What Hides Inside: Bay City Paranormal Investigations, Book 2

call her myself.”
“Andre tried the number listed in your cell,” Sam told him, lifting his hand and kissing his fingers. “It was out of service.”
“Yeah, she just got a new phone a couple of weeks ago. I never got around to programming the number in, but I think I remember it.” Wrinkling his nose, Bo made an irritated sound. “I can’t believe I didn’t think to mention that to you before, Sam.”
Sam didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Bo, you were halfway delirious with fever. I’m surprised you even remembered where the phone was, never mind Janine’s new cell number.”
The corners of Bo’s mouth curled into a sheepish smile. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Don’t take this wrong,” David said, “but why’d you get better all of a sudden?”
“I have no idea.” Bo’s brow furrowed. “Dr. Shore was in to see me a few minutes ago. He said it was almost like the infection just switched off all of a sudden. He couldn’t explain it. Said he’d like to give credit to the drugs they were giving me, but he couldn’t be sure. Hopefully they’ll know more when the results of my blood and wound cultures come back. Oh, by the way, Dean, did you take that…thing to your friend at the college? The doctor wants to know what they find out from autopsy and lab testing.”
“She’s working on it now. She said she’d call me as soon as she has any results.” Laying his hand on Bo’s shoulder, Dean smiled. “I know I haven’t been with this group long, Bo, but I consider you a friend as well as my boss, and I am incredibly happy to see you on the mend.”
Bo’s eyes shone. “Thanks, Dean. Hey, do y’all think you could keep this to yourselves for now? About Sam and me, I mean. I’m not going to hide who I am anymore”—Bo’s fingers tightened around Sam’s—“but I think we’re both more comfortable practicing a little discretion in who we tell.”
“So what you’re saying is, you don’t want Janine to find out,” David clarified, blunt as usual. “That’s cool. She’d totally use it against you.”
Before Bo could answer, a young nurse with a long blonde braid appeared in the doorway. Her eyebrows went up at the sight of Bo and Sam holding hands, but she didn’t comment. “Time’s about up, y’all.”
“Can’t they stay for a little while longer?” Bo pleaded.
The nurse shook her head. “I’m sorry, no. But Dr. Shore said we could move you out of the ICU tomorrow, if you do all right overnight. After that you can have visitors whenever you want.”
“We should really go and let Bo get some rest anyway,” Cecile said. “Bo, we’ll be back in the morning. Is there anything we can do? Anything you need?”
“You’re already finding my kids. That’s all I need.” Leaning forward, Bo took Cecile’s hand, pressing her fingers with his. “Thanks, all of you. For everything.”
“Sure thing, boss-man.” David’s voice sounded suspiciously rough, but his blue eyes twinkled. “You and Sam probably want a minute. We’ll wait outside.”
David, Dean and Cecile left, the nurse trailing behind them. She shot a frankly curious look at Sam and Bo as she shut the door.
Sam chuckled. “Does David even realize what a closet romantic he is?”
“Probably not. Luckily for him, I think Cecile knows it quite well.” Sitting up, Bo wound both arms around Sam’s neck. “Nurse Nosy is going to make you leave any second now.”
“I know.” Sam ran his thumb over Bo’s bottom lip. “Kiss me goodbye?”
In answer, Bo tilted his head and covered Sam’s mouth with his. Sam let out a breathy moan when Bo’s lips parted, tongue slipping out to twine with his. It was quite possibly the best kiss he’d ever had, in spite of the distinctly unromantic surroundings, because he’d come so close to losing Bo, and now Bo was back. He was going to be okay. Nothing could compare to that.
“Bye, Bo,” Sam whispered as they broke apart. He rose reluctantly to his feet, Bo’s hand still clasped in his. “I’ll see you in the morning, as soon as they’ll let me in.”
“Okay.” Smiling, Bo squeezed Sam’s hand before letting his fingers slip away. “See you then.”
Walking out that door was hard, but not as hard as it had been before. This time, he knew when he came back, Bo would still be there. It was a wonderful feeling. He’d never known what a magnificent thing a loved one’s continued presence could be.
As they left the ICU, Dean nudged Sam with his elbow.