“It’s like he doesn’t care about me anymore.” Mary’s voice shook.
“That can’t be right,” Nicole said. “The two of you have been going out for three months now. He wouldn’t still be with you if he didn’t care.”
Mary released a heavy sigh, Frowning, she straightened, keeping hold of Nicole’s gaze.
“I hope you’re right. The past few days – even before your accident – he was acting distant. I think he’s looking elsewhere for a girlfriend.”
Nicole grasped her friend’s hands. “Will you stop this nonsense? Kent likes you. Sometimes couples have arguments. That’s just part of life. That’s what strengthens our appreciation for the other.”
Mary’s eyebrow arched as she cocked her head. “When did you become all knowledgeable on love relationships?”
Nicole laughed. “I’m not. It’s just what I feel.”
“Well, I’m done now.” Mary handed Nicole the mirror. “What do you think?”
Hesitantly, she peeked at her reflection. Relief spread over her. It wasn’t as bad as she thought. However, the gash on her forehead was still covered by medical tape, and her face still held a few bruises from where the airbag had rapidly inflated.
“It looks great. Thanks, Mary.” She looked past her friend toward the door. “Will you see when the doctor is coming to release me? I’m not a very patient person.”
Mary laughed as she placed the make-up back in Nicole’s make-up bag. “You’d think he would have realized that by now.”
“I know, right?” Nicole laughed.
When Mary left the room, Nicole stood and slowly walked to the window and back. Her strength was returning, but she knew she had to feel a lot stronger than this before going back to work. But she would only give herself one more day, and then she had to get to work.
“Hello, beautiful.”
Mick’s warm voice made her heart pitter-patter as she turned around toward the door. He looked so good-looking today, wearing another gray Armani suit. But it was more than his clothes that made him so handsome. It was the way his eyes sparkled when he gazed at her, and the way his smile was so sweet it made her heart melt.
“Mick,” she sighed. “What are you doing here? Mary is taking me home.”
“There’s been a change of plans. I’m going to take you to the funeral because afterward, we have an appointment with your grandfather’s attorney.”
“Oh, yes. The dreaded paperwork for my inheritance.”
He nodded and walked up to her. He took hold of her hands and brought them to his mouth, kissing her knuckles. “I’ll be there with you the whole time. You won’t have to go through this alone.”
“Mick, you have been so wonderful to me. And I haven’t been the nicest person to deal with.”
“That’s all in the past. I don’t want to think of those bad days. We’re moving on to better days ahead.”
She sighed, thinking about her grandfather’s company – soon to behercompany – again. “I hope you’re right. I’m almost ready to give up on my inheritance.”
“No, sweetheart. I won’t let you. You deserve everything – and much more.”
The doctor chose that moment to walk into the room. Nicole broke away from Mick so that she could talk to the doctor. Not more than ten minutes later, she left with Mary and Mick. They reached his car, and Mary helped her inside before squeezing her hands.
“I’ll see you at the funeral.” Mary’s eyes watered.
“Okay. See you soon.”
Mick climbed into his car and moved to put it in gear, but Nicole reached over and touched his hand, stopping him. “Before we go anywhere, will you do something for me?”
“Of course. Anything your heart desires.”
He said the sweetest words, and she loved hearing them. “I’ve been waiting for two full days for you to kiss me again, and I can’t wait another—”
Before she could finish her sentence, he’d cupped her face and placed his mouth over hers. She moaned a sigh of satisfaction and moved her lips with his. She wanted to show him through her kiss just how much he meant to her, but here in his car wasn’t the place. At least his kiss would tide her over until later.
