Page 93 of Wild Devotion
“No problem.” Chantel stood, smoothing her shirt. “I’m going to find my husband. You know where I’ll be.”
Sean blanched. The copper of his hair and beard stood out in stark contrast against skin that had gone white as the hospital sheets.
“You okay?” I asked him.
His eyes cut to mine, and for one unguarded second, the misery was so naked it made my stomach clench. Then the mask slid back into place.
“Yeah, I’m all good.” The dazzling smile returned, but I saw through it now. His pain had nothing to do with the concussion.
“Please, Cal.” Zadie turned to me. “I need to do this on my own.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
I took her face in my hands, searching for doubt. Her brown eyes sparkled. Her freckled cheeks flushed under my scrutiny. But her determination didn’t waver.
Beautiful and brave.
“Okay,” I murmured, running my thumb over her cheek. “I’ll be right outside.”
“No.” She placed her hand over mine. “You’ve waited long enough. I’m done making you wait.” Her smile was steady, her gaze certain. “Go see Abby. Catch up on your volunteer hours. I’ll be here when you’re done.”
Beautiful and brave and fucking mine.
“All right.” I winked, even though my chest was so full it hurt.
What I wanted to say was I love you.
I wanted to tell her. Wanted to shout it. Wanted to get on my knees and say it against her stomach so the baby could hear it too.
But this wasn’t the moment. Not in a hospital room. Not with her ex-boyfriend three feet away, concussed and heartbroken and watching us with an expression that was equal parts envy and acceptance.
Even though I couldn’t say the words, Zadie seemed to read them on my face. Her hand slid into my hair, gripping hard, and she pulled me down to her. Our mouths met in a kiss that was fierce and tender and felt like everything I hadn’t said out loud.
I poured it all in, hoping she could taste it. Needing her to know.
Sean cleared his throat loudly and then groaned from the pain of it.
Zadie smiled against my lips, laughter vibrating through the kiss. She swept her tongue once more against mine and murmured, “We’re always getting interrupted.”
“Don’t let me stop you,” Sean managed through his discomfort. “I’m good with watching.”
Zadie sighed, shaking her head. “You’re not invited.”
Our laughter faded as I prepared to leave them. The weight of what she was about to face tried to drag me under, but Zadie was still smiling.
I had nothing to be jealous of. Nothing to fear.
We weren’t fearless. But neither of us was letting fear run the show anymore.
“Time to face reality,” she said.
“Time to build one.” I kissed her one last time and walked out the door.
Week 24
Chapter Thirty-Two
