AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I don’t even bother answering. She’s such a fucking know-it-all.
Instead, I text Seth for the millionth time today: If you haven’t already, get the goddamn tail off Clover.
“Mr. Jacoby. Clover is awake. She’s agreed to see you.” The nurse from earlier taps her toe impatiently.
I’m up like a shot. I follow her to the room and burst through the door as various technicians are checking her vitals. Her aqua-blue eyes dart to me right away.
She bursts into tears. “JJ. You came back.”
“Sweetness.“ I can’t help it. I run to her and sink to my knees by her side.
Thankfully, no one makes me leave. They finish up whatever it is they’re doing and slip out.
I lean over and press my lips to hers. Engulf her in my arms. She clings to me, sobbing. Her hands clutch me like I’m her lifeline. I want to be that for her. Make sure she has the best care. Pamper her. Do anything and everything in my power to make her feel loved and protected.
And I have a lot of power.
When she’s all cried out—for the moment, I fear—she pulls away. Blows her nose.
I pull up a chair close to her. “I’ve been out of my mind trying to get back to LA. I can’t stand that I wasn’t here for you.” I brush the hair out of her eyes.
She sits up. “I feel fine physically. Before you came in, the doctor said they’re going to release me soon. I’m sure I collapsed from the shock of it all. I saw my house cave in, JJ.” She buries her face in her hands. “I lost everything.”
“Baby. Baby.“ I pet her head. There’s nothing to say. “I love you. We’ll figure it out. Have they told you what happened?”
Clover winces. “The air conditioner malfunctioned. Electrical fire. When I stopped home before my lunch meeting with Kris, I realized I’d left the AC off when I was staying with you. I turned it on to cool things down and noticed it made a weird buzzing noise, but I didn’t think anything of it. Well, maybe a passing thought to call someone out to look at it. You know how it goes. It was hot. I was late. All I could think about was getting to lunch on time and making sure the house was nice and cool when I got back.”
“My God.” I pull a chair up close.
Even in a hospital gown, face drenched in sorrow, Clover is the most beautiful woman in the world. I want to climb into bed with her. Comfort her. I’m about ready to do it when her doctor comes in.
“Clover, good news. We’re releasing you. I’ve prescribed some anti-anxiety medicine for you to take as needed.” He gives her an empathetic smile and hands me a soft packet. “Your clothes and also a set of scrubs and some slippers to go home in, if you’d like to stay comfortable.”
Clover nods. “I appreciate all you’ve done.”
When the doctor leaves, she grips my hand. Bursts into tears again. “What am I going to do? All I have are the clothes I wore to lunch yesterday and a few things I bought yesterday.”
“We’re just going to my house. Don’t forget, you have clothes and toiletries there already, and you can always wear one of my T-shirts. Tomorrow we can get whatever you need.” I take out the paper-thin blue shirt and pants. “This will be fine for the ride.”
She swings her feet over the side of the bed. I help her up and wrap her in my arms. We sway together for a while. Every part of our bodies presses together. It’s the first time I can ever remember being this close to a woman I’m involved with where it isn’t about sex.
It’s about a deep, all-encompassing love.
The overwhelming need to protect her from all of life’s difficulties.
To shield her from danger.
Clover Callahan is my everything. My reason for existing.
Our mouths join. Her fingers rake through my unruly hair. “JJ, I can’t believe you flew all the way back.”
“Get used to it, baby. This is who we are.” My arms wind around her shoulders. Cage her against my chest.
The timeline on our relationship is about to get sped up if I have anything to say about it.
Tomorrow, I’m calling a real estate agent. We’re going to find our perfect forever home.
I’ll pull in all my connections to find the perfect engagement ring.
