Page 70 of The Fall

“Only a sadist would go into this field,” I said to myself as I took a break on the smoking deck away from the cold temperatures of the hospital. I let the sun warm my face, rubbing my shoulders to get the chill out as Dean walked out to join me, not giving me a chance to greet him.

“What the hell were you thinking, leaving me alone like that?”

“Good morning to you, too,” I said cheerfully.

“Way to go, Martin?”

“Okay, maybe the note was a bit tacky,” I said. “At least I made you coffee.”

“It’s not funny,” he said, standing in front of me, clear hurt running through his beautiful features, the memory of his lips on every surface of my body coming back in waves.

“Stop acting like a scorned Don Juan,” I scolded. “I had to get to work,” I said, hopping onto the railing to sit as he paced in front of me. “And I told you I wanted to take things slow,” I reminded him.

“Stop acting like a catty female. This isn’t cool. What happened last night was amazing. We reconnected.”

“Look, spare me the lecture. I was happy about it until you came barreling out here with your feelings,” I said smugly. His head snapped up in anger, and he didn’t hesitate before gripping my throat, pressing his lips to mine. I moaned into him and captured his tongue as he took my mouth completely, leaving me panting and breathless.

“Deny it all you want, Dallas.” He backed away, glancing behind me before pushing me over the railing. I screamed out in a panic until I landed in the hedge directly behind me.

He leaned over as I thrashed all my limbs, his brows lifted in challenge. “Obviously, I need to do a better job of screwing some sense into you.” He walked out of my line of sight, and I heard him exclaim, “Rose!”

“Dean,” she piped happily as I struggled to hoist myself back up, my legs still hooked over the railing.

“Damn it, you idiots, help me up!” I screamed. I heard Dean chuckle as they continued to make small talk while I struggled like hell to lift myself up. What seemed like an eternity later, Rose popped her head over and laughed hysterically, trying to push her words out. “You rang?”

“Help me up, or so help me God, I’ll wear a fluffy, fuchsia Cinderella dress and start the chicken dance at your wedding.”

“I’ll see you later, Dallas,” Dean shouted as if I were far away. “I’ll see you soon, Rose.”

I started to scream. “You bas—”

“He’s gone,” she said as she pulled me to my feet.

“I hate that man, I swear,” I said, my blood draining from my head back into my limbs.

“I can tell,” she cooed. “Looks like you two are back to the norm.”

“Seriously, what grown man pushes a woman into some bushes?” I huffed, wiping myself off.

“One that has to put up with your crazy ass,” she answered quickly. “Kudos to Dean.”

“It’s not funny. How did you know I was here?”

“Beatrice,” she said simply as if I should know better.

“Of course,” I said, scanning my sister. “You doing okay?” She looked exhausted. It was apparent by the small circles under her eyes that she hadn’t been sleeping.

“It’s just a lot with the wedding. I’m so thankful for all you and Mom have done, but it’s just a lot.”

“Whatever you need,” I offered as she walked with me back into the hospital.

“So, are you going to come clean?” she asked as I froze at the door. I looked at my sister as she slowly crossed her arms in front of her and pursed her lips.

“Rose, I don’t know what to say. I couldn’t think of a good time to tell you.” Clearly, my sister knew about my plans in oncology. I hated the fact that she’d found out the way she did.

“I’m happy for you! I always knew Dean would be the one.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “It’s so easy to see you two are crazy for each other. Why would I mind?”

“Oh, Dean, yeah.” I checked my phone to keep from meeting her watchful eye.

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