by Amelia Wilde
“I’m coming, Grandma. You hang tight. I’ll be there soon.”
“Okay, dear. Okay.”
I hit end on the call and spring from the bed.
“Hey.” Cole’s raspy voice comes from behind me while I attempt to locate my clothing. “What’s going on?”
“My grandpa was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. I don’t know much more than that, but I have to get there.”
I pull my underwear up my legs and turn to face him. He’s already out of bed and striding over to his dresser. “I’ll drive you over.”
“No, no, you don’t have to come. You stay here. I can take an Uber or something.” I bend down and pick my jeans up off the floor and shake them out so I can step into them.
“Whit, I’m not letting you take an Uber. No arguments.”
I don’t bother complaining because truth is I’m glad he’s taking me. It’ll be faster and having him near feels like a comfort—something I can use right now. Every conceivable scenario runs through my head. It’s amazing how it only takes your brain a split second to conjure up a million terrible possibilities, but we can be so resistant to believe the good things.
When we’re both dressed and I’ve managed to pull my dark bob back into the world’s smallest ponytail, we race out of Cole’s place, find where his Jeep is parked by the curb and speed off.
29
The two of us are silent on the drive over, though I can’t manage to sit still. Eventually Cole reaches over and places a hand on my thigh and squeezes, a show of support that settles me somewhat.
It’s all a blur, but we park and as soon as I run through the main doors to the emergency room I spot my grandma sitting in the uncomfortable-looking chairs in the waiting room, her arms wrapped around herself.
I slow my pace and walk over to her while the sterile scent of the hospital registers in my brain.
“Grandma.” My voice breaks when I say her name.
She raises her head to look at me and then she stands. Wet stains are clear on her cheeks. We hug and I can tell that she’s trying to hug me with all her might, but her frail body just doesn’t have the strength it once did.
We pull away from one another but I keep my hands on her shoulders. “Have you heard anything from the doctors?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “No. No. Last I heard they’re still running some tests.”
“What happened?”
“I have no idea. Your grandpa wasn’t feeling the best yesterday, but it didn’t seem like anything serious.”
I reach down and squeeze her hand in mine. “I’m sure he’s going to be okay,” I say, hoping it’s the truth.
A single tear runs down her wrinkled cheek and she swipes it away. “I hope so. I don’t know what I’d do without that big lug in my life.” A sad smile forms on her face and her gaze flicks over my shoulder. “Oh, hi, Cole. I didn’t see you there.”
“Hi, Mrs. Knight. I’m sorry we’re seeing each other under these circumstances.”
“Enough with the Mrs. Knight stuff. Please call me Edna.”
He pushes his hands into both his pockets and nods. “Can I get you ladies anything to drink? I’m going to run down to the cafeteria to grab a caffeine fix.”
“I’d love a coffee,” I say.
“I’m all right, thank you,” my grandma says.
He nods. “Okay. I’ll give you both a little privacy and be back in a bit.” He leans in and kisses my forehead. I close my eyes for a second, thankful he’s here.
“It seems the two of you are getting on okay,” my grandma says while she takes a seat.
I sit in the chair beside her and reach over to take her hand in mine again. “Never mind that right now. Did the doctor or nurses give you any idea how long it would be before you got an update?”
She pats my hand and shakes her head. “They just said that they were going to do some tests to see what caused him to pass out. They were concerned about the fall and whether he hit his head hard enough to cause a concussion or something more serious.” She presses her lips together and I get the sense that it’s to try to stifle a cry.
“He’s going to be okay, Grandma.” I squeeze her hand. “He’s a tough guy.”
“I sure hope so, sweetie. I sure hope so.”
This time she does break out in tears and I wrap her in my arms and rock her back and forth, trying to comfort her, the same way she did with me when I was a child.
When Cole returns, I’m pacing back and forth in front of where my grandma sits. It feels like it’s been eons that we’ve been out here waiting on some word and I can’t stand to sit in that chair for another second.
“Here you go.” He passes me a steaming cup of coffee. “Edna, I picked you up a bottle of water. I know you said you didn’t want anything, but I figured you might change your mind.”
He walks over to her and I can tell that she’s moved by the small gesture.
“Thank you. That’s very thoughtful of you.” She pats his face and another small piece of my heart melts for him.
I sip my coffee and enjoy the way the hot liquid burns as it travels down my throat. It’s a distraction from what we’re doing here. It’s not long before my mind wanders back to everything that’s at stake though.
“How did you find him?” I ask my grandma.
“Sparky. That little thing wouldn’t stop barking at me from the bottom of the bed, so I eventually got up thinking that maybe he wanted outside to go to the bathroom.”
“Thank God he woke you.” I’ve never loved that little mutt more than I do right now. That fur ball might be responsible for saving my grandpa’s life.
My grandma nods, but her expression changes to panic.
“What’s wrong?”
“I forgot all about Sparky. He’s at the house and hasn’t been fed or let out to go to the bathroom.” Her shaky hand moves to her chest.
“I’ll take care of it,” Cole offers. We both turn in his direction. “That is, if you’re comfortable with me going into your house without you there.”
