you thought you were dying – that you would’ve given me a chance. But now that you’re gonna live—”

“Might live.”

“Gonna live,” Vaughan said sternly. “Are you rethinking this… us?”

“Vaughan.”

“For the love god, Duke. I’m doing every—” Vaughan stopped midsentence.

“Doing what?” Duke prompted when Vaughan paused. “What are you doing?”

“Praying every minute that you haven’t changed your mind.” Vaughan’s voice had gone to that sweet, low timbre that Duke loved. That he couldn’t refuse.

“I haven’t.” Baby. How can I? “I’ll give you as much time as you need.” Just don’t hurt me, Vaughan.

“That’s what I needed to hear.” Vaughan laughed before sobering quickly. “Sweetheart, I’m gonna come by and see you pretty early and then I have a flight to catch at nine. My job is sending me on assignment already. Can you believe that?”

Duke frowned. Vaughan sounded weird. Unsure. Assignment. “Where are you going?”

“Um. Miami. They want me to go with the lead attorney to interview a witness that left the jurisdiction. It shouldn’t take more than a few days, and then I’ll be right back by your side. I promise. My dad said he’d keep me posted, since I’m sure you’ll be concentrating on recovering.”

“Of course. I’m glad your job is entrusting you with so much responsibility already.” Duke’s gut twisted. He wanted to see Vaughan’s face before and after his surgery, but he guessed that wasn’t going to be possible. The man had to work, right? But wasn’t this more important? He had to stop this. This needy shit. That’s what ran Judge off. Vaughan couldn’t hold his hand every minute. Duke was scared, though. He’d admit it to himself, if no one else.