Page 486 of Rock Me All Night
But he does wrap his arms around me. I'm scared too but it feels amazing knowing I can bring him some comfort.
When Tom releases me, he stays close. He keeps his hand intertwined with mine.
We stay like that until a woman in scrubs comes up to us. She nods to Tom with familiarity.
"Where's your brother?" She asks.
Tom motions to the nearly still Pete. It takes the bassist a minute to move—he must be terrified. Slowly, he makes his way to us.
The woman looks Pete in the eye. "Your mother is in recovery. The surgery went well, but she'll need some time under supervision because of the anesthesia."
No one breathes.
She looks to Tom. "She's going to be okay. The tumor is benign."
"She's okay?" Pete asks.
The doctor nods. "The cancer isn't back. That doesn't mean it will never come back, but for now, it looks good."
Tom's hand squeezes mine. "Thank you."
"It should be about an hour before you can see her. The nurse will call you when she's ready." The doctor nods a courteous but emotionless goodbye and returns to her work.
Tom releases my hand. He turns to his brother. They exchange a meaningful look. Then they're in one of those guy hugs where they're barely touching.
Pete steps back. "I'll make the calls." He motions to the hospital entrance. "Get some fresh air."
Tom swallows hard. "Pete—"
"Go."
Tom takes my hand and leads me through the lobby. "Not used to taking orders."
"Is he always that bossy?"
"Yes." Tom laughs. "Bossier. Don't tell me you're interested."
"Intrigued maybe," I tease. I'm desperate to lighten the mood as quickly as possible.
We step through the first set of double doors. Then the second.
All my senses fire at once. The air smells of salt. The sun is warm. Beautiful blue flowers line the walkway.
And Tom's hands are on my skin.
He pulls me into another hug. No, it's more than a hug. It's an embrace. His body presses against mine. My cheek presses against his neck. He smells good. He's warm.
When he releases me, he looks into my eyes. There's so much relief in his expression. It's my relief. All the happiness he's feeling flows into me like it's my own.
Itismy own.
I stare back at him. "Tom, I love you."