“It’s not too much trouble, is it?” my grandma asks.
He shakes his head. “Not at all. In fact, why don’t I keep him for a few days until you know what you’re dealing with? It’ll be one less thing for you to worry about.”
“Oh, you’re an angel. Thank you.” She motions him over and when he gets near her she stands up and embraces him. “Thank you so much.”
“Edna, I’m happy to help. You ladies have your hands full here.”
A sad smile forms on my face. I’m so touched by his gesture, but I hate that we’re here and it’s necessary.
“Let me grab you my key.” I walk over to the seat I left my purse on and dig through until I find my keychain. Once I have the house key pried off the thing I turn and place it in Cole’s palm. “Let me walk you out,” I say. “Grandma, I’ll be right back.”
She nods, preoccupied with her thoughts.
Cole slips the key into the front pocket of his jeans and takes my hand. Once we’re outside by his Jeep he wraps me in a protective embrace.
“Try not to worry too much about your grandpa. I’m sure he’s going to be fine.” He kisses the top of my head and as silly as it is, his reassurance makes me feel a little better.
“I hope you’re right.”
“I am.” He sounds so sure of himself. I wish I had his confidence.
“Thank you so much for dealing with Sparky. It’s one less thing for—” I stop abruptly as I remember what day it is and my hands fly up to my face. “Oh, my God! Your big meeting was supposed to be this morning.”
He takes my hands and pulls them away from my mouth. “I’ve already dealt with it. Don’t worry.”
My stomach flips. “What does that mean?”
“Relax.” He places both hands on top of my shoulders. “I made a call and put off the meeting. We’ve rescheduled for next month.”
“I feel terrible. I’ve ruined your big chance.” My shoulders
sag and he must feel it because he squeezes them both then bends down so we’re eye level.
“You didn’t ruin anything.”
“How can you say that? This was your big shot.”
“There’ll be another big shot. Now don’t worry about me. Worry about your grandparents, okay? Your grandma needs you right now.”
I nod because he’s right. I need to be strong right now so that I can support her through whatever it is that’s going to happen.
“Okay.” I’m not sure what to say—what combination of words will accurately express my level of gratitude right now. “I can’t believe you did this, but thank you.”
“Stop saying that, will you? You’d do the same for me.”
He leans in and kisses me and I grip the front of his shirt tight because he’s right. The depth of my feelings for him is disconcerting, but I don’t think I’m in it alone. Otherwise, why would he be doing all of this?
When he pulls away he brushes a piece of hair off my face. “I’ll go make sure Sparky is fed and take him for a walk then get him settled at my place. Then I’m going to head back here. Is there anything you need me to bring back with me?”
I shake my head. “Just you.”
He smiles. “Promise. Now go take care of your grandma.”
I turn and begin to walk away, then think better of it and look behind me to watch him pull away in his Jeep. I smile to myself even though there’s not much to smile about at the moment.
An hour later the doctor comes out to tell us that my grandpa has walking pneumonia and that they think his fever caused him to pass out. He’s suffered a concussion and they want to keep him in the hospital overnight, but they don’t think there’s any permanent damage to worry about.
I pull my phone out to text Cole the details as my grandma and I make our way through the maze of hallways in the hospital on the way to my grandpa’s room.
Cole’s texted me a couple of times to find out where Sparky’s leash and food are. I couldn’t help but laugh when he sent me a picture of Sparky trying to hump his leg as soon as he got in the door.
I finish up the text as we reach the room and slip my phone into my purse.
My grandma leads the way and I follow in behind her to see my grandpa sitting in bed with a large bandage covering his head. Apparently, he needed quite a few stitches to close the gash he received. His eyes are closed and his pallor is a little gray, but beyond that he looks to be okay.
“Seems like he’s resting,” my grandma says to me.
Not for long. My grandpa’s eyes flutter open and he gives a weak smile. “Edna, you’re here.”
My grandma wastes no time in moving one of the chairs in the room over to his bedside. I follow suit and pull one up on the other side while the two of them embrace.
“You almost scared us to death,” I fake-scold.
My grandpa pats my hand in a gentle gesture. He’s putting on a brave face, but I can tell that he’s weak.
“Nothing a little medicine won’t cure.”
“How are you feeling?” my grandma asks.
“Don’t you two lovely ladies worry about me. I’ve got a lot of life left in me yet.”
“For real though, Grandpa. How are you?” I pin him with a stare that lets him know I’m not going to back down until I get a straight answer.
“I’m a little woozy and my head is pounding from that fall. This fever has me feeling like crap, but whatever they’ve given me seems to be helping a bit with that.”
I grip my grandpa’s hand in both of mine. “I’m so relieved that you’re okay.”
“Me, too,” my grandma echoes. “I don’t know what I’d ever do without you, Lawrence.”
He shakes his head in annoyance. “You two need to stop carrying on. I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine. You could have been killed if you’d passed out on the stairs or if you’d lain there bleeding for too long. Next time you don’t feel well, Lawrence, you’d better bet that I’m dragging you to the doctor’s office.”
