Gray's Domain: Purgatorium Series, Book Two by Eva Pohler

pretending to be her nurse, so you can rest assured your father is getting proper care.”
    “I don’t want to continue.”
    “What?”
    “I’m afraid for my mom and dad’s health. The shark attack was way too hard on them.”
    Hortense smiled. “You don’t give them enough credit. From what I see on my screen, you father’s EKG is normal.”
    “What screen?”
    “I told you,” Hortense sat on her high-back chair. “I am aware of everything that happens on this island. I have eyes and ears everywhere.”
    “Live-stream cameras?”
    “That’s right. Perhaps I’ll show you.”
    “Now?”
    “Not now. Soon.”
    Tears of relief over her father’s normal EKG spilled from Daphne’s eyes. She wanted to sit down, but she didn’t want to get the green chenille chair wet.
    Hortense interrupted Daphne’s thoughts. “I just received an email indicating that your father’s chest pains and palpitations were likely caused by a panic attack. There’s no evidence of heart trouble. He’s been given a mild sedative and told to take it easy tomorrow.”
    “So no more games.”
    “We’ll give him tomorrow off, but he’ll be fine after that.” Hortense crossed her arms. “Can you not appreciate the incredible progress the three of you have already made in your relationship? The therapy is working. There’s no reason to abort. Your father’s panic attacks are manageable, and his heart is fine. We’ll move on as planned.”
    Daphne bit on her lower lip. The doctor spoke the truth. Progress had been made. Maybe Daphne should do as Cam had said and trust Hortense.
    “Do you have any other questions or concerns, Daphne?”
    She shook her head. “No, ma’am. Thank you.” With that, Daphne left the room.
    Back in her cabana, after a warm shower and a quick visit from her parents and Brock, Daphne snuggled under the covers, in her pj’s, with her poetry journal, reflecting on the day. She had to admit that she and her parents had not interacted like they had today since before Kara’s death. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to think about those days, when they were a happy family. She missed Kara and Joey so much. She had missed her parents, too, but for the first time in two years, she felt like she was with them again—not just living in the same location, but together, really together in spirit.
    She wrote:
    This time when I reach for you,
    I know that you are there.
    I feel you smiling down on me,
    I feel you everywhere.
    She was about to drift off when she heard a soft rap at her door. She pulled the hoodie over her head, climbed from the covers, and peered through the window. It was Brock.
    “Hey,” she said, opening the door.
    “Hey. I couldn’t sleep. Can I stay here tonight?” He smelled clean in his t-shirt and basketball shorts, his hair neatly combed.
    She gave him a radiant smile and said, “I’d like that.”
    Chapter Six: Caught on Tape
     
    The sun slanted through the front windows, creating two bright lines across the bed and Brock’s back. Daphne lifted her hand and reached toward the stripes of sunshine, making shadows on the comforter. Her legs were warm up against Brock, her toes tucked beneath his shin. He was lightly snoring on his stomach, his arms bent over his pillow above his head, his face turned toward her. She studied the tanned bicep, visible beneath the short-sleeved t-shirt. Then she looked at his dark lashes lying softly against his cheeks, his thin nose and his open, thick lips.
    God, she loved him.
    His lids fluttered open and his eyes met hers, which she widened with surprise before she pulled the covers over her head—her bald head. She had removed the hoodie during the night and had slept in a tank top. Why oh why hadn’t she put it back on as soon as she had awakened?
    “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice hoarse and low.
    “Don’t look at me.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous.”
    “I’m not.”
    “You do realize you’re still beautiful, don’t