“Daddy! Daddy!”
Jumping off the couch, I rush upstairs and race into Lily’s room just in time to see her throw up all over herself and the floor in front of her bed.
“Oh, Lily bug.”
Her cries tear at my heart, and I carefully maneuver myself around the puddle so I can grab her. After getting her washed up and in clean pajamas again, I carry her downstairs to the couch so I can clean her bed. Stripping the sheets and blankets, I throw it all into the washing machine and then Lysol the shit out of her floor.
When I go back downstairs, Lily is still awake and clutching her bunny. Swinging by the downstairs bathroom, I grab her thermometer and some more Tylenol. Sitting next to her on the couch, I run the back of my hand over her forehead, concerned to find her even warmer than when we left my mom’s earlier. Holding the thermometer in her ear, I watch the number shoot up to almost 103 and my pulse kicks into overdrive.
“How you doing, Lily?”
“Head hurts.” Her voice barely penetrates the silence, and it spurs me into action. Hurrying to the front door, I stuff my feet into my Chucks and grab my keys. Scooping her from the couch, I grab her bunny and hustle her into my truck.
Five minutes later I’m flying down the road, getting to the emergency room as fast as I can. Looking in my rearview mirror, I can see her head lolling around and her eyes drifting shut.
“C’mon, Lily. Baby, I need you to keep your eyes open for Daddy.”
I clench the wheel so tight my knuckles are white, and I’ve broken out into a sweat. Lily has never been sick before, and it’s killing me to see her like this.
What if something is horribly wrong?
Screeching into the parking lot, I don’t bother parking, just hit my hazards and race around to her side of the car, pulling her out as gently yet quickly as possible. Her eyes are closed and I can tell her breathing is labored. Cradling her to my chest, I run as fast as I can inside the building.
“I need help! Please, it’s my daughter!” I shout, running over to a large circular desk. A nurse pulls Lily from my arms and places her on a stretcher against the wall.
“Please….”
“Sir, I’m gonna need you to let them take care of her.”
“That’s my little girl.” I can barely speak over the lump in my throat.
“Okay, what is your daughter’s name?”
“Lily.”
The nurse grasps my forearm, leads me over to the room they’ve taken Lily to, and stands with me outside the room.
“Can you tell us what happened?”
Nodding, I scrub a hand over my face, trying to keep my shit together.
“Yeah, my mom was babysitting her and said that she threw up around noon. Gave her some Tylenol and put her down on the couch. Her fever was at 101 when I picked her up. I got her into bed when we got home, and she vomited again and her fever spiked to 103.”
“Okay, and how was she acting until you brought her in?”
“Fine. Tired, but okay. When she threw up the second time, she said her head hurt.”
“Give me just a moment.”
She moves into the room, leaving me alone. I drop into a chair outside the door and lower my head into my hands. Taking a deep breath, I pray for my little girl, needing her to be okay. A doctor walks into the room a few minutes later and a good twenty minutes pass while I sit there, slowly losing my mind, before the same nurse comes back out to me.
“Your daughter is asking for you, Mr.…”
“Jackson. Levi Jackson. She’s awake?”
“Yes, Mr. Jackson. Your little girl is going to be just fine.”
Practically running over the nurse to get to the door, I step into the room and am almost brought to my knees at the sight of Lily sitting up in bed with a small bottle of water in her hands. I’m at the bed in only a couple of strides and sit next to her, running my hand over her head and kissing her face.
“Oh, baby, you scared the hell outta me.”
“Daddy, you said a bad word. Owe me a buck.”
Chuckling, I pull away from her and turn to the doctor. “How is she?”
“Your little lady is going to be fine. She has a massive double ear infection. Generally, they cause a fever and vomiting, but we’ve started her on antibiotics. In about a week she’ll be good as new.”
I blow out a deep breath and I can’t help breaking into a smile.
“Oh, thank God.”
The doctor excuses himself to get a prescription and her paperwork, and the nurse comes over to the bed to check on Lily.
