Page 11 of Wilde Hearts

I took his hand in mine and squeezed it. “You should go back to sleep then.”

Jacob rolled his eyes, then smiled at me. “Lynn said you got hotel rooms for both of you here in town. Ensley, you need to be working, not here.”

“You don’t worry about me, sir. I’ve got everything taken care of, and I’m not leaving.” Glancing at his wife, I said, “You need to go get some sleep, Lynn.”

“She’s right, sweetheart. You’ve been here since yesterday. I know you’re exhausted.”

Lynn worried her lower lip as she looked from Jacob to me.

“I won’t be going anywhere,” I promised her, “and the hotel’s just five minutes up the road.”

“Please, go for me, Lynn. I’ll rest easier knowing you’re getting rest, as well.”

That seemed to do it for Lynn. She kissed Jacob goodbye, then hugged me.

“You’ll call me if anything happens?”

I guided her out of the room and walked with her toward the elevators. “Nothing is going to happen, but yes, I’ll call you. Go take a hot shower and get some sleep. Eat something, too. My card’s on the rooms, so order room service.”

“Ensley Wilde, you don’t need to do that.”

Placing my hand on her arm, I said, “I want to do it. Now go.”

Once Lynn was safely in the elevator, I headed back to Jacob’s room. He was still awake when I walked in.

“What about your clients? My clients?”

“I’ve taken care of both. I need you to stop worrying, okay?” I sat down and took his hand in mine.

Jacob caught my gaze. “I want you to know, Ensley, that I’ve always loved you like a daughter.”

Tears stung the back of my eyes. “I know. And I’ve always loved you like a second father.”

He paused at that admission, even though I know he knew it and I swear I saw tears form in his eyes, as well. But he quickly changed the subject. “How are you doing, Ensley?”

“Me? I’m doing great. Lots of things are happening with the Wilde family lately.”

“I’ve heard. What about you? Are you dating anyone?”

I felt my cheeks heat. It was strange talking to Jacob about this particular subject. “Not seriously.”

He nodded.

I really didn’t want to ask the next question…but I needed to. I was positive Lynn would have let her son know his father was in the hospital. “Um, Jacob, has Colt been told about your heart attack?”

His eyes were closed. “I believe Lynn called to let him know.”

I leaned forward, hoping he’d give me more information. Like, was he coming home, at least? And if so, when? I wanted to know when to be gone. The last thing I wanted was to run into Colt. Or was it…

I was about to ask when a soft snore came from Jacob.

Smiling, I reached into my bag and pulled out a book. I walked over to the small love seat against the wall, curled up, and started reading. It didn’t take long before my own eyelids grew heavy. I leaned my head against the back of the sofa and closed my eyes.

“Just five minutes,” I whispered, before I dozed off to sleep.

I jolted awake several hours later, when I heard the door to the room open. A nurse walked in and smiled at me as she went over to check on Jacob. He was still asleep.

Standing, I stretched my arms over my head and covered a yawn with my hand.