That explained why the other doctors kept asking her the same questions again and again. Based on the information she’d been provided, it appeared she couldn’t remember the last two weeks of her life. The harder she tried to come up with answers for all the questions the doctors were asking, the more her head ached.
“Do you live alone?” the doctor asked.
“Yes, but I live in Rhode Island. I’m not sure where I’m staying in New York.”
“Well, that will come back to you. You will need to make sure you don’t sleep for the next twenty-four hours and avoid stress as much as possible. It’s a precaution with concussions. Do you have any questions for me?”
“No.”
“With your permission, I would like to update your fiancé, who has been not-so-patiently waiting to see you. ”
She nodded. Fiancé? Lizette had a lot of questions, but not for the doctor. If he was right, she would have all of them answered when her memory returned.
“Okay, then, I’m sure you’ll be back to normal within a few days. Until then, do not exert yourself. Stay home with someone and come back immediately if your headache worsens or any other symptoms occur. Understood?”
“Yes, thank you.” Fiancé? That word played again and again in her mind. She guessed she really did suffer some memory loss. Obviously the doctor had misunderstood her and Jon’s relationship. Yes, they had spent some time together, and she did have to admit it had been the best night of her life, but fiancé—when did that happen? From what the doctors said, she’d only lost two weeks worth of memories. It must have been one helluva two weeks for her to become engaged to Jon. She closed her eyes and tried to think back to the last thing she could remember. Jon making love to her was her last memory. Not a bad place to leave off, she thought and then smiled. Once she was with Jon, she was sure things would start to come back to her.
“I will let Mr. Vinchi know he can come in to see you now—which is good because I’m not sure my staff could have held him back much longer. He is one persistent man. But I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that.” The chief of staff smiled. “Make sure you follow up with your doctor to confirm you don’t have hypoglycemia. The nurse will be in shortly with your discharge paperwork.”
Within minutes after the doctor left, Jon appeared. He came rushing to her side and kissed her on the forehead. “How are you feeling? The doctor gave me the update. I am so sorry about all this, but we will be home before you know it, and I promise to take good care of you.”
We will be home? Yep, there seemed to be a lot she was missing. “Did he tell you about my loss of memory?”
“Yes, but he said it will all come back to you over the next few days. I will be with you the entire time, so don’t worry, you won’t be alone,” Jon said, sitting on the edge of her bed, holding her hand.
She had to admit, she felt safe with Jon close by.
***
“There is something I need to tell you,” Jon said. He needed to tell her the truth, and there was no better time than now, before it got out of hand.
When he was just about to tell her, a nurse came in to remove her IV and detach her from the monitors. She started asking Lizette more questions and generally chatting up a storm. Jon wished she would hurry up and get out, but she totally ignored him. “Ms. Burke, your fiancé here sure gave us one heck of a hard time in the waiting room. I thought for sure he was going to wear out the floor with all of his pacing. He was worse than an expectant father.” She laughed.
What could he say? He was just about to tell her he was in the waiting room, going crazy with worry, and how they wouldn’t give him any information no matter how he yelled or threatened. All they did was quote the HIPAA privacy rule. Since he wasn’t family, they couldn’t tell him anything, but once he said Lizette was his fiancée, everything changed. And once he’d said it, there was no taking it back. He knew it was wrong, but he also knew Lizette would understand why he’d said it. And he was just about to clear it up before the loudmouth nurse decided to hover around. He wasn’t moving from his spot, so the nurse just worked around him. Funny, she didn’t even bother asking him to move. It was like she knew what his answer was going to be. The nurse reviewed all the prior instructions she’d been given by the doctor. Lizette signed the discharge papers and handed them back to the nurse. Before she left the room, the nurse finally acknowledged him by saying, “See, Mr. Vinchi, I promised we would have your fiancée all fixed up and home with you. Now you best make sure she follows these orders. No stress—we don’t want her to end up back here, you hear me?”
“Don’t worry, I have it all taken care of.”
The nurse looked him over, shook her head, and with a slight chuckle on her way out of the room she said, “I just bet you do, Mr. Vinchi, I bet you do.”
When they were alone, Jon asked, “Ready to go home?”
“Yes.”
Jon reached out his hand. Lizette hesitated a moment, but then, to his relief, she took his hand and together they walked out of the ER into the cool of the night.
They sat quietly during the limo ride back to his place. She’d had a rough day, and he could tell she still wasn’t feeling well.
“How are you doing?”
He could tell it was with a forced smile that she answered, “Okay, I guess, I still have a headache and can’t wait to be home. It’s been a long day.”
Jon kissed the top of her head, and she leaned against him. When the doctor had updated him in the waiting room on her condition, he had done the only thing he could think of, which was to call Matt and have her personal belongings moved from her apartment to his penthouse.
