Page 33 of Conflicted (Change 3)

“I’ve never been so scared in all my life.” We are just staring into each other’s eyes when I hear a throat clear. We both look over and see Connie standing there with tears running down her face.

“You two are fucking assholes for making me cry. You . . .” She points to Mel. “for making me worry and you . . .” Now, she points to me. “for being so fucking sweet.” We both laugh, and she comes over and hugs us both.

The transporter came in about twenty minutes ago to take Mel for her CAT scan. Connie and I have been sitting in silence. I’m sure she is deep in thought like I am. This whole situation just proves to me that I can’t take anything for granted. I need to tell Mel exactly how I feel. “You love her.” I look up at Connie, and she is smiling at me. She didn’t ask me if I loved her, she simply stated it. I smile at her and give her a wink.

“More than life.” She makes some awful squealing sound and jumps up to hug me.

“I’m so fucking happy for you, big brother. You and Mel both deserve each other.” I give her a tight squeeze before I let go.

“I need to tell her, and I also need to tell her about you guys moving back with me. I want her to come too. Do you think that is realistic?” She sits down laughing.

“Honestly, Keith, I think if you asked Mel to move to fucking South East Asia, she would do it. I can see she loves you just as much as you do her. Plus, don’t forget she is used to moving. This is the longest she’s stayed in one place. Oh my God, it would be amazing to have my best friend move with us. We could get an apartment together and go clubbing and check out the city—”

“Not a shot in hell. If she decides to move, she’s staying with me.” She flips me off, but before she can say anything else, the door opens and Mel is wheeled back in. Once the transporter situates her bed, he leaves, and I walk over to her bed.

“That was fast.” She smiles at me, and I can’t help but lean in for a kiss. As much as I would love to deepen the kiss, climb on top of her, and show her just how much I love her, this isn’t the time or place. Not to mention, my sister is sitting right here. I pull away, and she makes a noise of disapproval that gets the attention of my cock. I look at her, and she has her bottom lip all pouty. I laugh and suck it into my mouth. Fuck, this is just making things worse. I kiss a path to her ear. “When we get home, I’ll make up for this, I promise you that.” She lets out a soft moan, and I smile to myself.

“Are you two done yet? As much fun as it is watching you two make out like teenagers, can you t

ry to remember I’m sitting right here?” I laugh and grab a hold of Mel’s hand.

“Sorry, sis, I can’t help myself.” She rolls her eyes, and I turn to wink at Mel. “Did they say how long until you get results?” She adjusts herself on the bed, but I still won’t let go of her hand. I need to feel close to her, and this is the best I can do for now.

“They said it shouldn’t be long. I have a feeling it won’t be because I’m fine, and they are going to want to get me out of here so they can have this bed for someone else.” Damn, I hope she’s right. I’m ready to get her home.

“I’m fucking starving. I’m going to run to the café. Do you guys want anything?” Connie jumps up and grabs her purse.

“I’m good. I’ll wait until we are out of here.”

“Me too. Thanks, Connie.” She shrugs her shoulders and walks out of the room. Mel looks up at me and smiles. She moves over and pats the bed. “Come sit with me.” I’m not one to let an opportunity pass by, so I climb into the tiny bed with my girl.

“Holy shit, this bed is small.” We both laugh, and she starts to cry. I grab her and pull her onto my lap. “What’s wrong?” She’s not crying hard, so she just talks through the tears.

“I’m sorry. I’m just overwhelmed with everything.” I kiss her head over and over while she cries it out on my shirt.

“I’m here, sweetheart.” She takes a deep breath and pulls away a bit to look up at me. Fuck, I’ve never felt what I feel for this girl. Seeing her upset breaks my heart in a million pieces yet makes it whole at the same time. She’s become my world, my everything. I move the hair off her face and kiss her forehead. “Melissa Thompson, I love you.” I couldn’t wait until we got home; it just came pouring out of me. She looks at me, and a tear rolls down her cheek.

“Oh my God, Keith Dickson, I love you too.” I slam my mouth to hers and turn her, slowly lowering her to the bed. I climb on top of her, and we deepen the kiss. She runs her hands up into my hair, and I thrust my hips forward to show her how turned on I am. She moans, and I swallow it down. I pull back and look into her beautiful emerald eyes.

“I promise to make you happy. Always.” She gives me the most breathtaking smile.

“I have no doubt.” I kiss her lips again and hear the door open.

“Excuse me.” I turn my head and see the doctor standing there. Shit. “I’m going to need you to get off my patient.” I smile and kiss her quickly again before climbing off.

“Sorry, Doc. Just needed to let my girl know how much I love her.” She sits up, glowing with happiness.

“You can show her all you like when you are out of here.” Okay, dickhead, I will. “Miss Thompson. The CAT scan came back perfectly normal. You were very lucky it was just a small accident. You might be sore later or tomorrow; if you are, just take some ibuprofen for discomfort. Do you have any questions for me?” She looks at him and smiles.

“When the hell can I leave?” I bust out laughing, but tight-ass doctor is not amused.

“You can get dressed now. The nurse will bring in your discharge papers. Anything else?” I want to be a smartass so badly and ask if she’s physically all right for rough sex, but I won’t do it. I just want to get her the hell out of here.

“No, nothing else. Thank you.” He gives us a tight nod and leaves the room. “What a dick.” We both laugh, and I look at her, still laughing.

“You know that’s my nickname at home.” She gives me a confused look. “Dick.” She bursts out laughing, and I join right along.

“Oh my God, because of your last name?” I nod and hand her clothes to her. “So all your friends back home call you Dick, not Keith?” I smile and nod my head again. “You don’t look like a Dick.” We both laugh, and she gets out of bed to get dressed.

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