Mine After Dark: Gansett Island Book Series, Book 19

by Marie Force

Riley squeezed her hand.

  Nikki was really glad he was there, and even more so when they arrived to find a massive crowd of reporters and photographers outside the hospital.

  “Crap,” Davy said. “We tried to keep a lid on it, but it’s hard to keep a lid on anything these days.”

  “Can we find another way in?” Riley asked, seeming unnerved by the sheer volume of people waiting for news about Jordan.

  “I’ll try the back.” Davy pulled around to the emergency entrance, which was deserted. “She’s in room four forty-one. Go on up. I’ll park and meet you. Leave your stuff. I’ll take you to a hotel when you’re ready.”

  Nikki appreciated that Riley let go of her hand only long enough to get out of the car. The second they were both out, he took hold of it again, letting her know he was right there with her. She’d never had that kind of support to lean on before. She was always the strong one, the one everyone else turned to in times of trouble. It was a refreshing and welcome change to have someone there just for her.

  In the elevator, he put his arm around her, giving her exactly what she needed.

  “I’m glad you came,” she said.

  “Me, too.”

  He walked her to Jordan’s door. “Go ahead. I’ll be right out here. Take your time.”

  She went up on tiptoes to kiss his cheek and then went into her sister’s darkened room, where the only sound was that of sniffling. It broke Nikki’s heart to know her sister’s heart had been broken yet again by the man she loved. “Hey,” she said, making an effort not to recoil at the sight of her sister’s bruised face. One cheek was almost totally black and blue, and her lower lip had been laid wide open. Her arm was encased in a bulky cast and resting on a pillow. “I’m here.”

  Jordan began to sob, wincing from the pain the movement caused her.

  “Easy,” Nikki said, taking her hand. “Don’t move. I’m right here, and you’re going to be okay.”

  “No,” Jordan said as tears slid down her face. “I’m not going to be okay.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  “I didn’t even last two weeks on my own without you,” she whispered.

  “No one is keeping score, least of all me.” Taking a tissue from a box on the bedside table, Nikki gently wiped the tears from Jordan’s face.

  “This is it, Nik. I swear to God. I’m done this time.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say that,” Nikki replied, although she’d believe it when it happened.

  A nurse came in and asked if Jordan was ready for pain meds.

  “Yes, please.”

  The nurse gave her a shot of something into her IV. “Now get some rest,” she said on the way out of the room.

  “I know you have good reason not to believe me,” Jordan said, resuming their conversation. “But I mean it. I never want to see him again after this.”

  “The only thing that matters is getting you better so we can get out of here. Wait until you see what I’ve done to Gram’s house on Gansett.”

  Jordan’s eyes began to get heavy. “Did you see your roofer friend again?”

  “Uh-huh. He’s here with me.”

  Jordan’s eyes flew open. “Really?”

  Nikki nodded.

  “Tell me. I want to hear the whole story.”

  While Jordan closed her eyes and listened, Nikki told her about Riley.

  * * *

  Riley was leaning against the wall outside Jordan’s room when Davy joined him a few minutes after Nikki went in. “What happened tonight?” Riley asked him.

  “I’m not sure exactly. There were some technical issues during the show last night, and he was a bear all day. We were supposed to leave for tonight’s show, when we heard a disturbance inside their room. Next thing I knew, Jordan was in the hallway screaming for help with blood running down her face and her arm hanging at a weird angle. I could tell right away it was broken.”

  “Son of a bitch,” Riley muttered. How any man could do that to a woman was beyond him, but to call Zane a man was giving him far too much credit. “I hope he’s at least spending the night in jail.”

  “I have no idea,” Davy said. “I’m not taking his calls. He doesn’t know it yet, but I’m done working for him. I’ve put up with a ton of shit from him, and so has Jordan. I’ve had enough. I’ll be surprised if she hasn’t after this, too.”

  “We can only hope so.”

  “Yeah,” Davy said. “Nikki did the right thing getting off the crazy train when she did.”

