“That isn’t fair. You don’t know him.”
“And he let you pass out.”
“I’m responsible for myself. Let’s not forget that.” I snapped.
“You didn’t eat.”
“Do you know how many people forget to eat? I wasn’t trying to pass out. I didn’t want to fuck up everyone’s night and end up here.” He opened his mouth, but I threw my hand up to stop him. Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm down.
He grabbed the chair and pulled it beside the bed. Plopping down, he gave me a small smile. “I’m failing at this brother thing, aren’t I?”
I shook my head, reaching for his hand. “Jake, if it wasn’t for you, I would probably be dead. You did far more than any kid or brother was expected to do.”
“Sometimes I wish Mom wasn’t such a screw-up. Then at least I would have some sort of guidance here and know what to do. What to say.” His eyes shimmered. I haven’t seen Jake cry much, but when he does, it breaks my fucking heart. He carriesthe whole world on his shoulders, and I wish for once I could be the one to take care of him.
“I think we came out pretty great if you ask me.” I shrugged.
“You really think so?”
“I know so,” I smiled. “But I’m going to need you to stop being an ass to Connor. I also want you to go get him.”
“What?”
“Please.” I gave him the puppy dog eyes that had worked for as long as I could remember.
He gave me a small huff but thankfully didn’t fight it. Before leaving the room, he promised he’d be back up to see me before they released me to take me home. Connor knocked softly on the door. When he walked through, I swear it was like the man had been up for days. Everything about him was a mess, and I wasn’t sure if I liked that he was that worried over me or annoyed that yet another person thinks that I can’t take care of myself.
I watched his every move as he walked up to my bed and placed my hand in his. I squeezed back, giving him a reassuring smile. “Gonna take a lot more than some low blood sugar to take me out.”
“Oh, Little Fighter.” He smirked, and I think for just a split second my heart stopped beating.
“I’m sorry if Jake was an asshole to you. He can be… protective.”
“It’s okay. If you were mine, I’d be protective of you, too.” He winked.
I felt my cheeks heat up. Looking away, I bit my bottom lip. It was a good thing I was in the hospital in case I passed out again. “Aren’t you already protective?”
“In all the ways that matter,” he whispered.
“Thank you.”
“Always, I mean that.” He bent down to place a soft kiss on my forehead.
I’m not sure how a guy I only met a short while ago could have me responding like this. One thing was certain, though, and it was that I liked Connor.
“At least you no longer ruined the date? It was for sure me.” I laughed, trying not to show him how much the silly forehead kiss that probably meant nothing to him affected me.
“Fuck, are you kidding? Best date of my life,” he grinned.
“Does that mean I get a second date?” I asked quietly, hopeful he’d say yes.
“Promise it won’t be at the hospital?”
“Promise.” I think I would promise him my soul if it meant I had another chance with him. I was coming to learn that Connor wasn’t nearly as cold as he put out. He cared, but he was closed off and scared. I could understand that. I mean, look at what he’s been through. I think any person would be fucked up after that. He had the power to hurt me, and I knew that, but something told me he only ever said things he meant.
“Can I get out of here now?” I pouted.
Hospitals weren’t my thing. I hated being here, and considering I was feeling better, I was ready to leave. I was able to eat and have some water without any issues, and my blood sugar returned to normal, meaning I should be able to leave. All I wanted to do was go home, get into my comfy pajamas, and go to sleep.
