Page 25 of From the Moment We Met

Janie snorted. “I’ll bet she does. Why are you still speaking to her, Jakey? She’s not good enough for you. You deserve someone who really loves you—the person you are inside—not just the exterior facade.”

To be honest, Victoria was the furthest thing from Jacob’s mind. Beyond his shock over her random text and their brief phone call, his thoughts circulated between worry over his sister, strained family relations, his ruined reputation…and Lilly. Despite his best efforts that little nurse filled his thoughts since she first walked into his world, and it went deeper than the glaring physical chemistry. She looked right through his armor and saw the pain hiding underneath. In thirty minutes Lilly understood his inner workings better than Victoria had in six months, and that idea made Jacob uneasy. Lilly could strip him bare—body and soul.

“I don’t hope for reconciliation anymore. I simply thought Victoria should know about your situation. Her reaction was practiced, her delivery perfect, but there wasn’t a speck of emotion behind it. You were always right about her. However, she claims to have a lead on that new action movie, and if I were to land that role, it would secure my career.”

“By crawling back into bed with a black widow?” Janie sat up and looked into her brother’s eyes, her blue depths mirroring his own. “You don’t need her help. You are unbelievably talented. You just need to stand the hell back up and remember who you are, remember Jacob before Victoria came along. I miss that guy.”

Jacob smiled, ruffling Janie's hair. “You always were my greatest cheerleader.”

“And president of your fan club.”

“Probably the only member at this point.”

Janie giggled. “You need someone outside the business, someone…like Lilly. She’s fabulous, isn’t she? She’s been so helpful throughout this entire ordeal, a real lifesaver.” She plucked at her blanket, a smirk crossing her delicate features. “And damn easy on the eyes.”

That’s the understatement of the century, Jacob thought, keeping that fact to himself. “I assume you’re referring to the nurse?”

Janie glared at her brother’s futile attempt at disinterest. “Don’t be daft, you’re not that good an actor. You brought her flowers, and I presume whatever is in that box is for her. I saw the way you looked at Lilly. I’ve never seen you look at someone like that.”

“I’m thrilled she’s taking good care of you, Janie. Can’t I show my appreciation?”

“By gawking at her legs? Sure, if that’s how you show gratitude.”

Jacob huffed. “Besides, she has something brewing with your surgeon, Dr. Torres.”

“And how would such a disinterested party know this?” Janie smirked, her lips curling at her brother. “There’s nothing brewing between them.”

Jacob straightened, his curiosity piqued. “How do you know?”

“I asked her. I saw how Dr. Torres was around her, and I surmised the same thing, but Lilly said they barely know each other. Apparently, he acted like a bit of a cad the other night. You aren't the only man falling all over her today.”

“He behaved like a total ass.” He surprised himself with his quick retort. “Did she mention me?”

Janie’s eyebrows shot up. “Now why would she mention you?” Another giggle, ending in a cough. “You could try being charming, it might serve you better than being prickly as a cactus.”

Before Jacob could respond, a nurse entered the room, needing to draw blood for labs. Jacob stole another kiss and excused himself, walking to the nurses station.

Sabina grinned broadly upon seeing Jacob. “Well hello, Mr. Edmonton; don’t you look fine this morning?”

Jacob laughed, running a hand over his beard. “I suppose better than I did a couple days ago; showered, at least. I wanted to speak with Lilly, but I don’t see her on the floor. Is she working in another unit today?”

Sabina tilted her head and smiled again, this time with a mischievous glint. “Lilly isn’t a staff nurse.”

Jacob’s heart dropped. “She isn’t a nurse?”

“Of course, she’s a nurse, she’s the coordinator and educator of the units. Her office is at the end of the hall.”

Jacob nodded, strolling in that direction when Sabina added, “I’m assuming it’s gluten-free this time?”

Jacob chuckled over his shoulder. “Completely and utterly free of gluten.”

“Good man. I knew there was hope for you yet.” With a final smile and wave, Jacob made his way towards Lilly's office.

∞∞∞

Lilly

Lilly settled into her chair for the first time in two days, turning her radio to Stevie Nicks and opening her salad. The first bite was halfway to her mouth when someone knocked.

---