Chapter 27

Lauren stirred. Chase opened his eyes to the early morning sunlight shining through the blinds. He looked at her beautiful face. Though marred on one side, she was as flawless to him as the day he'd met her at Rosie's Diner. Her hand moved on his chest and played with a patch of hair. He put his arm around her and pulled her closer, ran his hand through her luxurious hair, and pushed it behind her ear. She groaned but didn't open her eyes.

"How are you feeling this morning, sleepyhead?" He caressed her arm.

"I hurt all over. I know he only hit my face, but I must have landed hard on the ground."

"You need to rest and let your body heal. Even Doc said so."

"Uh-huh." She moaned as she wiggled deeper into the blankets.

"We'll have to get up soon and start back to the ranch. I'll go get your prescriptions at the drugstore while you get a hot shower. You'll feel much better then, I'm sure." He attempted to sit up, but she held him close.

"Do we really have to go? Can't we stay here a