Page 20 of King

“Phoenix?” I snapped my gloves off and threw them in the bin along with everything else and cleaned up my workstation.

“I’ll be back with your splint.” I spun on my heels and left the cubicle. I held my breath as I made my way to the store cupboard where we kept everything. I found the size he needed and took it from the wrapping. I ignored Danny and Ethan as I went back in and turned back to Jacob. “Can I have your hand?”

“You can have whatever you want.”

“Just your hand, please.” I tried to remain professional. He held out his right hand and I fitted his splint for size, luckily it fit the first time. “Okay, you’re free to leave. Don’t forget to make the appointment at the main desk before you leave.

“Thank you,”

“No problem,” I nodded and gave him a small smile. As I went to step back, he stopped me, his good hand caught hold of my wrist. I glanced down at his fingers wrapped around my arm before I met his stare.

“Please talk to me, Nix.”

“I can’t.” I peeled his fingers back from my arm.

“Is there something between you and that doctor?”

“No, we’re friends, not that it has anything to do with you.”

I ended our conversation there and left the cubicle. My feet couldn’t carry me away quick enough and before I knew it, I found myself in the patient toilets and locked myself away. How dare he ask me that? I ran the cold tap and splashed water on my face. I needed to get out of here, but maybe if I could hide myself away in here for long enough, I would miss Jacob leaving. It was an idea, but not a good one. I pulled a paper towel down from the roll and wiped my face and hands before I left.

I’d been back on the desk and in the department for half an hour, finally my shift had finished and I was handing over to the night staff before I could escape. I’d done a sixteen-hour day and was exhausted.

I quickly grabbed my things and left. As I walked out of the exit, I was so relieved to be out of there and away from Jacob, that I stopped dead and blew out a heavy sigh. Seeing him tonight brought so many feelings back to the surface. Feelings and emotions that I’d pushed deep down inside. I couldn’t afford to let him back in and ruin all the work I’d done to grow.

My head leant against the wall and my eyes closed. Forget about him now, Phoenix. You got through it; you did your job. I told myself that over and over until I’d opened my eyes and forced my feet to move towards my car.

As I turned the corner I wasn’t looking where I was going and walked straight into a hard chest. “Oh shit,” I almost bounced back as I looked up and saw Jacob smirking.

“Fuck’s sake, Jacob.” I panted. “I thought you’d left already.”

“I had to wait. I had to talk to you.” He ground out.

“No, Jacob. No. I can’t do this again. I told you that earlier.”

We stared at each other, but I refused to back down. I’d grown up since we parted. I was a different person, but his hands moved towards my face much quicker than I could get the words to form. His hands held me as his lips touched mine. And as he kissed me, a part of me told me I should savour it, yet another part of me questioned my sanity. Jesus, his lips felt so good.

He brought the kiss to an end and rested his forehead against mine. “I miss you, Nix.”

“Jay…”

“No,” he kissed me again cutting me off. “I still love you, Nix. Please tell me we can work this out. I refuse to be apart from you any longer.” He smelt so good, and I wanted to bottle up his scent and take it home with me. My forehead fell against his chest and his large hand cupped the back of my head. “We can do this, Nix; I just want us again.”

I lifted my head and looked up at him, my teeth chewing on my top lip as I studied his beat-up face. “We’re good together, Nix. We always were.”

My head shook as a heavy sigh fell from my lips and I stepped back. “Jacob, I can’t.” I turned my back and walked away. I knew he was still behind me as I made my way to my car, but I carried on regardless.

“Nix…” My eyes were downcast as I opened my door. “Please Nix.” I looked up and saw the seventeen-year-old I once knew.

I had to walk away. I’d come a long way. My lips tingled from his kiss still and as much as I wanted to tell him yes, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Was he choosing me over fighting like I’d asked?

I was so confused in my mind.

Could we work things out and be a couple again? I just didn’t know anything.

All I knew was that Jacob King would always be my lobster, but was it enough to take the chance?

THE END…for now

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