Page 35 of Love on the Brain
She’d pretend she didn’t see the card.
A Valentine was so … romantic. After their kiss, was he thinking they would date? That would be a logical assumption, especially since she’d demanded a second “proper” kiss.
Jane groaned. She’d totally led him on. He had every reason to think she would be open to starting a relationship.
Lifting her head off the pillow, she craned her neck to get a full view of him. The man made the recliner look small. Her college roommate had stated it best when Ryan had come by for their first study session.That boy is a perfect man specimen, Jane. Are you sure his relationship is serious? ’Cause if I were you…
The intoxicating shiver that tingled up her spine wasn’t right. Her traitorous heart shouldn’t be thinking about Ryan, not when she’d been married to his best friend and certainly not while Noah had a brain tumor.
In her mind, she made a list of all the reasons she and Ryan couldn’t be a thing. When her mind began to drift, she’d made it up to twenty-one reasons. Surely, that was comprehensive enough to discourage any future thoughts. She dozed off thinking about how she could respond to his card.
Jane was startled awake by the buzzing phone on her cheek. She read the message from Shelby in the Noah Updates group text.Hope this didn’t wake you. I’m at the diner, and there are a dozen people here asking how Noah is. I told them probably nothing has changed since last night. Update when you can.
Nope,Jane texted, glancing at the time. Just after 5 a.m. Who was at the diner other than the usual lobstermen?Really? Who?
The usuals—George, Al, and Simon and some of their friends. Tonya. She said she’s going into the store early to do inventory, but I don’t buy it. Plus, Sadie, and Steve. And Dad. He didn’t sleep last night so he followed me here for an early breakfast. Dad pulled us all together into a prayer circle for the little guy. Now will you tell me?
They sure could use the extra prayers.Sorry. Nothing new. Hopefully checking out today. Ryan adjusted Noah’s meds and he hasn’t seized in almost twenty-four hours. Once the roads are safe, I’m sure they’ll let us go.
That’s great news. When do you think you’ll be home?
Jane sighed, contemplating renting a car and making the drive, if only to avoid being under the same roof as Ryan and their amorous feelings.
Maybe Sunday? We need to give the meds a few more days, and I’d like to be back at work Monday, if possible.
Stay in Texas as long as you want to. You shouldn’t worry about working. We’ll all chip in for whatever you need. You should be home with Noah as much as possible.
Jane winced at her sister’s response. She knew she shouldn’t be so hesitant to rely on others, but it was her nature to take care of things. And she knew from experience you couldn’t really depend on anyone but yourself. Things came up, plans changed, people died.
It was life. And life happened.
Jane plugged her phone into the charger and slid out from under the blankets to search in her tote for her toiletry bag and a clean set of clothes. Once in hand, she went to the restroom to freshen up.
After changing, washing up, and brushing her teeth, she felt better. She could have used a shower but wasn’t brave enough to use the en suite one. The door didn’t lock, and what if Ryan had to use the restroom and walked in on her?
He’d hear the shower and find another one.Yeah, most likely. But still…
When she opened the door, she was surprised to find Ryan standing by Noah’s bed. He’d raised the blinds a few inches to allow a little bit of sunrise in. She couldn’t move, couldn’t tear her eyes away from his creased forehead and frowning lips.
Why was he frowning? Her gaze flicked to the monitors. She couldn’t read them from where she stood, but they weren’t signaling anything was wrong.
Ryan raised his head, and his frown released into an unreadable but serious expression. Jane lifted her brows in question, not wanting to speak and doing her best not to let her eyes wander to the sill that held the Valentine card and chocolates.
Come on, feet. Move!
Finally, they obeyed and took her back to the sofa, which she pushed back into its upright position. She whispered a good morning to Ryan as she stuffed her dirty clothes and toiletries into her tote and immediately picked up one of the blankets and began folding it.
To her surprise, Ryan picked up the other one and had it folded before she finished hers. She took it from him and set them both on the couch. Hands free, she wondered what to do next.
Luckily, Noah stirred and was fully awake before she had to think of anything. She went around the bed to the side opposite Ryan and kissed his forehead. “Good morning, sweetie.”
Noah blinked at her, then looked at Ryan. “Hi, Mommy. Uncle Ryan, are you done doctoring? Can I go home now?”
Ryan smiled at him. “Hopefully sometime today.”
“Aw, I wanna leave now. I don’t like the wires.”
“I know, buddy. Hey, how about some chocolate for breakfast? I got the last box in the gift shop for you and your mom last night.”
