7

The chair turned bed wasn’t made for a good night’s sleep, that was for sure. Otto sat up and groaned, rubbing his eyes as a nurse stepped into the room, all sickeningly bright-eyed and singing to herself. She wasn’t the same one from last night—actually, she was so young she might be a student nurse. Either way, he couldn’t deal with perky before polishing off a cup of joe.

Rip snored softly, still dead to the world, and hugged his pillow tighter. Otto grinned, just a glance at the young man making him less grumpy. He wasn’t sure how Rip could be all cute and sexy, with his hair all messed up and that ugly hospital gown hanging off his shoulder, but he wouldn’t mind waking up to that handsome mug every morning.

Preferably in his bed. Both of them drained from getting hot and heavy, rather than from a fully clothed dip in the lake.

“Aww shit.” Speaking of clothes, Rip wouldn’t have any clean ones to put on. Otto shook his head when the nurse stared at him. “Sorry, I just thought of something. He getting out soon?”

“He should be released once the doctor has a moment to see him. I’m just going to check his vitals, but so far so good.” She smiled as Rip groggily lifted his head. “Good morning, Mr. Martinez. How are we feeling?”

“Better.” Rip cleared his throat. Then brought his hand to his side with a wince. “Sore, but that’s normal, right?”

“Yes, you have a few bruised ribs, and your throat will be raw for a little while.”

“But I can go?”

“As soon as the doctor signs your release. He has several other patients to check on though, so it might be another hour.”

“Perfect.” Otto pushed off the chair, quickly stretching the stiffness out of his spine and laughing when Rip stared at him. “There’s a few stores down the block. I’ll pick you up something to change into.”

Rip’s cheeks reddened. He glanced at the nurse, then back again. “Ah, thanks, man. You can grab my credit card out of my wallet and—”

“I’ve got it. You can pay me back later.” Otto schooled his features and kept his tone light. He had a feeling Rip didn’t want the nurse to think they were together.

Which was fine. They weren’t.

Stung a little after the flirting last night, but he’d been around guys in the closet before. Best bet was to play along.

“I don’t think your girlfriend will get here before you’re released. I’ll get your clothes, then drive you home.” He sounded pretty normal. Just a concerned friend, right? He forced a smile. “Unless you still want to get that coffee?”

Rip frowned, looking confused. He inhaled roughly. “Definitely want coffee. And we still need to discuss Buster.”

At least he didn’t forget the dog. Otto inclined his head. “Sounds good. I won’t be long.”

Just as he reached the door, a woman in a crisp, gray skirt suit, dark brown hair pulled back in a tight up-do, burst into the room. A tall, balding man with the same distinct green eyes as Rip followed, neither noticing him as they rushed over to the bed.

“Rupert, how are you feeling? Did Dr. Kline come see you?” The woman bent over to kiss Rip’s forehead. “We would have been here sooner, but we didn’t figure out who called until early this morning. We got on the jet as fast as we could. Why didn’t you answer your phone?”

The jet? Damn. Otto assumed these were Rip’s parents.

Now was the perfect time to make himself scarce.

Giving his mother a quick hug, Rip let out a soft laugh. “I think my phone ended up in the river. And the doctor here took very good care of me, Mom.” He caught Otto’s eye before he could escape, his lips parting in a smile that made Otto’s heart stutter. “Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet the man who saved my life. Otto, these are my parents.”

The man with Rip’s eyes immediately stepped up to Otto and offered his hand. His grip as they shook was firm, but not a macho test of strength. He chuckled before pulling Otto into a tight hug. “Thank you. I don’t even want think about what would have happened if you weren’t there.”

“I’m glad I was there.” Otto felt like an awkward teenager, meeting his boyfriend’s father for the first time. Which was odd, since Rip wasn’t his boyfriend. Still, he cleared his throat and used his most respectful tone. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both, sir. Ma’am. I was about to go grab Rip some clothes, but I guess—”

“I’ll send the driver to buy him something.” Mrs. Martinez’s had a sharp, commanding voice. Her smile was all business as she turned to Otto and offered her hand for a quick shake. “As my husband said, thank you for helping our son. I’d like to compensate you for your efforts.” She pulled out her wallet. “Such a good deed should be rewarded. I’m sure you know who my son is?”

Otto’s lips thinned as he took a step back. What the hell? Did she want to pay him for saving a man’s life? And what the fuck did who Rip was have to do with anything?

He shook his head as she held out a check. He didn’t even bother checking the amount. “Thank you, ma’am, but there’s no need. I should go.”

Before he could make tracks and get away from the awkward situation, he heard Rip whisper his name.

Turning, he did his best to force a smile.

Rip’s cheeks were beet red, and his lips moved soundlessly at first. Then he took a deep breath. “I’ll call you as soon as I get home.”

“Sounds good.”

“I’ll need your number.”

Face heating, Otto patted his pockets, all too aware of Rip’s parents watching him. He shot the nurse a grateful smile when she handed him a pen and a sheet of paper. He jotted down his number and handed it to Rip. Along with his car keys—he’d almost forgotten he had those.

“I have a few clients today, so I won’t be taking any calls. But I’m free tonight.” Why did he have to add that? Things weren’t weird enough?

But Rip simply smiled. “Sounds good. Talk to you then.”

Mumbling goodbye to Rip’s parents and the nurse, Otto slipped out of the room without another glance at the man he’d saved. He couldn’t meet his eyes again. Another smile and he wouldn’t have been able to leave.

Damn it, as uncomfortable as Rip’s mother had made him, he didn’t want to leave now.