Page 71 of Rise In Arms

“What the fuck did you just say? She’s left?” I run my hand through my hair and pull on it. This can’t be happening. “No, you must be mistaken, the doctor said she should stay an extra night.”

“Sorry, sir, but she was able to check herself out. She advised us that she felt better and wanted to leave. We couldn’t stop her, we’re sorry.”

I glare at the nurse and curse under my breath, pacing the floor to try and calm myself the fuck down.

I look up as Hazel comes rushing into the hospital’s foyer. “What’s wrong? Where is she?” I’d come to visit Charity this morning. After our conversation in her room, I did as she asked and left her alone with her thoughts. I know she’s going through a lot with the loss of her baby, and fuck, if I could change what happened to her I would, but when she wouldn’t see me yesterday, or Hazel, I thought I’d try again, hoping she was up to seeing me now, because boy have I missed her. The night we had sex for the first time… well, it was also the first time in my life I ever felt like I made love to a woman, and I feel like a different man. We had a connection, one that I’m not willing to let go of. My feelings for Charity escalated after that night, and yeah, I’ve fallen for her—fallen for her so much that she’s all I think about, 24/7. Without her in my bed beside me, it’s impossible to fall asleep.

“I don’t know, Hazel, the admissions nurse is saying she left.” I rub at the ache in my chest and breathe deeply.

“What? When?”

The nurse turns from me to Hazel. “Last night, according to her discharge papers. Around 8:00 p.m.”

“Where would she go?” Hazel asks, biting on her nails.

“Fuck! It’s been almost thirteen hours. She said she wanted to go home, that there was nothing here for her anymore.”

“What? But I thought you guys were, you know, a couple.” She narrows her eyes at me. “What did you do, Kane?” she whispers fiercely, pointing her finger at my chest.

I push it away. “Keep your anger in check, sis, I did nothing. If anything, I told her I loved her.”

Her eyes widen. “You told her you love her? Is it true? Do you love her, Kane?”

I inhale and think on her words, then without any doubt in my mind I say, “Yes, Hazel, I love her.” I know I’m wearing a stupid grin as I admit it to my sister, and she smiles back at me.

“Then what are you waiting for?”

I tilt my head. “What do you mean?”

“Go and find her, you jerk, and don’t take no for an answer.”

“Shit!” I say, running both hands through my hair this time. “What should I do? I’m not used to this, chasing after a girl.”

“If I were you, I’d start with the coach line that heads to Pennsylvania.”

“Pennsylvania? Why there?”

Hazel rolls her eyes at me. “Because that’s where her parents live. Did you guys talk at all? I doubt she’d go back to the dorm. Want me to come with you?”

I think on this new information, rubbing at my still-tender jaw, the niggle of pain helping to center me. “Nah, I need to do this on my own. Are you going to be okay staying at the club?”

“Jasmine’s offered for me to stay at her house. I might just do that.”

I cup her cheek, still surprised by how quickly she’s growing up. “Thank you, sis.”

“For what?” she asks, eyebrows raised.

“For being you—for being understanding, and for introducing me to an incredible woman.”

She smirks. “I knew you’d like her.”

I pinch her cheek, and she laughs. “You okay with, you know, her and me?”

She holds my hand once again to her cheek. “Are you crazy? I’m more than okay, I’m ecstatic. My two favorite people in the world are in love.”

I smile down at her. “You’re something else.”

“Back at you, bro. Now hurry up and go get our girl. I’ll keep trying to call her, hopefully she’ll pick up. I’ll keep you updated.”

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