Nineteen
I wait by the closed door of Gavin’s room, knotting my hands across my lap. I just left him with Dr. Lee ten minutes ago and I’m already missing his touch. I can't believe he's really okay. It’s all I can focus on right now. My thoughts are interrupted when Dr. Lee comes out of Gavin's hospital room and looks at me with a much more convincing smile than he gave me before. His kind eyes and easy going nature is almost the polar opposite from the grim looking doctor I met twelve hours ago.
"How are you doing, Aria?"
"I just want him to be okay. He’s going to be okay right?" I can hear the hope in my voice.
"He will, Aria. From what I can tell, all his vitals are stable and his scans all came back clear. He may have some pain in his ribs for the next few weeks and maybe some headaches depending on how he reacts to the pain medications we've given him so just keep an eye out for that. Other than that, he's good to go." All I hear is he’s going to be okay.
I smile, wholeheartedly for the first time in twelve hours. I take his outreached hand and pull my messy hair back into a messy bun when it falls in my face.
"Thank you for everything. When can he be discharged?"
"I’ll file his papers now. You should be able to take him home in the morning."
"Okay."
He stalks away, leaving me beaming. I just want to have Gavin back home with me. God, I hate hospitals. Only a year ago this very hospital told me that my dear brother was gone from this world forever.
I still remember the feelings of devastation, hopelessness, and confusion. I was lost in a sea of hurt, not knowing how to move on from not only Jeremy’s death but also the shattered heart I’d endured only months ago. But Gavin, he healed me, he saved me, he found me. I’m so very lucky to have him. He gave me a home when I thought I’d never feel that again. Home. Yes, that sounds good.
Hastily, I let myself back into the room, seeing my man scrolling through his phone as he sits up in bed. His eyebrows are drawn together in concentration, that mouth parted in the sexiest way. I lean my back against the closed door, watching him. His lips twitch with a smile and his eyes reach mine.
"Come here, Baby," he says, outreaching his hand to me as I come around the foot of his bed.
"Miss anything important?" I ask, rubbing my thumb against his stubbled jaw.
He grins, a boyish smile that reminds me of why I fell so hard for him just weeks ago. I sit beside him, running my hand over his roughened jaw, the stubble igniting my skin at the contact. His eyes alight with something that makes me want to swoon.
"A few meetings, a business lunch with clients from Seattle, nothing earth shattering."
"Why don't you tell me about your work?" The sentence just tumbles out of me, and I realize that the words actually were said out loud. I bite down on my lip and continue to explore the skin of his jaw, reaching up to ever so gently run my thumb against the fading bruises on his face.
Gavin shrugs, his hand coming up to the back of my head and his fingers pull on the ribbon-tie holding my hair up and lets it fall back down my shoulders. I feel his fingers tease through it and I lean myself into the touch.
"I love your hair."
He runs his decadent fingers through the waves and tucks strands behind my ears.
After long moments of just playing with my hair and pressing soft kisses to my temple, nose and parted mouth, Gavin starts to speak.
"It’s always felt like my father’s company, not really mine. Don't get me wrong, I love Thomas and the business is thriving; the work intrigues me. I enjoy it, but it’s not an empire I’ve built, it's my father’s.
My father built everything, groomed the company to what it is today. I’ve only been a part of all of it for seven years or so."
I run my fingers over his chest, waiting for him to continue.
"But you should be proud of it, Gavin. Your father may have built it, but it’s your empire now, and the work you do is completely your own. Baby, I’m proud of you."
In a flash, Gavin’s eyes heat as he takes in my words and abruptly he pulls me into his chest, grunting lowly from the pain the motion causes. Oh, shit, his ribs!
"Gavin, careful, your ribs." That slow smile crosses his lips and he doesn't let me go.
"Trust me, it’s worth the pain having you in my arms again. You have no idea…"
I have no idea about what? What was he going to say? Before I can ask, he speaks again with a voice filled with promise.
"You amaze me baby, I’m in awe of you. Even after these last twelve hours, I should be taking care of you, but here you are, loving me as always."
