Addison
THE DOCTORS WERE concerned about the swelling of Dylan’s brain, so they decided to keep her overnight for observation. Since I wasn’t about to let her stay there alone, Asher watched her while I went home to grab clothes, phone chargers, and pillows. I was still worried about leaving her, but Jake posted a guard outside Dylan’s room and, outside of medical staff, only Jake, Asher, andI were allowed inside. Confirmation, I suppose, of the fact that Jake really did take his job seriously.
I let myself into my apartment and disabled the alarm, then headed to Dylan’s room to pack a small bag. My doorbell pealed, and I almost ignored it. I wasn’t expecting anyone, and I really wanted to get back to the hospital.
The ring came again so I headed to the front door and peeked throughthe peephole. I sighed, dropping my head to the wood.
“Addison,” Jake called quietly. “I know you’re in there. Will you please open the door?”
I didn’t respond.
Moments passed before he added, “I saw you go in.”
I unlocked the door and yanked it open. “Stalk much?”
“Babe,” he breathed out, his tone irritated.
I shook my head. “Oh, hell no. You do not get to take that tone with me, JacobParker. I wish I knew your middle name, so I could—”
“William,” he provided.
“You do not get to take that tone with me, Jacob William Parker.” I crossed my arms to hide the fact my hands were shaking about as fast as my heart was racing. This man unsettled me unlike any man... anyone... before. “What do you want? I need to get back to the hospital.”
Jake smiled. “I want to apologize.”
“Great.I accept your apology.” I waved toward the door. “Now, I need to get back to Dylan.”
“That doesn’t sound overly convincing.”
I sighed, staring at the zipper on his jacket. “Jake, I’m sorry I’m not swooning at your feet, so unbelievably grateful that you’ve taken the time to come and apologize for treating me like shit. In case you’ve forgotten, my best friend is lying in a hospital bed afterbeing almost shot, so excuse me if I’m not really in the mood to placate you right now.”
“Eyes, Addison.”
I glanced up at him and had to look away. I liked him too much. I needed to shut this down. Protect myself. “I need to get back to the hospital.”
“Damn, baby, I’m sorry.”
