Page 63 of For Emery

“So, is the police department gonna keep an open line of communication with you?”

I nodded as I bit into my wrap. It had been a lot of information to digest.

My mother’s nurse walked into the room. I could tell something was wrong.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, bracing myself for more bad news.

“There was a big accident at the car plant two towns away. The ER has been jammed and now we’re moving patients into rooms.” She lifted her chin toward us. “We need that bed.”

My body deflated. “Oh.”

“Honey, I know you want to stay with your mom,” she said. “But there’s a hotel right next door. Why don’t you go get a good night’s sleep, without the monitors beeping. There’s going to be a lot of noise as we get the new patient situated.”

I glanced to Jordan. He nodded his agreement.

“Will someone call me if she needs me?” I asked.

“Of course,” she assured me. “And the police officer is here as well.”

“I’m going with you. Your mom has security.” Jordan said. “You’ve got me.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Emery

Jordan held the keycard to the sensor on the hotel door. Once it clicked, he pushed the door open. I stepped inside the dark room, switching on the light to find a king-sized bed in the center with a mountain of fluffy white pillows. I glanced accusatorially to him.

He smirked. “There was no way I wasn’t sleeping in the same bed as you.”

I moved to the bed and lowered myself down onto the edge. “It’s been a long time.”

“I seriously couldn’t have planned this any better myself,” he said with a smug grin.

“You mean you didn’t pay off that nurse?”

He laughed. “I wish I’d thought of that.” He moved to the bed, his smile disappearing as he sat down beside me, the mattress dipping and forcing me into his side. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and held me close.

“What did your coach say about you missing practice?” I asked.

He shrugged.

“Is he gonna bench you Saturday?”

“He can do whatever he wants.”

“You need to go back,” I said. “I’ll be fine. The door’s got multiple locks.”

His eyebrows pinched together in the center. “Do you really think that’s the only reason I’m staying?”

I shrugged. “You’ve always been good at helping a friend in need.”

He reached over and gripped my chin, turning my face gently toward his. “Em, you’re more than just a friend to me.”

I swallowed my nerves. “What am I?”

His eyes never wavered from mine. “You’re everything good in me.”

Taken aback by his words—and suddenly very aware of his closeness—I looked away.

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