I see such love in his blue gray eyes and it brings tears to mine again.
"Gavin," I whisper, taking his face in both my hands.
"I’m always going to love you." The words come straight from my heart. I know I’ll forever love this man. From the very moment I saw him, he’s worked his way into my heart and there’s no going back to my sheltered existence before I met him. I gaze up into the endless pools of blue and gray that are his eyes and the smile that he gives me is almost worth the pain of the last two days that we’ve been apart.
"I love you so much, Aria, baby." His deep voice makes my heart constrict in sheer joy at hearing those deep, reverent words. Then his mouth comes down onto mine, fingers tangle in my wavy, unruly hair and I’m clutching onto him with everything I have. In his kiss, I’m home. Our tongues collide, dancing together. He pulls my bottom lip into his mouth tantalizingly and sucks. I moan softly in response. I feel him smiling against my lips.
I giggle, hearing the tease in his voice. Oh, he's so good at distracting me. His lips graze down my neck, making goosebumps surface against my skin from his teasing touch.
"That you need to take it easy. Did he give you something for the pain?" I pull back, meeting his eyes and placing my hands on his shoulders.
When he sits back he shows the prescription slip Dr. Lee gave him and a roll of white bandage tape.
"Oh, good."
Gavin turns me so that my back leans against his chest and I can feel his heat in every line of my body. From my shoulders to my hips, I feel the hardness of his muscular frame against mine. I also feel roaming hands up and down my arms, soothing my goose bumps away.
"Mmhm." I press closer and turn to rest my head on his warm chest.
Time slows as we just sit with each other. The silence is comforting and I have no idea how much time has passed when I hear Gavin’s gravelly voice close to my ear.
"You’re so quiet, baby. Are you still worried about Jasmine?"
I lift my eyes to his and see the worry in them. Somehow, I feel a vulnerability now that everything is settled between us. My insecurities about Jasmine got the best of me and how do I know that won’t happen again?
"Do you have feelings for her?" I whisper, my voice shaky with renewed doubt.
Gavin’s eyes widen and before I know it, he’s gently taking my face in his hands. Those eyes that I love so much are intensely locked onto mine and I lose my words, seeing the fierce determination in them.
I’d find love again, not until you, Aria. I love you, baby. I have no feelings whatsoever for Jasmine." I hear the honest emotion in his voice and my heart leaps, his heartfelt words breaking through my apprehension.
I believe him.
I wrap my arms around his back and rest my forehead against his, reveling in the feel of his thumbs stroking along my collarbone. I breathe in his minty scent for a long moment in time.
"Gavin." I lean back, clasp his face in my urgent hands and kiss his temple, then his eyes and down until my lips brush against his parted mouth.
"I love you, too," I whisper, seeing his eyes heat as he exhales and then grasps the back of my neck.
"God, Aria, I missed you."
His voice is deep with emotion and before I know it, his mouth closes over mine and I’m lost. His touch, the feel of his lips crushing to mine, his hot breath against my mouth as he delves his hands into my hair. The passion erupts from within me, desperation coursing through my veins as I realize how wrong I was about this man. I cling onto him, kissing him with every fiber of my being and when his tongue slips hungrily between my lips, a soft moan escapes me. I'm breathless, exploring him and feeling the tremors in his taut back as he licks expertly into my mouth, nipping teasingly on my bottom lip.
"Oh God, I want…" I whisper, my voice pleading but then his mouth hovers over mine again. He chuckles, a low youthful sound that makes desire pool low in my core. I love that sound.
"You want me to make love to you, baby?" Gavin asks, looking down at me with blazing blue-gray eyes.
A moan escapes me when he nips along my jaw and then soothes the skin over with his magical tongue.
"Gavin." It’s a plea. For what, I’m not sure. To continue with this delicious torture or to stop?
Leaning back, he gives me a heart stopping, earth shattering smile and I can't help biting my lip to hide my answering smile.
"When can we get out of here?" he whispers, running his hands achingly slow up my thighs.
