Remember our first date?
She texts back before I can even put my phone away.
Alley
Of course I do. That was the best first date I’d ever had.
I grin like an idiot.
I remember how determined I was to get you to fall for me. To be the one who made you smile. To hear your laugh again… To bring you home. I knew I wouldn’t sleep again until you were my girlfriend.
I pause, press send, then add?—
It’s the same determination I feel now.
I don’t wait for a response. I might not get one after that. At least not right away.
I hail a cab and slide into the backseat, then turn toward the window, staring out as the city blurs past.
I just want the next eight hours to fly by.
I can’t fucking wait to see her.
“Come on,Michael and Stella will be here soon. You need to get out of here. Let’s go do something,” I say, practically begging.
I’d be fine doing nothing, as long as I’m with her. But she needs this—fresh air, a change of scenery—something that doesn’t involve antiseptics and shitty hospital food.
I also don’t want to be here when her brother shows up. I’m not quite ready for that encounter.
I’ve faced her dad, was even here when Leo and Adam stopped by, but big brother? I expect Michael to be the least forgiving of all.
No thank you.
Not yet.
She looks up from her Kindle—some smutty romance, I’m sure. It’s what she’s always reading.
Craig chimes in. “He’s right. You need a break. You’ve hardly left my side this whole time. Now go on. Do something for you.”
She feigns offense. “Rude.” Her eyes flick between her dad and me. With a resigned sigh, she finally gives in. “Fine. I’ll go.” She stands, pointing a finger at her dad. “But only because Michael’s on his way.”
“Good. Get out of here,” her dad says with a chuckle.
She bends down and kisses her dad’s cheek. “Call the nurses if you need anything before he gets here.”
“Jesus,” he mutters. “I’m a grown man. I can take care of myself.”
She shoots him a look as she turns to me, her brows raised. I meet her gaze with a grin.
I’m beyond excited to get her out of this damn hospital. Even if it’s just for a few hours.
“Alright. Let’s go,” she says, grabbing her coat.
I open the door and follow her to the elevator.
“Where are we going?” she asks as the doors slide open. “We already ate dinner and it’s zero degrees outside.”
“Don’t you worry about it.”
