Page 16 of Intertwined Hearts

I noticed her purse and the keys beside it. I was desperate to find any excuse to see her again. I grabbed the purse and keys, locked her door behind me, then drove home.

To say the alarm going off at six AM was early as hell was an understatement. I was exhausted. I slept like shit, tossing and turning most of the night, trying to understand what could have possibly happened that would make Jackie push me away.

After I showered and grabbed a protein bar, I rushed to my truck and was headed for my first stop, the hospital. I was going to try to see her, if only for a few minutes, before I went to work. I needed to see her.

The nurse on duty let me know in no uncertain terms that I was way too early for visiting hours. She was adamant about not letting me in to see Jackie, and she saw right through my attempted claim of being her fiancé. Finally, when I explained I had Jackie’s purse and house keys, I was allowed five minutes before I’d be thrown out. Five minutes was more than enough time to check up on her, even though I wished I had gotten a free pass.

I pushed the door open. “Knock, knock.”

“Hunter. What are you doing here?”

“Good morning, darling. I stopped by your place last night and grabbed your purse and keys. I also made sure to lock up for you.” I waved the purse and keys in front of me before setting them on her table.

“Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know I didn’t have to. I wanted to. I don’t know where that guy is, and I didn’t want you to go home to find him sitting on your couch in his underwear or some crazy shit like that.”

The corners of her mouth turned up. That was the closest to a full smile that I had seen since Sunday night.

“Look, baby, I don’t have long to be here. The nurse is going to toss me the hell out soon. I just wanted to make sure you were feeling better.”

“Thank you. I am.”

“Any idea when you’ll be able to get out?”

“The doctor is coming to see me later this morning. I hope it’s today. I really just want to go home.”

“If you need a ride, just let me know.”

“Thanks, Hunter. I may just get a cab, though. I don’t want to put you out.”

“I offered, so it’s not an inconvenience. Just let me know. I have to run, but I meant what I said yesterday. I do love you, Jackie.”

The nurse opened the door. “Sir, it’s time. You have to go. If my supervisor finds out I let you in here, she’ll have my head.”

“I’m going. Thanks for giving me five minutes.”

“You’re welcome, and have a good day.”

I blew a kiss to Jackie. “I love you, babe.” Then I turned on my heels and left to go to work.

Jackie

“He’s quite the catch,” the nurse said to me.

“Yeah, he was.” I sighed.

“Was? You mean he’s not your boyfriend anymore? He told me he was your fiancé to try to get in to see you.”

“No, he’s not my boyfriend anymore. It’s a very complicated and long story.”

“But he just told you he loved you.”

“Yeah, I know. That just makes it even more complicated. He’s a really good guy from what I know of him.”

“How long were you together?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

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