My grandpa simply shakes his head and rolls his eyes, knowing better than to argue with my grandma when she means business.
My phone buzzes in my purse so I pull it out and see that Cole’s made it to his house with Sparky. He’s sent a picture of the little mutt in his bed—on the side that I normally sleep on—with the caption, Looks like someone is gunning for your spot.
I laugh a little.
“What’s so funny, hun?” my grandma asks.
“Oh nothing. Cole was just letting me know that he and Sparky have made it to his place.”
“He’s a keeper, that one,” my grandma says and then winks at me. She’s fussing with the blankets on the hospital bed while my grandpa tries to get her to stop. “What exactly is going on with you two?”
“I wish I knew,” I reply honestly.
My grandpa gives up on trying to get my grandma to stop fussing with him and leans his head back against his pillow and closes his eyes.
“You two will figure it out,” she says. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
I slipped my phone back into my purse. “How’s that?”
Her gaze slides over to my grandpa and a reverent smile forms on her lips. “The same way your grandpa looked at me when he was falling in love.”
My face grows hot.
I’m not sure what to say, but I don’t want to let her know how happy her words make me. I don’t dare hope that she’s right.
30
I’ve barely seen Cole over the past week—I’ve been so preoccupied with nursing my grandpa back to health and making sure my grandma isn’t overdoing it.
Now that he’s on the mend my thoughts have fallen back to my job search and Cole. Tonight, my focus is Cole though, because who finds a job on a Friday night?
He had plans to go out with his brother, but even so… when Lennon called to see if I wanted to go out with her and Tahlia, I made up an excuse. I want to be waiting for Cole when he returns home tonight.
He’s given me a key to use when I’m supposed to meet him at his place and I figure tonight is as good a time as any to put it to use.
Me: What time do you think you’ll be home?
Cole: Not too late. Probably around midnight…
Me: Mind if I wait for you at your place? I have a surprise for you.
Cole: Do tell.
Me: No way. You can unwrap it when I see you. ;)
Halloween is in a few days and I picked up a slutty devil costume to surprise him. I want to thank him for how supportive he’s been about the situation with my grandpa. Sparky is settled back home and life is beginning to return to normal. I can’t afford a weekend getaway or anything like that, but when I passed by a lingerie store the other day while out picking up my grandpa’s prescription, I had the idea that Cole might enjoy something better anyway.
I know I would.
I use Cole’s key when I arrive at his place and let myself in. It’s only around eleven, but I want to make sure I’m there with plenty of time to change and get ready.
By eleven thirty I’m decked out in red thigh-high stockings, a lace and latex bustier with matching G-string and heels. A headband with little devil’s ears completes my get-up. The bright red color sets off my pale skin and dark hair nicely, if I do say so myself.
I position myself on his couch at the perfect angle to showcase all the goodies and wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Finally, at one a.m. I pull my phone out to see if he’s texted me. Nothing.
Should I see where he’s at? He’s off enjoying a boys’ night with his brother and whoever else. I’m sure they’re probably just having a good time and maybe he lost track of time.
I decide to send him a text that isn’t demanding, but might serve as a gentle reminder that I’m still here waiting.
Me: Can’t wait for you to unwrap your surprise! ;)
It’s close to two a.m. before I doze off and he still hasn’t
returned or even viewed my text.
I awake to a pair of large hands running up and down over my ass and dipping between my thighs. My cheek is pressed into the fabric of the couch and it takes me a moment to get my bearings before I realize where I am.
“Mmm, I really like my surprise.” Cole’s voice heats my blood instantly and I shake off the last vestiges of sleep.
“What time is it?” I ask.
Either he ignores my question or he didn’t hear it. “Sorry I got hung up.” He squeezes both of my ass cheeks and lets out a sound that’s a mix between a moan and a growl. My nipples tighten behind the red lace in response.
I’m still lying on my tummy while Cole’s hands explore my body and I take a quick glance over at the cable box to see that it’s a little past five a.m.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“It is now.” He leans forward and kisses the spot where my neck meets my shoulder and I close my eyes, letting my head fall to the side to give him better access.
I can smell the alcohol on him. He and his friends must have had a good time tonight.
With no warning, Cole lifts me by the waist and moves me forward so that I’m hanging over the arm of the couch, my elbows resting on the end table.
I yelp, but then wiggle my hips as his fingers slide the G-string down my legs, past my heels before he uses his hands to spread me. I’m bared for him to see.
“Your pussy is as pretty as the rest of you.”
I wonder for a second why he wouldn’t have let me know he was going to be so late, or why he didn’t return my text.
I don’t voice my concern though. Partly because I’m not sure I really want to know the answer and partly because at that moment Cole’s tongue is running up the length of my pussy. He dips it into my entrance.
How am I supposed to think clearly when he’s doing that?
He pulls back for a second. “I hope you’re in the mood for rough, sweetheart.”
I nod my agreement, unable to form any words. Right now, I’m in the mood for whatever he’s willing to give me. Every nerve in my body is firing off as his tongue laps at me.