Page 80 of Rock Me

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Noémie

I'm so shocked that it takes me a moment to realize that he's leaving.

"Jez!" I call out after him, my feet finally on the move. I turn into the hallway, but he's already too far ahead. "Jez!" I call out again, just as I see him walk into his room and pull the door closed. But the time I get there, the curtain is pulled and I can't see into his room. The bodyguard stands up and gently touches me on the shoulder.

"He doesn't want to see anyone right now. I’m sorry."

"Please! I really need to..."

"Sorry. I can't let you in," he cuts me off. And from the look on his face he really is sorry. I know, though, that there's nothing I can say or do that will change his mind.

I stand there for a moment, my forehead leaning against the cold glass, willing him to surprise me and appear on the other side. But he doesn't.

I sigh, and walk back to my room, trying to make sense of what has just happened.

He kissed me.

And I kissed him.

He might've made the first move, but there was no question, it's what I wanted. Maybe even more than he did. And now I want him even more. My body is still zinging with the emotions from being pressed against him.

His breath was my breath. With one kiss, he brought me alive, and destroyed me all at once.

***

He's not at the elevator the next day at the time for his PT appointment. His curtain and door were pulled closed whenever I peeked out of mine to see if he might be available to talk. But I thought he'd at least make it to his PT appointment.

But he's not there.

I wait for over half an hour.

Toni gives me a long look as I stand there, but she says nothing.

Eventually I go downstairs and Brian tells me that Jez has organized his own PT and won't be using the hospital's services anymore.

He gives me a look similar to Toni's, and tells me that I've been really helpful in Jez' sessions.

And thanks me.

He thanks me for helping Jez. And I have to hold in a snicker. I'm helping Jez for me. Because I want him well and healthy. For me. Everything I do for Jez is for me because I care about him so much. This mystery man from my past that I don't remember has become my reason for everything.

***

"So, I’ll be back around 5 p.m. tomorrow, okay? To pick you up. I'll take what I can today, and grab the rest tomorrow." Paige rambles on as she has all day.

"Okay," I say, absentmindedly. I'm not really listening to what she's saying, just staring out the window.

"Oi!" she yells, finally getting my attention.

"Wha?"

"What’s wrong? Are you feeling okay?"

"Argh. Paige -- when we get home, you will only get to ask me that once a day. If I'm not lying on the floor unconscious or bleeding from the head, just assume I'm okay."'

"Fine, sorry for caring." She pouts and I roll my eyes and poke my tongue out at her. "Ugh. you're lucky I love you."