  “You can’t tell her that. She feels responsible, like she could’ve done something if she’d been there.”

  “Nah, it’s not her fault. Zane’s got real issues that he’s going to have to do something about before his life and career go up in smoke. We’ve got thirty thousand fans losing their collective minds because tonight’s show was canceled at the last minute. Gonna cost a fucking fortune to give them all refunds. And then when they hear where he is and why…” Davy shook his head. “PR nightmare, and he’ll deserve all the bad press he gets. Jordan is a sweet girl who can do better.”

  “You won’t get any argument from me—or her sister.”

  “Figured she had to be at the end of her rope. Zane has that effect on people.” Davy glanced at him. “Didn’t know Nik had a boyfriend.”

  His familiarity and use of her nickname grated on Riley. “It’s a relatively new development.”

  “Hmm, well, good for her. She’s a nice girl, and so is her sister.”

  “Yes, she is. I’m looking forward to getting to know Jordan.”

  “I’m going to get a coffee. You want one?”

  “Sure, sounds good. Just cream for me.”

  “You got it.”

  A few minutes after he walked away, Nikki came out of Jordan’s room and stepped straight into Riley’s arms.

  “How is she?”

  “Terrible. Her face is bruised and swollen, her lip is split, and her arm is in a big cast.”

  “I’m so sorry, babe. I feel so bad for both of you.”

  “She says this is it, and maybe I’m being overly optimistic, but it sounds different this time.”

  “I really hope so, for your sake as much as hers.”

  The nurse that had given Jordan the pain meds approached them. “She’ll be asleep for four or five hours if you want to get some rest while you can. You can leave your number at the nurse’s station, and someone will call you when she’s awake.”

  “Thank you,” Nikki said.

  After the nurse walked away, she looked up at Riley. “What do you want to do?”

  “I’m with you. Whatever you want. If you want to hang here, we can.”

  “We may as well get some sleep while we can. Where’s Davy?”

  “He went to get coffee. He’ll be right back.”

  “I’ll text him.” She pulled out her phone and dashed off a text.

  Davy came back a minute later—without coffee. “Figured if we’re going to get some shut-eye, we don’t need coffee.”

  “Good call,” Riley said.

  “I’m just going to check on her one more time,” Nikki said. “I’ll be right out.” She went into the room where Jordan was sleeping peacefully. Leaning over the bed, she kissed her sister’s forehead. “I’ll be back in a little while.” She gently smoothed some stray hairs, aching once again at the bruises that darkened Jordan’s pretty face. “Love you.”

  Feeling bruised on the inside, Nikki forced herself to walk away so they could all get some rest. When she stepped out of the room, Riley put his arm around her and kept it there until he helped her into the car.

  “Found a place that’s close,” Davy said, handing them hotel keycards.

  Riley took them from him.

  “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, Davy,” Nikki said.

  “Least I could do. And besides, better I help you than find Zane and wring his fucking neck.”

  “True,” Nikki said, “although a little neck-wringing might do h
im some good.”

  “For what it’s worth, all his boys are fed up. We love Jordan, and after what he did to her… He’s got a rude awakening coming his way.”

  “That’s good to know, but I’m sorry that I don’t really care what happens to him.”

  “Fair enough.”

  They traveled a couple of blocks and pulled into a hotel parking lot.

  “I can leave you the car keys,” Davy said when they prepared to part ways.

  “We can walk back,” Nikki said, giving the other man a quick hug. “Thanks again for everything.”

  “Call me when you’re ready to get out of here. I’ll make the plane available to take you anywhere you and Jordan want to go.”

  “Appreciate it. We’ll be in touch.”

  Riley carried both their bags and ushered her inside.

  Nikki was too emotionally drained to do anything but follow his lead. Inside the nondescript hotel room, Nikki sat at the foot of the king-sized bed, more exhausted than she’d been in years.