The promise in those words is infinite and I slip off the bed, settling myself against the chair beside him to regain my equilibrium.
"In the morning, I think. But you have to take it easy."
He shakes his head, grazing his knuckles down my cheek. I have a feeling he’s not going to want to take it easy when we get home to our bed.
"Will you come home with me?"
His question surprises me and I hear that his voice is raw, vulnerable I think. It takes my breath away, making me realize how new all this is to us. It’s as if we're teetering, getting to know each other for the first time with the fear of losing everything we've built so far.
"Gavin, of course I will," I say, my voice is just shy of a whisper.
I watch as he exhales deeply and leans forward to kiss the side of my mouth.
"I don't want you to worry about Jasmine."
His palm rests on my cheek, tipping my eyes up to his.
"I don’t trust her, Gavin." I don’t know why I have the need to say this, but I do. She knew that we were involved when she went to Gavin’s office last week. She was upset, yes, I can understand that. But that woman had no right to make a move on him, especially when she was the very person to break his heart years ago. I still picture the image of her lips on Gavin’s. God, I hate that she kissed him. His kisses are mine, solely mine.
"You have nothing to worry about. You’re all I see, Beautiful."
I look up at him, then squeeze his hand in mine. I lift it to my lips and kiss his palm.
"I trust you." I trust him completely. It’s her that I don’t trust.
"Then trust me to make sure she never comes between us again."
I nod, then skate my fingers over his heart through his shirt.
"I feel your heart beating," I whisper.
"It’s real, baby. Listen to me." I wrap my arms around his neck and look into his eyes as he continues. The intensity in his eyes stops my heart altogether.
"I won’t ever hurt you. Never again."
My heart leaps in my chest, not expecting that. How does he know exactly what I need to hear?
"Me either, Gavin. Me either."
***
After three hours of watching daytime television, settled in Gavin's lap with his hands around my middle and his lips pressing to the side of my neck, I hear him groan and then chuckle, grunting a little bit from his broken ribs. He hides it well, but I can tell he's not at his best. The doctor told me he should be taking it easy and I fully intend to make sure he does just that. At least this way I can take care of him. The thought of that fills me with joy, though I hate that my Gavin is in pain. My thoughts are rudely interrupted as he snatches the television remote away from me. I feel him smiling against the side of my head.
"No way! What are you doing!?" I squeal, fighting to reach the remote he so rudely grabbed out of my hand. I feel his grin as he catches my earlobe tantalizingly between his teeth. My core tightens deliciously at the contact.
"I’m changing it. This is torture, Beautiful. Three hours of damn soap operas!" I giggle, leaning my head against his chest and looking up at him through my eyelashes. I’m pouting, hoping he’ll let me have my way. I was just getting interested in the damn soap operas. His stormy blues are soft and filled with amusement, gazing down at me as he bites his bottom lip to hide his laugh.
"I like them"
He grins now, unabashedly and leans down, running his lips along mine. His kiss is a gentle inhaling, a barely there touch to my mouth. I groan, wanting more as he pulls away and winks down at me.
"I can see the pain medication is kicking in," I say, not being able to hide a smirk. Deftly, Gavin flicks through channels as his eyes never leave mine.
"Don’t you want to watch something else?" he whispers, his eyes dancing with humor. Oh, this man. He’s trying to distract me, and with his lips along the back of my neck; it’s working.
"Like what?" I ask.
Gavin’s eyes are on the television screen now and they light up. Suddenly, he grins, grazing his mouth against my forehead when I see what he's chosen to watch. Final Destination 3, the movie I told him is my favorite when we first met. He remembered…
"You approve, baby?"
I nestle my face into his chest and nod, giving him a grin that doesn't hold anything back.
"Glad to hear it, Beautiful." Then he leans down, cradling my face in his palms as his mouth closes over mine, grazing his teeth over my lower lip with heartrending slowness. He brushes his mouth over mine gently, teasing me and I’m breathless as I lean into him.
"Gavin, please," I whisper, moaning low in my throat when he sucks my bottom lip into his mouth, nibbling at it teasingly. My skin tingles in desire for his touch and my breath falters, wishing we weren't in this hospital bed and instead, at home in his bed, our bed.
