Page 176 of The Re-Proposal

Cody’s expression darkens.

The doctor shudders. “He’s not… actually considering that, is he?”

“Doctor, is there no other way?” I beg. “We can expand the search. I’m sure if we look, we’ll find the heart we need.”

“I’m afraid that’s not how it works. Joel has been moved up on the priority list, but there is no guarantee a compatible heart will be made available in time. It’s all up to Fate now.”

“Up to Fate?” Cody growls. “You’re saying you saved him so we could watch him die?”

“We’re not God, Mr. Bolton. There’s nothing more we can do.”

Cody glares into the wall.

The tension is ramping up.

Tempers are sparking from all sides.

I step in. “Thank you, doctor. As long as Joel’s still breathing, then we still have hope. When can we see him?”

“We’re moving him to the ICU now. You can visit him when he’s settled.”

“Thank you.”

The doctor takes off. He’s moving faster than necessary.

I think he’s trying to get away from Cody.

Vargas whirls around and yanks his tie off completely. “The kid is a brat, but he doesn’t deserve this.” He paces up and down. “I can’t believe it. The last time I saw him, he was being a smart aleck, talking crap about my tie… so full of life.”

“He’s still full of life,” I remind him.

Vargas twists around. “Don’t you think it’s weird?”

“What’s weird?” I sigh in exhaustion. It feels like the room is spinning and I lean deeper into Cody’s chest. In response, he rubs my shoulder.

A few hours ago, I was on a private island. Cody was kissing me all over and my heart was racing. Now, we’re surrounded by stark white walls, bright lights and the overwhelming scent of bleach. My heart is beating fast for a completely different reason.

Vargas paces the other way. “It’s so out of the blue, isn’t it? Why did the kid suddenly have a heart attack? His meds were working fine. His machine was fine. His nurse didn’t see anything wrong with him.”

“What are you saying?” Cody asks gruffly.

“Did you two fight again?”

“Vargas, what the hell?” I snap.

Cody whips around. “I gotta get out of here.”

“Wait, Cody!” I slant Vargas a dark look and take off after him. “Cody, slow down!”

People stare at us with wide-eyes. I don’t blame them. We look dramatic, running around the hospital in our gala outfits.

I catch up to Cody halfway down the hallway.

My fingers curl around his suit jacket. “What’s wrong?”

A soft expletive whispers past his lips. “Vargas is right. I pissed the kid off tonight. I told him I was going to the gala with you. He didn’t want me to and I didn’t listen.”

My jaw slackens.

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