I Do the Boss (Managing the Bosses Series, #5)(29)

"Of course." She clasped her hands in her lap and glanced over at Alex, who was watching her intently. Emotion slammed into her again, but she forced it to remain lodged in her throat instead of giving into another wave of crying.

"The bullet penetrated him right here." The doctor pressed his fingers to his own chest. "And went straight through. We've patched him up, but no using that right arm too much for a few weeks. No golfing or tennis or anything with that hand."

"I'm right here, Elijah," Alex chuckled and glanced back over at the doctor. “Sorry, Dr. Bennet.”

Elijah chuckled and winked at Jamie. "I realize that, but you're hardheaded. This woman here will keep you in line. I saw how she worked you last Christmas at the hospital fundraiser. What she says goes. No arguing." The doctor smiled. “Think you can keep him in line?”

"I will." She glanced over at Alex. "What's going on with his blood pressure? He’s been complaining of chest pains the past couple weeks."

Dr. Bennet made a note in his file. "Good to know. Ol’ Alex here wouldn’t have bothered to mention that.” He patted Jamie’s shoulder. “We're going to figure this out. I want to give him today to rest and then we'll run some tests starting tomorrow or the next day if he's up for it." Doctor Bennett ran his hand over his chest. "What’s causing the pain in your chest? Do you get it after you eat? When you’re lying down? Or during intense moments at work?"

Alex shook his head at each question, except the last. “I’ve noticed it at work.”

“More stress piled on top of all your others issues?”

"Nothing more than usual." Alex shrugged before flinching. He seemed to keep forgetting that he'd only been out of surgery for six hours at that point.

"There’s been a lot more stress." Jamie stood back up and walked to the bed. She needed to touch him, to be close to him. “The wedding, interviews, media backlash, an ex-investor trying to sue the company, my brother-in-law stirring up shit. He’s the bastard who shot Alex.”

Mark stood and pressed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Jamie, he’s in jail. He can’t touch you guys anymore. Everyone’s going to see him for what he really is.”

Jamie nodded and then shook her head. “This isn’t about me. We’re talking about Alex. His job takes up the day, most of the night, and most weekends. Dr. Bennet, I think it’s too much.”

“Jamie—”

She cut Alex off. “He won’t listen. He keeps saying next quarter he’ll slow down, but he doesn’t.”

"And his stress level on his best day is ten times more than ours on our worst days." Mark stepped back from Jamie, out of reach of Alex. "He needs to learn to let go a little. Can you give him a pill for that?"

The doctor chuckled. "No, but if the chest pains are a warning signing, they’re not to be taken lightly. Alex?” He waited for Alex to nod and then made a few clicks and taps on his iPad. “Here’s the plan. You guys can stay for a little while, but realize that he needs rest. A lot of it. He looks good, and he's a strong young man, but he's still lost a lot of blood. He needs to sleep."

“Damn brother always looks good,” Mark muttered and Jamie leaned over to elbow him.

She shook the doctor's hand before turning her attention back to Alex.

"Alright,” Mark said and pretended to check his phone. “I'm going to head out and give you crazy kids some time to yourself." He walked around to the other side of Alex and took his hand. "You alright?"

"Yeah. That shit was crazy. Thank you for being there. I haven't seen you tackle someone like that since high school," Alex smirked.

Mark rolled his shoulders and grunted a little. "Yep. I still got it."

Jamie rolled her eyes. "I'll call you later with an update. Can you feed Jake for me?"

"You're not staying here." Alex turned to pin her with a hard stare. "It's uncomfortable, and I'll be fine."

"I'm not going anywhere. Don't say another word about it." She returned the stare before looking up at Mark. "You okay with getting the dog?"

"Of course. I'll make sure to stop back by the office and check on everyone there too."

"Just shut it down for the rest of the day." Alex leaned back and closed his eyes. "Thanks, Mark."

"Anytime, brother." Mark moved over to give Jamie a quick hug. "Call if you need me to bring you some clothes."

"I will. Thank you for everything."

"Anytime." Mark turned and walked out as Jamie slipped her shoes off and took Alex's hand, lifting it to her lips to kiss his fingers.

"You scared me so damn bad. I don't know what I would—" her voice broke.

"Baby. Come here." Alex scooted over with a loud grunt.

"I can’t sit on the bed. You need to re—"

"Get in this bed and stop asking questions. We'll apologize later if we've broken any rules. I know you need me. Come here." He lifted his left arm and she carefully got into the bed with him and snuggled up to his side. "I'm going to be okay. Stephen isn't though. I can't believe that guy. What the f*ck was he thinking?"