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“It’s going to be all right,” I say sternly.
“You keep saying that, but you can’t know for sure.”
“I know,” I whisper, trying to convince myself just as much as her.
I pull up in front of her house, and turn off the engine. “Do you want me to come in?” I ask, noticing her hand already on the door handle.
“I think you should go. It’s late, and I need to call Harper to see if she can open up the Bean in the morning. I need to let her know she should hire those two high school kids who applied for a job last week. Right now, I need to be spending my time at the hospital.”
“I understand. I can go there and help out if you need me to.” Sarah chuckles.
“Famous heart surgeon moonlights as a barista? I don’t think that's in your repertoire.” I smirk at her.
“Yeah, maybe that’s not such a good idea, but I would try for you.” She gives me a forced smile.
“Goodnight, Luke. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Okay, get some sleep, and call me if you need anything.”
She escapes from the car without even so much as a second look. I watch her until she gets inside, knowing one thing for sure—if she thinks I’m going to give up on us this time, she’s dead wrong.
I am never letting go again.
Sarah
Iwake, groggy and in a panic. Reaching for my phone, I hastily scan to see the time is only nine, and the tension in my body slowly begins to ease. I need to get to the hospital early today, but I’m in no shape to rush this morning.
I make a quick call to the nurses’ station to check on Ashley. After her nurse reassures me she had a peaceful rest of the night, I feel much better. I text Ashley, letting her know I’ll be there soon, then fall back onto my pillow with a sigh.
Thoughts of last night with Luke come rushing back. His crisp, woodsy scent still on my sheets, and his handsome face etched into my mind. The warm kisses, his hot-as-fuck body all over me, and the way he made love to me, engraved into my thoughts. It was only supposed to be one night, so why can’t I erase his kiss from my lips, his touch from my body?
I take a much-needed long, hot shower and make my way to the Bean, in need of a shoulder to cry on, and the pressing desire for caffeine. When I arrive at the shop, Harper is behind the counter assisting a customer with her usual vibrant approach. I make myself a latte with a double shot of espresso and grab some treats to take up to Ashley.
“Hey, girl. You hanging in there? You look like shit today.”
“Um…thanks,” I deadpan. “I didn’t get much sleep last night. I couldn’t even muster the strength to put makeup on today.”
“Pfft, you don’t need makeup, honey. I just meant you look tired. How’s Ashley doing?”
“I called this morning, and she’s much better. I hope they figure something out soon. Thank you for opening the shop, by the way. I’m sorry to put so much on your plate right now.”
“Nonsense, that’s what friends and business partners are for.”
A tall, lanky gentleman strolls in for coffee and a bagel, so I give Harper a hand fixing the coffee and ring him up. “Have a nice day,” I tell him, striving to muster up a smile, but failing miserably.
“Did Luke get tested yet?” Harper corners me at the counter after the customer leaves.
“Yes, he was with me last night when the hospital called. I was in a panic, so he drove me there.” I feel Harper's eyes on me as I try to slip by her.
“He was with you last night?” she questions with raised brows. “You didn’t mention that little tidbit when we spoke.”
“We had dinner together.” I feel my cheeks getting warmer.
“Aaand?”she singsongs, waiting for a response with her arms folded. “Sarah Harris, you little hussy, you slept with him,” she says, more as a statement than a question, as I nervously bite my cuticles.
“Yes, but we didn’t sleep much.” I give her a sly smirk.
“Oh, I need more info, missy.”
