“If that is the case, why didn’t someone come looking for me?” Her eyes glazed with instant tears and for just a moment I wanted to forget everything that had led up to this conversation and go back to the way things were before logic won.
“Hey, baby.” I stood, walked around and leaned my butt on the table. “Fear will only consume you if you let it.” I straightened and pulled her up to stand in the circle of my embrace. “I don’t want to see your future go to waste over nothing.” She dropped her gaze to the floor with a soft sob. I slid a finger under her chin and lifted it until her eyes met mine. “You know I won’t let anything happen to you, right?” Slowly, she nodded. “And I won’t force you into anything you don’t want?” Again, she nodded and I tightened my grip on her. “Just give it a try and if nothing comes of it, then we forget about it.” I coaxed, holding her against my chest, reveling in the feeling of her in my arms.
A moment was all I allowed myself before loosening my hold. Anything more and I’d capture her lips in a kiss that would require an oxygen tank on standby.
“I just want to be normal and thinking about a nonexistent past makes me feelnotnormal,” she whispered, brushing away her tears.
“You are normal. Considering the hell you put me through at times, I’m inclined to think you are abnormal.” I teased and was rewarded with a laugh. She punched me lightly on the chest and I faked a wince. She stuck out her tongue and for just one moment, everything else ceased to exist around us. Just me and her in an impenetrable bubble I could live in forever.
“Thank you,” her soft words pulled me out of my fantasy. “For always worrying about me. Making sure I’m taken care of, for putting me first as usual.”
“I will always take care of you.” I paused to swallow against the emotion clogging my throat. “Never forget that, okay?”
“I never will.” She kissed me lightly on the cheek.
Her scent of wild jasmine filled my nostrils, and I couldn’t help the deep inhale. For once, I wish I had the courage to kiss her on the mouth instead. What if she rejected me? My heart hammered in my chest. It would be so easy to make her mine, lay claim to that enticing smile. “Every life has a story to tell, Angel. Don’t be afraid to start afresh. You might love your new story.”
She smiled. “I’ll go see Dr Landers as long as you come with me.”
“I won’t have it any other way.” She stepped away from me and I felt the immediate loss of her warmth against my body. “I’ll give him a call and see when he can see us, okay?” At her nod, I reached for my phone lying on the table.
Ashrika
SINCE THE COMA, I HATEDhospitals. It reminded me of the bleakness I experienced those first few days after waking to discover I had no idea where I was let alone my identity. If it hadn’t been for Zayne who’d found me, I probably would’ve lost my nerve to live and take each day at a snail’s pace. The worst being my inability to move given the aftereffects of being in a coma for more than three years. Not only was Zayne a godsend but he possessed the patience of an angel and refused to give up even when I did.
Now, eyeing the gorgeous man in his dark suit and white button-down, standing next to me as we rode the elevator, I smiled. Although I’d been blessed with his name and care, I often wondered why he hadn’t tried anything serious. I knew I loved him, but I hadn’t questioned or pushed him for anything more. Perhaps he saw me as someone he’d sworn to take care of, perhaps not. Labeling our relationship wasn’t easy since he’d never given me any reason to try either. Sighing, I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. He returned the gesture, probably mistaking it for nerves.
I waited while Zayne chatted to the petite blonde receptionist. “Hi. Ashrika Morrone for Dr. Landers, please.”
“If you’ll wait a moment.” The receptionist flashed him an engaging smile, turned to the keyboard in front of her screen and typed. She glanced up a second later and gestured to the elevator across the foyer. “Third floor. Just give your name to the floor nurse and she’ll point you in the right direction.”
“Thank you.” He winked earning a soft laugh then headed for the elevator. He caught my smirk with a raised brow. “Can’t help it if I’m good-looking.” He smirked. I rolled my eyes and his lips twitched. Stepping into the cubicle my shoulders slumped and the anxiety started to work its way up my spine. “Relax, Angel.” He rubbed my lower back.
On the third floor, we proceeded down the passage. I surveyed the surroundings like it was hell itself. The sterile smell of chemicals, gray walls and the odd bed wheeling past us, did nothing to help my anxiety. By the time we reached Dr. Landers’ rooms, I was a nervous wreck. Even Zayne’s hand at my lower back, didn’t help. I took several deep breaths before we entered.
In total contrast to the vivid white and gray of the hospital passage, Dr. Landers' waiting room was tastefully furnished. Classy oak furniture enhanced by pastel blue walls, pale pink couches and some famous paintings. I never could understand my eye for historical art pieces. The office was fronted by Sandy, a short plump woman with freckled cheeks and cropped red hair and someone I’d loved chatting to on my previous visits. She glanced up from the file she was reading and offered us a cheery smile which put me at ease.