  “So, I took a look online while you were in with Jordan,” Riley said, sitting next to her. “I really think you ought to call your grandmother as soon as possible.”

  “It’s bad?”

  “It’s everywhere.”

  “She’ll panic if I call her now.”

  “What if she can’t sleep and turns on the TV?”

  “You’re right. I’ll call her.”

  He handed over her phone.

  She had no memory of giving it to him. God only knew where it would be if he wasn’t there to make sure she didn’t lose her phone or her mind. Finding her grandmother’s number at the top of her list of favorites, she made the call and held her breath, waiting for Evelyn to answer.

  “Nicole?”

  “Everything’s fine.”

  “Clearly that’s not true, or you wouldn’t be calling me in the middle of the night.”

  “Jordan’s in the hospital. There was a… situation with Zane. It’s all over the news, and I didn’t want you to hear it that way.”

  “What kind of situation?”

  “The kind that puts her in the hospital and lands him in jail.”

  “That son of a bitch.”

  “My thoughts exactly. I’m with her in Charlotte. Davy sent the plane for me and has been super nice and helpful.”

  “Which is the least he can do as the chief enabler of that bastard.”

  “He’s quitting. Zane doesn’t know it yet, but Davy is done. He and the rest of Zane’s posse are really upset about Jordan getting hurt. They all love her.”

  “Of course they do. What’re her injuries?”

  “Concussion, broken arm, bruises on her face.”

  “Oh my God. I want to come there and murder him.”

  “I know the feeling, but I’d rather act like he’s dead to us.”

  “That’s a better plan. How long will she be in the hospital?”

  “I’m not sure yet, but Davy said we can have the plane to get out of here as soon as she feels up to it.”

  “And how are you holding up?”

  “I’m good. Riley came with me. He’s been a big help.”

  “Is that right?” Evelyn said, sounding thrilled. “I’m so glad to hear you’re not alone.”

  Nikki glanced at Riley, who gave her a small smile. “I’m definitely not alone.” After promising to update her grandmother as soon as she had more information, she said good night.

  “Come on, sweetheart.” He stood and gave her a tug to bring her with him. “Let’s get you into bed. You’re about to topple over.”

  For a woman who prided herself on competence and independence, Nikki was more than willing to let him help undress her, put one of his oversized T-shirts on her and walk her into the bathroom to brush her teeth before tucking her into bed. He kissed her cheek. “Close your eyes. I’ll be right here.”

  When he slid into bed next to her a few minutes later, Nikki curled up to him, grateful for his love, his strength, his support and, most of all, his friendship. “Thanks for coming.”

  “Nowhere else I’d rather be than wherever you are.”

  Chapter 23

  Nikki’s ringing cell phone woke Riley out of a dream that included her and a group of dark-haired kids running with them on a beach. There’d been a dog, too. As she took the call, he ran his fingers through his hair and tried to process the meaning of the dream.

  Nothing like getting ahead of yourself, he thought, even as the dream took root in his heart, refusing to be dismissed or ignored. What would’ve been inconceivable not that long ago was suddenly within reach. He couldn’t imagine himself on that beach or in that family with anyone else but Nikki.

  “Jordan’s awake.” She got up to take a shower while he ordered coffee and room service breakfast. If Zane was paying for their stay, Riley figured they ought to take full advantage.

  When she was finished, he took a quick shower but didn’t bother shaving. He moved quickly, knowing she’d want to get to her sister as soon as possible.

  Within thirty minutes, they were walking into the hospital rested, fed and caffeinated, prepared to support Jordan in any way necessary. They’d brought their bags with them in case Jordan got released.

  Leaving Riley in the waiting room with a thriller he’d picked up in the gift shop, Nikki went to see Jordan. A few minutes later, Riley’s phone rang with a call from his father. “Hey, Dad. What’s up?”

  “I got your text, and I saw the news. I’m just wondering how Nikki and Jordan are?”

