Page 67 of Don't Fall in Love

I cut her off as I say, “It’s okay. This accident put everything in perspective. I don’t need this club. There are more important things than making money.”

You’re more important than making money.

“What about George? Isn’t he expecting us to go back to his home? To finish our visit?” There’s a hint of desperation in her tone and the plea in her gaze tells me she’s not ready to leave.

She’s probably not ready to leaveJensen.

Fuck,I hate that guy.

“Given what’s happened, he was more than understanding when I told him we would be going back to New York.”

She blinks as she looks down at the ring sitting proudly on her finger. When she looks up, I don’t miss the slight sheen in her eyes, but she holds her chin high and defiant.

There’s my girl.

My eyes drop to the movement in her lap as she slips the ring from her finger. When she holds it up to me, I make no move to take it from her.

Why does this feel like a break up?

My body is heavy and an ache settles in my chest, pressing onto my heart. Sadness hovers over me like a cloud, threatening to burst and shower me with regret and… heartbreak.

I shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans as I rock back on my heels. I need some distance from her. Everything has been too much for the past twenty-four hours. For something that was supposed to be fake and fun, it’s been incredibly real.

George and Miriam visited last night, dropping off a change of clothes and some food. They were apologetic, despite my reassurances that it wasn’t their fault. I’m the only one to blame for Alex being hurt because if she hadn’t been roped into my deception, she would never have been on that horse.

The hours spent at the hospital did nothing but give me time to realize that this was all becoming too much. Too many feelings that I swore to never feel.

I promised her I’d never fall in love with her and I haven’t, but it’s beginning to feel a lot like that could become a possibility.

There’s a war taking place inside of me. A primal need to see my ring on her finger fighting with the protective desire to be alone, not relying on anyone but myself.

A nurse I haven’t met yet walks into the room and smiles at Alex and says, “It’s good to see you awake, Miss Williams. I’m Jose, and I will be your nurse today. How are you feeling?”

Alex smiles back, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I have a slight headache and feel a little tired.”

Jose jots down some notes in the chart he pulls from the end of the bed, nodding his head as he looks over the monitors. Feeling awkward but not wanting to leave, I sit in the chair in the corner of the room.

“Okay, we can get you some painkillers for that headache and then you can head home and get some rest.”

“Will she be okay to fly?”

“It’s best to avoid it for at least ten days, but if she must there are precautions,” Jose replies over his shoulder, he turns back to Alex before continuing, “Do you have far to travel?”

Alex clears her throat, replying, “To New York, it’s just over two hours.”

“Okay, well, if you must fly, you should stay hydrated and rest as much as possible. Try to avoid using a screen and use earplugs and sunglasses if you have some. Will you have someone to look after you when you get back?”

Alex looks over at the ring gleaming on the table before moving her gaze back to Jose.

“No, there’s nobody.”

Jose tsks, looking over his shoulder at me, then focusing back on Alex. “I’d prefer it if you would have someone to stay with you for the next forty-eight hours.”

“I can call one of my friends. I just don’t want to be a burden to them.”

“She’s staying with me.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.

“Perfect.” Jose claps his hands together with glee. “I’ll go and get the doctor to sign off on your discharge and then you’ll be free to go.”

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