“So, sweetheart, you feeling a little better?” she asks softly, brushing her blonde hair over her shoulder.
Why did I just notice that?
Shaking my head, I watch her interact with Lily, smiling when I hear my sweet girl’s giggle. I try to find the nurse’s name tag, but it’s out of my line of sight.
“I’m sorry, I never asked your name,” I say.
“Oh. I’m Emerson Reese. I’m actually a nursing student here.”
“Emerson. Well, it’s nice to meet you. Thank you for taking care of my baby.”
“It was my pleasure.” Emerson smiles softly, and I take in the sparkling blue of her eyes, framed with dark lashes. I reach out and she shakes my hand, her warm one fitting perfectly in mine.
What the hell is wrong with me?
2
EMERSON
Poor guy.
When this man ran in with his daughter, my heart immediately went out to him. You could see the genuine fear and concern for her all over his face. His bright blue eyes showed every emotion that his features didn’t.
And that sweet little girl. I find myself completely drawn to her, those big blue eyes identical to her daddy’s.
I know I’m completely unprofessional, but he’s also the most attractive man I have ever laid my eyes on. Considerably taller than my five-foot-two frame, his arms are huge, and I could see a tattoo peeking out of his shirt. Not that I noticed any of that.
Like I said, completely unprofessional.
I’m only a year away from being done with nursing school and I’m so ready. I work here at the hospital full time in the housekeeping department, and I also put in several hours a week in the ER doing clinicals. I was on my way to clock out when Levi Jackson came running through, and I knew I had to help.
Heading back to my locker, I throw my sweatshirt on over my scrubs and grab my purse. As I walk back up toward the floor, I twist my long blonde hair up into a knot and swing by the ER. Checking in on the few patients I helped oversee, I notice Levi still sitting in Lily’s room.
When I knock on the doorframe, he looks over his shoulder at me and I give him a smile.
“How’s she doing?” I ask, leaning against the frame.
“Better. Thank you, by the way, for everything.”
“Just doing my job,” I say with a shrug.
Standing from the bed, he jams his hands in the front pockets of his sweats and staggers over to me. “Lily has never been sick like that before, and it really scared me. I’m sure I overreacted, but I couldn’t help but panic over her fever.”
“No, you didn’t overreact. Seriously, Levi, you seem like a really good dad. You did the right thing and she’ll be fine. I promise.”
Levi flashes me a smile and I swear I melt into a puddle. Straight white teeth and those dimples.
Jesus. He’s so handsome.
Get it together, Reese.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I thought you guys would be out of here by now?”
Looking over his shoulder at Lily, he turns back to me and runs a hand over the back of his neck. He looks tense and exhausted.
“They wanted to run another test just to make sure she’s okay. I just want to get her home and into her bed. I don’t like seeing her here.”
I can hear the pain in his voice. I’m not entirely sure what comes over me, but before I can second-guess myself, I step forward and loos
ely wrap my arms around his waist, gently hugging him. I almost giggle when I realize my head barely reaches his shoulders, but that dies when his arms lock around me, hugging me incredibly hard.
Taking a deep breath, I get a whiff of his cologne or body wash, and it smells heavenly. It takes me three full seconds before I yank away from him, eyes wide.
“Oh my gosh, that was inappropriate, I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I needed that.” Levi gives me a sheepish smile and I grin back at him.
“Okay, good. I hope Lily is feeling better soon. I need to get going, but it was nice meeting you, Levi. Only wish it had been under better circumstances.”
“Nice meeting you too, Emerson Reese. You have a good night, sweetheart.”
With a small wave, I turn around and rush out of the hospital, cheeks burning the entire way. Oh my God, I can’t believe I freaking hugged him. What the hell was I thinking? He didn’t seem to mind, but I feel like such a weirdo. Who does that?
Making it to the parking garage, my cell phone starts ringing from my purse and I pull it out to see it’s my mother calling.
“Hey, Mom, what’s going on?”
“Emerson, how was work today?”