  Riley should’ve expected to hear from his dad, who would naturally be concerned. “Jordan is in the hospital with a concussion, broken arm and facial bruises. Nikki is in with her now. We’re waiting to hear how long she’ll be here and what the next step is.”

  “You did a good thing going with her, son.”

  “There was never a question in my mind about letting her go alone.”

  “Will they come back here when Jordan is released?”

  “I don’t know anything yet.”

  “Well, keep me posted. I just wanted to check on you guys.”

  “Glad you did. Thanks, Dad. I’ll text you and Finn when I know what’s up.”

  “Sounds good. Love you, buddy.”

  “Love you, too.”

  Riley returned to his book and was two chapters in when Nikki reappeared, seeming hesitant. “How’s she doing?” he asked.

  “Better. They’re going to release her today.”

  “That’s great news. Are you bringing her home to Gansett?”

  Her devastated expression stopped his heart. “She wants to go to LA.”

  A sinking sensation, the likes of which he’d never experienced so profoundly, overtook him as her words registered. She wasn’t coming back to Gansett. Not now anyway. Her sister would need someone with her while she recovered, and naturally, Nikki would want to be that person.

  “I’ll be back as soon as she’s on her feet again. I promise.” Her expressive eyes begged him to understand what she had to do.

  Riley forced a smile even as something inside him broke at the thought of being separated from her for who knew how long. “I’ll hold you to that.”

  Three hours later, Riley took off on a flight to Providence while Zane’s plane took Nikki and Jordan to LA. He’d barely managed to get a quick kiss goodbye from Nikki before she ran off to see to the details of getting Jordan home. She’d promised to text him as soon as they landed.

  As the plane gained altitude, Riley had the worst feeling that he’d made a terrible mistake by not staying with her. But he had a job and a life to get back to, not that his life on Gansett would be all that appealing without Nikki. The time they’d spent together made up the best days of his life. What would he do if she never came back? He’d go after her. That’s what he’d do. No matter what, he couldn’t let her get away a second time, not before they had a chance to see what might be possible.

  * * *

  On the most e
xciting day of her life, Abby McCarthy woke with a stuffed head, scratchy throat and the starting of a cough. Refusing to let anything as pedestrian as a common cold ruin this day, she took cold meds and was sitting next to Adam in his car as they waited to drive onto the nine-o’clock ferry. The day was blustery and stormy, and normally, Abby wouldn’t go near the ferry on a day that promised a rough ride. Today, she barely noticed the whitecaps or the waves crashing against the South Harbor jetty.

  An infant car seat they’d borrowed from Laura, who had three of them, was mounted in the backseat. They had spent two hours online yesterday ordering everything they needed for the baby and would make do with borrowed items until their delivery arrived. With Adam’s siblings and cousins having babies one right after the other, they had most of what they needed. And, if necessary, they could improvise.

  After the word got out about the baby, congratulatory texts full of ideas and suggestions had come flooding in. For example, Maddie’s sister, Tiffany, had told them to use a dresser drawer until they had a bassinette.

  Adam had referred to that as “good old Yankee ingenuity.”

  “What’re you thinking about over there?” he asked.

  “Yankee ingenuity.”

  “The dresser drawer idea is brilliant.”

  “Even if it’s not how I pictured bringing home a baby, it is a pretty good idea.”

  “It doesn’t have to be perfect, Abs. The only thing that matters is we already love him. He’s not going to remember that we brought him home to a dresser drawer.”

  “True.”

  He reached for her hand and held on tight until he had to let go to back the car onto the ferry. She was always glad that he was the one to do that, as she was sure she’d drive the car right into the harbor if she had to do it.

  They were seated in one of the passenger cabins when Adam took a call from his father, putting it on speaker so Abby could hear, too. “Hey, Gramps, how’s it going?”

  “Daddy! Where are you guys?”

  “On the ferry and getting ready to leave.”

  “Mom and I could not be more thrilled for both of you.”

  “Thanks, Dad. We’re pretty thrilled, too.”

  “We can’t wait to see pictures and to hear his name.”