Page 45 of Playing the Game
“I did this to myself, Hunter. It’s not your responsibility.”
“We both did this, and I will get the board to reverse their decision.” He leans over and kisses my cheek. “I’m going to give you space, but I’m not letting you go.”
We’re just going in circles, and I need time to think. My brain is a wreck with everything I’ve blown into pieces.
I wrap my arms around my waist. “We can talk later. I’m too exhausted to do this right now.”
“Okay, I’ll go.” He grabs his jacket and strides to the door. He turns back to me. “I love you, beauty. Please remember that as you try to work through your emotions.”
“I will.”
He flashes a sad smile and leaves, defeat oozing from his pores. The magnitude of losing my job hits as soon as the door shuts.
I crumble to the floor and cry. Minutes go by, and all my problems stack before me. Pain sears through my racing heart. I gasp for air and clutch my chest.
Shit.
Am I having a heart attack?
My arm hurts, and a pinch squeezes my ribs. I think I’m dying because of the stress.
It's a new day, and I’m no longer having panic attacks like I had all night. I roll my shoulders back and shove down all my issues.
My problems are minuscule compared to Jami’s. He needsmy strength, not me selfishly leaning on him because I lost my job.
I step into his hospital room and force a smile. “Hey there. How are you feeling today?”
“Fucking terrible.” He tries to sit up and moans.
I rush to his side. “Should I get the nurse?”
“No. She just left.” An agonized breath escapes from his lips. “You’re here early. It’s not even lunchtime.”
I steer away from that topic. “Jami, you’re in pain. I think I need to get someone in here.”
“The nurse just gave me more medication. She said it should kick in within the next few minutes.” He holds his body rigidly and stares at his IV line.
“Then I’ll sit and wait for it to kick in. If it doesn’t, I’m going to get help.” I scan over him.
His facial features are strained and his jaw muscles twitch from gritting his teeth. If he doesn’t get some relief soon, I’m going to raise hell.
I glance at the door where our security teams are hanging out. My heart drops and guilt floods my system. It’s all my fault he’s lying in a hospital bed in excruciating misery.
He shifts, his body sinking into his mattress as his face relaxes.
He takes a deep breath and slowly releases it. “Now tell me why you’re here early.”
“Is your pain better?”
“Yes, temptress. Quit avoiding the question. Why aren’t you at work?”
“I like hearing you calling me that.” I take his hand and flash him a warm grin.
He brings my hand to his lips and kisses it. “Then that’s your official nickname.”
“What do you want me to call you?”
He places our hands down. “I don’t know. What do you want to call me?”
