Page 75 of Free to Breathe
35
Corinna
Forty Days Before Surgery
I’m ready to throw something at someone, anyone. I pray no one provides with me an excuse.
It’s been a frustrating day to say the least. Unlike the last few days, where I began to believe I could do this.
The last few days with my family and Colby were not just spent solidifying his place in my life, but discussing what Bryan told them at the farm after I ran the other night. Not surprisingly, they all have their own opinions.
Cassidy, Caleb, and Holly all support whatever decision I make because I have to be the one comfortable with it.
Ali wants to find out how to perform the surgery on YouTube and have Jason do it. During the conversation at the farm Sunday, he choked when she mentioned it. After repeatedly coughing into his napkin, he said, “Thank you, but no. I have no desire to work on people’s brains.”
To which Keene muttered, “Too bad. You have the perfect subject with Phil.”
The laughter that swept the room when Phil stuck his tongue out at Keene helped alleviate the building tension.
Relaxing in Colby’s arms, my head against his broad chest, I murmured just loud enough for him to hear, “You’re keeping your opinion to yourself.”
“This is your family, Corinna. I’m just an honored guest.”
I laughed long and hard. He has no clue. “Do you remember what you said to me a few weeks ago?”
His face got tight as he thought of all of the words we exchanged to bring us to our now. “I remember everything.”
Coming to my knees, I straddled his legs.
“Hey now, we’ve talked about this,” Keene protested.
I wiggled my fingers at him though I keep my gaze on Colby’s face. Em snorted with laughter as she clarified for Keene, “Cori just gave you a flock of these,” right before—I’m sure—she shoved her middle finger in his direction.
Thanks, Em. I owe you one.
Focusing on Colby, I cupped his strong chin. “You said the only man I’d ever introduce my family to was you. So, don’t think you’re here by accident or as a tagalong. They recognize your place here for what it is.”
His arms banded around my back, tugging me closer. “What’s that?”
“Mine,” I said simply. “Finally.”
Colby curled his abs up slowly. We were face-to-face, heart-to-heart, when he replied. “Do you know what princesses get when they act like you just did?”
A smile played about my lips even as I shook my head.
His eyes darkened to smoky gray before he leaned next to my ear. “They have every inch of their skin worshiped like a queen, Corinna.” His breath next to my ear caused my body to shiver. “Not a single inch of you will go untouched later.”
I found out later he meant it.
Which is why I’m more aggravated than ever. A woman should be able to bask in that kind of afterglow for weeks, not days.
Instead, I’m having to deal with doctors whose egos are compensating for the size of their dicks.
Jack decided he is the wronged party in all of this and has made it virtually impossible for me to schedule my preoperative testing with his partners. It took a call from Greenwich Hospital’s neurosurgery coordinator to the general office manager at Jack’s practice to get things resolved. According to the phone call I had from the neurosurgery coordinator after lunch, it was all settled. I’m now scheduled for a physical tomorrow. Gee, something to look forward to.
Not.
The kitchen phone ringing adds to the headache building behind my eyes. Without looking at the caller ID, I answer wearily, “Amaryllis Events, this is Corinna.”