"You taste so good. Are you wearing something new?"
He wipes my hair from the back of my neck and his mouth glides down, kissing and sucking as he goes until his hot breath covers the top of my breasts just above my V-neck tee.
"Um, I’m not sure," I whisper, losing my train of thought as his index finger runs along the top of my breasts, his hand coming up to unbutton the first button of my blouse. I gasp, remembering where we are and what Dr. Lee said. He needs to take it easy for the next few days…
"Wait, you’re supposed to take it easy, Gavin."
He ignores me, releasing the first and going on to the second button on my shirt as his other arm tightens around my waist. I lean back fractionally, the exposed skin of my breasts feeling bereft without his touch.
"Gavin, we have plenty of time and you’re recovering. Your ribs are broken and Dr. Lee said you might experience some headaches. There's no rush." I don’t know why I’m resisting his touch, our attraction is like a moth to a flame, and I have no hope of staying away for long.
Gavin’s eyes are heated with want as he gazes down at me and runs his hands down my face. Oh, I love his touch.
"Aria, I missed you. I want you. Let me touch you."
His heartfelt confession knocks down my defenses and I sag against him, feeling his hands run up my thighs and then resting against my hips. God, I miss him so much.
"I missed you so much, baby." The words echo my thoughts and when I blink up to his eyes, I see the emotion in them.
"Oh, Gavin." I press against him, kissing his mouth briefly and then meeting his eyes again as tears build in my own.
"I was so afraid that I’d lose you. When Callie called me all I could think about was how I just walked away from you and if that had been the last time….. God, I-"
Gavin's eyes widen suddenly and he pulls me to him roughly, grunting low in his throat as he takes my face in his hands and kisses me with such passion, his tongue slipping into my mouth as he holds me tight against his chest. I feel his love pouring into me with each lash of his delectable tongue, each pull of his mouth against mine. I feel his hands leaving my face where they run down my sides to slip under the hem of my shirt. His hands run up the bare skin of my back, his tongue licking hungrily into my mouth.
He cherishes me with his kiss and I’m mesmerized, grasping onto his neck in need.
"Baby, I couldn't leave you. I love you more than I ever thought possible and I promise, I’m not going anywhere."
He kisses my forehead and leans back to wipe the tears that slipped down my cheeks.
"Okay," I whisper, returning my lips to his as he deftly undoes the last button and smiles that smile that always takes the breath from my lungs, his eyes filled with his desire for me.
From behind me, I hear someone knock twice on the door. A moment later, pulling away from Gavin's arms and twisting to see his mother peering into the room with a grin across her face. I gasp audibly. Shit! I slip off his lap hastily once I’m covered and stand by his bedside, feeling my cheeks heat.
She must think I’m jumping on her son while he's in a hospital bed after his accident! Oh, goodness, and I thought we'd hit it off at first, now who knows?
"Mom, I didn't know you were here," Gavin says, chuckling as she makes her way into the room.
Now seeing her without the cloud of emotion I’d had before Gavin awoke, I see how naturally beautiful his mother is. The shape of her face, the curve of her nose, even the gray eyes that compliment her ivory skin. She wears the same sweater and slacks, and I can see Gavin in the way she moves. Wow, they look so much alike.
She comes to me and kisses my cheek before leaning back and squeezes my hands. I smile, trying to hide my uneasiness. I want her to like me, though I have no idea how to make that happen since my relationship with my mother has never been smooth.
"It’s nice to see some color in your cheeks, Aria. Sorry to interrupt," she smiles wider and gives me a wink before going to Gavin's bedside. She sits beside him and takes his hand in hers, leaning down as she kisses his forehead.
"You feeling okay, sweetheart?" She asks, gazing down at him lovingly.
"Yes, mom. I'm good now. When did you get here? I thought you were still in St. Louis to see Mr. Jamison?"
She shakes her head, and I go to the other side of his bed, where I sit in a chair, watching the motherly love Elizabeth has for her son.