Cradling the phone under my ear, I dig around in my purse for my keys, then hit the key fob and unlock my car.
“It was good, only had a couple of patients tonight. What are you and Dad up to?”
“Well, your father is watching a baseball game and I’m prepping dinner. You want to come over? We’re having pork roast and potatoes.”
“Sure. You mind if I swing home and shower first?” Dropping my stuff onto the passenger seat, I get into my car and shut the door.
“Oh, that’s fine. It won’t be done for a while anyway. You come over whenever, honey.”
“Okay, I’ll see you a little later, Mom. Love you.”
“Love you too. Drive safe.”
“Always.” Dropping my phone into the cup holder, I turn the car on and take off for home. I live a good twenty minutes away, so I crank the radio and turn up the newest Chase Rice single. While I drive, my thoughts drift to a certain handsome father, but I push them from my mind. Hell, Levi’s probably a married man and I’m being a silly ho bag.
But damn was he yummy.
Pulling into my apartment complex a bit later, I park and head up to my place. I live in a seedy area of town, and I definitely want to get out of here soon; my lease is up in six months and I’m already looking for a new place. Letting myself in, I shut the door behind me and lock the crappy deadbolt. I can already hear the couple above me screaming at each other as I hurry to my tiny bathroom. Turning the water on, I wait for it to heat, then strip out of my scrubs and jump in.
Rushing through my routine, I wrap my hair and body in towels and go in search of some clothes. Deciding on a pair of yoga pants and a long-sleeved tee, I towel-dry my hair as best as possible and find my Chucks. Since I never wear makeup, I’m ready to go in minutes.
Grabbing my purse, I’m out the door to my parents’ only fifteen minutes after getting home. As I shut myself into my car, I take a deep breath and rest my forehead on the steering wheel. I moved here when I was assigned to the hospital for my clinicals, but maybe I should ask for a transfer so I can get out of this shady area.
While I’m driving, I decide that I should talk to my dad about my apartment. Maybe it’s not worth the deposit I put down and I should just move anyway. My dad is a realtor, so maybe he can help me find something better.
It doesn’t take long before I’m turning into their driveway. Their golden retriever, Rosie, comes racing around the front of the house, barking with delight. Parking next to their cars in the driveway, I climb out and kneel down to give Rosie some love. When she’s satisfied, she runs away, and I look up to see my parents coming out of the house.
“Hey, baby girl!” Dad yells, rushing over to pull me into a bear hug. My feet leave the ground, he hugs me so tight, and Mom is right behind him. I’m the only child and have always had an incredible relationship with them. Smiling, Mom wraps an arm around my shoulders and we all head into the house.
“How’s work, Daddy?” I ask, taking a seat at the kitchen counter. He offers me a beer but I decline. Shrugging, he pops the top off one and takes a sip.
“Not bad. Sold a couple properties, still trying to help one couple find a place.”
“Is the market bad right now?” I ask, resting my chin on my hand.
“No, it’s doing okay. They just had a new baby, so they’re trying to find the perfect place. A house they can have more kids in and grow into.”
“I can understand that. How are rentals doing?”
“You looking to move, kiddo?”
“Yeah, I am. That neighborhood is so bad, and my apartment is crap. Every night I’m either listening to people fighting, someone having a party, or loud, nasty sex. I hardly sleep anymore.” Shaking my head, I see my dad’s eyes narrow.
“Em, why didn’t you tell us that? We could have gotten you out sooner.”
“It wasn’t too bad when I first moved in, but it’s gotten worse and I’m just sick of it, ya know? I only have a year left in school and I want to be at my best for it, but I’m either at work, or at school doing all my work there.”
“I’ll take care of you, baby girl. Don’t you worry.” With a wink, Dad walks away and I hear him go into his office. Mom laughs and then offers me a glass of wine, which I gladly accept. I shouldn’t drink when I’ll be driving tonight, but it’s a small one, and I’ll fill up on Mom’s food soon enough. I need a nice night to just relax and stop stressing.
