“For the most part.”
She was quiet again. “Does he feel the same? Like honestly, truly feels the same?”
“Yes.” Or he did.
“Then I don’t see why anyone needs to know.” She shocked me into sitting up straight.
“What?”
“He wasn’t a patient when you two got together, and you just said you never really saw him as a patient.” She shrugged. “It’s a gray area to be sure, but as long as you didn’t start dating until after I don’t think I have to say anything. And I’m pretty sure no one else in the office saw you with him. Did you ever sign anything or send in any paperwork for him?”
I shook my head. “No.”
“Then, as far as I know you met a soldier and fell in love.” Aspen smiled.
“But I screwed everything up, and I’m sure he’s done with me.”
“Are you sure about that?” She asked.
I wasn’t sure about anything. Stewart was a great guy, but I’d seen the hurt in his eyes when he left.
“There has to be something you can do or say.” Aspen encouraged just as Ellie brought out our burgers. “I mean, if he loves you, I’m sure he’ll forgive you. He seemed like a pretty stand-up kind of guy to me. The way he kept going on and on about getting back to take care of his team.”
Baby, if you need me, I don’t give a shit who knows about us. I’m going to be there. I won’t let you go through something without me if I can help.
“I have an idea, but it’s a little sneaky.” I lifted my hand to get Ellie’s attention.
Aspen laughed. “Sneaky can be fun.”
I asked for a to go box when Ellie returned. “I think I have to go for it.”
“A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.”
I packed up my burger and fries and left money on the table. “Talk to you later?”
“Go get him.”
I walked out and pulled my phone from my pocket.
“Hello.” Nate answered.
“Hey, it’s me.” I got in my car. “Can you do me a favor?”
Chapter 15
Stewart
“Rita.” I pounded on her door. My chest ready to crack open. She had to be alright. She had to be.
“Baby, open the door.” I didn’t stop. What if our fight was the last time I got to talk to her? What if I lost her? What if she’d needed me and I wasn’t there all because of some stupid pride?
“Rita, please, baby.” I shouted. She had to be okay. “I swear I’m going to kick this fucking thing in if you don’t open the damn door.” My hand was starting to hurt, but I didn’t care. Not when she could be lying there dying and I needed to get to her.
I backed up, ready to follow through on my threat, when the door opened and she was there.
“Thank god.” I had her in my arms in record speed. “What happened? Are you alright?” I ran my hands up and down her back. I wanted to check her out for injuries, but I couldn’t let her go.
“I’m fine.”
