“Don’t be so sure.” With a dismissive wave of her hand, she adds, “I don’t want to think about them right now.” Then she smiles up at me. “I just want to fall asleep in your arms.”
“That sounds perfect.” I slip my hand in to hers. “Come on, let’s sleep.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Ashlyn
“Ican’t believe she’s awake,” I choke out, tears streaming down my cheeks.
“It’s the best news, baby,” Ben murmurs as he wraps me in his arms, holding me tight against his chest. I cling to him, a huge smile breaking through my tears.
When the doctors said they were going to try bringing Taylor out of the medically-induced coma this morning, we were all on edge. But within an hour, she was awake, sitting up in bed, and talking. I’d taken the day off to be there when she woke, and after spending some time with her, the only place I wanted to be was here, with Ben. It had only been a few days since he stayed at my apartment, but the moment I knew she was okay, he was the first person I wanted to tell.
“Let me take you out tonight, to celebrate,” he says softly, and I tilt my head back to meet his gaze.
“Just the two of us?” I ask, catching my bottom lip between my teeth.
He smiles, his eyes flicking down to my mouth before finding mine again. “Just us,” he murmurs, leaning in so his lips brush against my ear.
My heart stutters as I grin up at him. “I’d like that.”
“I’ll make a reservation and pick you up at seven,” he says, his voice warm.
I nod and stretch up on my toes to press a soft kiss to his lips. “I should get going. I’m heading back to the hospital to see Sophie and the baby.”
Sophie had given birth to my beautiful nephew a few days ago. They were both doing well, but since Hunter had arrived a little early, they were keeping him in the hospital for observation. It felt like a huge burden had finally lifted. Taylor was awake, and Sophie and the baby were healthy. We could all finally breathe again.
“Okay, baby. Have fun,” Ben says, squeezing me gently before I step away.
I leave his office and head toward the parking lot, excitement bubbling in my chest at the thought of tonight. Our first proper date. We’d had dinner at my place before, but this would be the first time we were actually going out together.
As much as I want to see Sophie and Hunter, I could use a little advice before dinner. Ivy’s out of town for work, but I saw Paisley this morning at the hospital and know she has a shift at Eden later today. If I’m lucky, I can catch her at home before she leaves.
Five minutes later, I’m pulling up outside Nash’s place. I was hoping he’d be at work, but his truck in the driveway kills that hope fast. I groan, bracing myself for the lecture I know he’ll give me about Ben. Maybe I should just head to the hospital and catch Paisley at Eden later. I’m still debating whether to stay ordrive off when the front door swings open and Paisley comes jogging toward me.
I lower the window as she reaches the car.
“You planning on coming in?” she asks, a grin tugging at her lips. “I saw you pull up.”
I make a face. “Is Nash home?”
She shakes her head, a slight frown forming. “No, he’s out walking Max before his shift. Why?”
Relieved, I turn off the engine and climb out of the car. “Everything’s fine. I just wasn’t in the mood for another lecture.”
Paisley gives me a knowing look as we start toward the house, her arm hooking through mine. “About Ben?”
“Yep.” I exhale heavily. “I’m guessing he mentioned finding Ben at my place the other night?”
She snorts. “You could say that. It’s come up once… or five times.”
I roll my eyes. “He’s infuriating.”
“Agreed.” She laughs. “But lucky for you, he’s not here. So, you’re safe. For now.” She nudges me playfully as we step into the kitchen then head straight for the coffee machine. “I, on the other hand, want details. All of them.”
Her raised brows and teasing grin make me laugh despite myself.
A few minutes later, I’m settled on the sofa with a steaming mug of coffee in my hands as Paisley flops down beside me. She turns toward me expectantly. “Okay, what’s going on with you two?”
