Page 38 of Pursued By My Grumpy Fiancé
“Whoa, are you being for real right now?! You’re mad at me for getting your sister's purse back and stopping a thief who pushed your mom over?” Hailey’s brows pull together in anger, her lips pressing together tightly. “You are honest to God yelling at me in the middle of the hospital for being the hero.”
Even more heads are turning as her voice soars up octaves, becoming almost screeching. Fury is coursing through me as I try to get her to understand.
“No, Hailey, it’s not about you ‘being the hero.’ It’s about you putting yourself right in the middle of a dangerous situation for a stupid handbag! Penny probably has a thousand, she’s a designer for Pete’s sake.” My hands move wildly with every word, showing more anger with their gestures.
Hailey narrows her eyes at me, lowering her voice before responding.
“You are completely despicable, Landon. You don’t own me, you can’t control what I do. Seriously, I’m out of here,” she throws her purse up onto her shoulder and storms down the hallway.
“Don’t you walk away from me!” I yell after her. I move to follow her before taking note of the onlookers around me.
“Landon?” I hear a small voice say behind me. I turn around and see Penny. Her eyes are wide with questions, but I know that she won’t ask them. “Um, mom is asking for you.”
I let out a huff and throw my shoulders back before strolling into the hospital room.
Iringthedoorbellof Hailey’s apartment. We haven’t spoken in three days, not that I’ve been completely in the dark. Bruce drives by the apartment four to five times a day, and another lower security personnel has been tasked to tail her when she goes somewhere. My mom advised me to give her some cooling off space. I hope it worked. I glance at the bouquet in my hand—white tulips, since they represent forgiveness. At least, that is what the florist said. She laughed when I asked who told her that, but I am honestly skeptical about who decided on the meanings of flowers.
“What do you want?” Hailey answers the door, interrupting my flora-filled thoughts.
“Um, I want to talk. Can I come in?” I ask.
She stares at me for a moment before stepping aside to make room for me. I walk in and hand her the flowers.
“You brought me flowers?” she asks as she closes the door.
“White tulips, for forgiveness,” I explain, and she raises her eyebrows. “They’re more of a hopeful gift, because I’m hoping you’ll forgive me for acting like a complete asshole at the hospital.” I smile sheepishly, feeling like a young boy again.
“Yeah. Well, what was that about?” she asks as she moves into the kitchen and grabs a vase from under the sink. She fills it with water and is about to put the flowers in when I stop her.
“Wait, you want to cut the stems first. At an angle.” She squints at me, but does what I suggest. “And, to be honest, I was worried about you. My mind was flooded with all the things that could have happened, like you getting stabbed or kidnapped, that I wasn’t thinking straight. I went about it all wrong, and I shouldn’t have yelled at you. I’m sorry.”
She rips open the packet of flower food and pours it into the vase before sticking the now-cut flowers in. She looks at them for a moment before turning to me.
“Well, Landon, thank you for apologizing. I know it takes a big person to be able to admit wrongdoing. I appreciate your concern for my safety as well. I accept your apology.” She fingers a tulip petal and gives me a small smile.
I smile back, and gear up for another of the reasons that I came here.
“Yes, ever since that day, I’ve felt like a huge jerk. And I’ve also been catastrophically worried about you. I know this may be asking a lot, but I would really appreciate it if you would come stay with me for a few days. It would just make me feel better.”
“What? Stay with you?” She scoffs. “You’re worried about me? What, do you think the purse-snatcher is going to come whisk me out of my apartment?”
She laughs to herself, but I can’t bring myself to join her.
“No, of course not. But, I am worried about the fact that you don’t lock the front door of your apartment, especially now that I know you’re perfectly willing to put yourself in the face of danger.” I look her in the eyes, hoping they communicate the severity of the situation to her.
Hailey stares at me for a moment, opens her mouth and then closes it again. After a few quiet moments, she finally nods.
“Fine, you know what, I understand your concerns. I’ll stay with you for a few days. Just a few, though. Let me get some things together,” she says.
I smile at her gratefully, and she rolls her eyes, then makes her way to her bedroom. I peek at the tulips.
I guess the florist did know what she was talking about.
Iunlockthefrontdoor to my penthouse and swing it open for Hailey. I’m carrying her suitcase in one hand and the vase of tulips in the other. She insisted on bringing them, exclaiming that they’ll die if we leave them. I get the feeling she hasn’t dealt with a lot of live flowers.
Hailey waltzes into the penthouse and looks around in amazement. I can’t say that I blame her. The place is incredible, with floor to ceiling windows and an enormous Maria Theresa chandelier over the dining table.
“This place is incredible! Look at this kitchen!” she squeals and skips through the archway into the kitchen. “Double ovens? That is so fancy. I bet you don’t even cook.”