"I finished yesterday. A few hours after you left, I came right here. I've been worried sick, sweetheart. Don’t you dare scare us like that again!"
He nods, squeezing his mom's hand.
"I'll do my best, Mama. Have you heard anything about the other drivers? Is anyone hurt?"
She's quiet all of a sudden and gazes down at him, then her eyes briefly shift to mine. Oh, no.
There's worry in them and maybe-fear? My heart constricts as a sense of dread courses through me. What's happened?
"The loader's driver, we don't know. He left the scene almost right away."
"And what about the other driver?" Gavin's voice sounds calm and collected while I’m internally freaking out. Why would the driver hit Gavin's car and then just take off? Isn’t that against the law?
"Debbie Craig, yes, she's okay. She has a few broken ribs and a sprained ankle, but other than that she's fine."
Gavin tenses and he whispers something too low for me to hear to his mother.
"I'll take care of it as soon as I can. Dr. Lee said you’re good to go so I’ll call you tonight, OK?"
"Sure, mom." She kisses his cheek and leans over to clasp my hand in hers, squeezing gently.
"Relax, honey. It’s all okay now." Her voice is soft, nurturing. It immediately puts me at ease.
"Thank you, Elizabeth." I hug her and lead her to the doorway. She smiles warmly and then makes her way out of the room.
"It’s not your fault, Gavin," I whisper, running my hand over the stubble along his jaw and up his cheek. It really does grow quickly.
He takes a hold of my hand, pressing my palm to his lips for a kiss.
"I know. It’s just a shock. I asked my mother to make sure that the other driver is taken care of, physical therapy, hospital time. Whatever it is she needs."
My heart yearns for him, seeing the compassion in his eyes and his actions. It’s… sobering.
"And how did I deserve you?" I whisper, watching as he makes his way off the bed.
"Many reasons, baby. One being, you’re you, Aria." Though his voice is teasing, I know his words are filled with meaning.
Gavin winces as he stands and I mirror him, seeing for the first time the pain he's in. I hold him up by his sides and he takes a deep breath, then slowly lets it out.
"I'm getting you more pain medication before we leave," I say, my eyes flicking down to his bandaged forearm. Some glass got into his arm and the gash had to be stitched up. I can see the dressing needs to be redone.
"You okay to stand?"
He nods, giving me half a smile as I lean over the bed and grab the roll of bandages by his bedside.
"Aria, I’m fine," he says, reaching for his jacket. I slap his hand away and lead him back to the bed and after a shake of his head, he sits in front of me and outstretches his injured arm to me.
"You spoil me, baby."
I grin, biting my lip as I undress his arm, being careful not to hurt him.
"Oh, trust me. This is only the beginning, I like taking care of you."
Once it's undressed, I gasp when I see the cut in the middle of his forearm, stitched together intricately. My heart squeezes at the sight of it. God, I hate seeing this, him hurt and injured. I swallow, reaching for the roll of bandages with the hand not holding his arm.
His blue-gray eyes blink up at me, softening when I gaze down at him. I worry my lip with my teeth, dressing his injury quickly and then exhaling audibly when the cut is covered in fresh bandaging, my eyes closing as I reassure myself that he's really OK. He’s OK, he’s here with me.
"Hey," Gavin whispers as he caresses my cheek and pulls me between his legs, hugging me around my waist and pressing his cheek against mine. His warmth is welcoming and I press a kiss to his collarbone, holding onto him as he holds me.
"I’m okay, we're okay." Gavin’s voice soothes me, chases away my fears from the past two days. I clutch onto his strong, taut shoulders and his mouth comes up to kiss my temple. I sigh as he cups my cheeks with his big warm hands.
"I love you," I whisper, reveling in the feel of his hands upon my face. Gavin smiles big, creating tingles on my skin and joy to unfurl in my stomach. Then he kisses my lips softly. God, I love him. I wrap my hands around his neck and sink my fingers into his messy hair.
"I love you. Unconditionally, baby. Come on, let’s go home."
God, that sounds good, so good.