A week later, I’m sitting on my lunch break at work and have just hung up with my dad. He found me a small house for rent closer to theirs. It’s a tiny bit out of my price range, but if I’m careful it’ll be fine. After all, if I can get a job at the hospital right after graduation, I’ll be making much more money. It’s only a year.
Placing my phone on the table in front of me, I look up when my coworker comes into the room. Ashley has a huge grin on her face and I raise an eyebrow.
“What’s up?”
“Someone is here to see you,” she says, pointing over her shoulder.
“Who is it?”
“No clue.”
Standing from my chair, I toss my food into the wastebasket and stroll from the room. Looking down the hallway to the left, I don’t see anybody.
“Ms. Reese!” a high-pitched voice shrieks, and I turn around to a small force knocking me onto my butt. Grabbing the child, I maneuver us so I can stand up, then look down into her sweet face. Lily.
“Hey, sweetie pie, what are you doing here?”
“I’s all better. See!” Pointing to her ear, I laugh at her excitement.
“I’m so glad to hear that, Lily! High five.” I hold my palm up, and she slaps her much smaller one against mine.
“Lily bug, don’t run from Daddy like that, please. You almost gave me a heart attack.” I hear his deep voice before I see him, and the butterflies flutter in my stomach. I count to three in my head, and with Lily still in my arms, I turn around and find myself face-to-face with the man I’ve spent the last week thinking about.
Levi’s blue eyes are filled with humor, and his mouth is tilted in a half smile with that dimple on full display. In a pair of tight jeans and a black sweatshirt, he is completely enchanting. I’m also screwed, no doubt about that.
“Levi,” I say, using Lily as a tiny shield to hopefully keep Levi from seeing his effect on me.
“Emerson. Hope we aren’t bothering you.”
I take a deep breath and then smile at him.
“Absolutely not.”
Yep. Completely screwed.
3
LEVI
“So, what are you guys doing here?” Emerson has her head tilted to the side and it’s obvious that she’s suspicious of us right now.
“Lily was asking to see you,” I tell her honestly, tucking my hands
into the pockets of my sweatshirt.
Her smile grows and she turns her face to kiss Lily on the cheek.
“Well, I’m real glad, Lily. Good to see you well, sweetheart.”
Lily sticks out her tongue and then wiggles to be let down. Emerson complies and Lily runs over to me, grabbing me around the leg.
“Daddy, ask her!”
“Real subtle, Lily bug. Ms. Reese, my little monkey and I would like to know if we could take you out to dinner this weekend, on us?”
As Emerson tucks a strand of her long blonde hair behind her ear, I can see the blush spread over her cheeks. I’m starting to wonder if she does the hair thing when she’s nervous.
“Uh, yeah, I suppose that would be okay. Is your wife coming?”
Well fuck me.
Chuckling, I step forward, shaking my head. “Do I look like the kind of man who would ask you on a date if I had a wife?”
“You don’t look like someone who would ask me out period.”
“Well, I am. We both are. Let us take you out this weekend. Hell, it doesn’t even have to be a date. But I would like to get to know you.”
Emerson takes a moment to mull it over, and then she looks up at me with a huge smile, those gorgeous blue eyes sparkling.
“Let’s do it. Sure. I’d love to go out with you guys.”
“Awesome. Let’s exchange numbers and you can give me a call when you’re off shift tonight. We can make plans.”
Pulling her phone from her scrubs, she hands it to me and I program my number in. She does the same with mine, and five minutes later I’m leaving the hospital, Lily holding my hand and a stupid fucking smile on my face.
This is gonna be interesting.
After a long day of playing dress-up and having make-believe tea, Lily and I had an elaborate dinner of mac and cheese and hot dogs, and some spilled milk. Now she’s zonked out in her bed and I’m relaxing with a beer on the couch, watching some horrible sitcom that I just can’t seem to shut off. I’m contemplating just calling it a night when my cell phone rings from the coffee table. Leaning over with a groan, I grab it and my mood instantly lifts.
Then There Was You: A Single Parent Collection Page 154