Doctor’s orders were she couldn’t be left alone, and it was obvious to Jon she was in no shape to travel back to Rhode Island to be cared for by her family. So that left him with only one option: continue letting her believe they were engaged for another twenty-four hours and then find a way to explain how this had all come about. What he had said and done was all with the best intentions, though it did seem to have spiraled out of control. Who would have thought one simple little word like fiancée would spread like wildfire through the hospital gossip grapevine. Why was there such a battle around the HIPAA laws that he could not get anyone to speak to him, but once he used the word fiancée, well, that seemed to echo around him since the moment it slipped past his lips. If it wasn’t for her health and well-being, he would have corrected the issue instantly. But the correction would need to be temporarily put on hold. Telling her wasn’t going to be easy, and he was positive she wasn’t going to be happy—okay, that was an understatement—but at least he would make sure she was taken care of, without stress, and then they could go back to where they’d been before all of this happened.
Oh, this is not going to be good. One thing he’d learned about her over the last couple weeks was she had a difficult time trusting him. This latest development wasn’t going to help change that, but if he told her the truth now, she would never stay with him. It wouldn’t matter what the doctor had said; she would go back home alone. The doctor had explained the risk and complications of having a concussion, and there was no way any of that was going to happen to her.
Lizette was injured all because of him. He had her move from Rhode Island over the weekend, and booked an early-morning meeting with her to review all the company’s financials. Then not even give her a break for lunch? What kind of a jerk does that to a person? Oh, yeah, that would be me. He may be used to these kinds of hours and deadlines, but he should have shown some consideration for her. He wasn’t used to thinking about another person; he just gave orders and expected results. He never asked for more from anyone than he was willing to do himself. After this incident, he might need to reconsider how hard he drove his staff. But for now, all he could think was, Thank God her condition isn’t more serious.
His heart still skipped a beat when he thought back to that moment. He’d been on the phone with Matt discussing lunch options when he saw her
sway a bit and then instantly drop to the floor. If only he’d been faster he might have caught her and she wouldn’t have hit her head. The sound echoed through his mind. When he hadn’t been able to wake her, he lost it. It had brought back a pain long buried, from when he lost his father. The emotions had threatened to shake his very core. As he held her limp body in his arms, he knew right then he couldn’t be without her.
Now, hours later, with her sitting quietly next to him, it was clear he didn’t want to lose her, not now, not ever.
Chapter Eighteen
Since she wasn’t allowed to sleep for twenty-four hours, Lizette was happy she wasn’t home alone. Jon stayed up with her all night. They watched movies, from comedy to horror to action to chick flicks, taking turns choosing them. They were all great, although during the horror film Jon chose, Lizette spent most of the movie covering her eyes or squeezing his hand during the scary parts. He was right about one thing: you can’t fall asleep during one of those movies. She thought for sure she wouldn’t be able to sleep for a week after that one, or at least not without having nightmares.
Between movies, they made sure to stop long enough to eat something. Their kitchen was close to being bare except for the takeout Jon had had delivered after they got home. She had no idea why she hadn’t been shopping so they could cook at home, but Jon had told her they would make time to do that tomorrow. She didn’t want to know how all the takeout and sitting on the couch was going to affect the scale the next time she stepped on it.
“I need to move a bit—my body feels stiff as a board,” she said, standing and stretching.
“Let’s go for a walk.”
“At this time?”
“One thing about New York, this city never sleeps.”
Jon was right. It was almost three a.m. and it should be dark, but the streets were lit up and buzzing with cars and people. Tonight it was refreshing, but it was not the life she was used to. Where would she go to watch a sunset, or do yoga with the sunrise? The city was definitely the place where big dreams come true, but her dreams were of something different. She hoped when she agreed to marry Jon they had talked about maybe moving out of the city, someplace where they could raise a family, in a house with a yard. She forced thoughts of the future out of her mind; she needed to regain her memories of the past first.
When they returned to the penthouse, Jon found a deck of cards. Neither of them had played cards in years, but they found themselves playing Go Fish and gin rummy. They spent the next several hours laughing about how poorly they both played and how blatantly they cheated. Even in a city as huge as this one, they found wonderful, simple things to share, and she absolutely loved that. Guess no matter where she was, as long as she was with Jon it would be home.
When cards got old, they moved to another game, Truth or Dare.
“How old were you when you had your first kiss?” she asked.
“Ten. My turn. What’s your favorite position?”
“Jon, really? You can’t start with questions like that.”
“No? Well, I never played this game before. Can I change my question?”
“Yes, please do.” She laughed.
“Okay, when I kiss your neck like this, what does it make you want?”
Jon leaned toward her. She couldn’t pull herself away. She longed for the feel of him. He kissed up her neck to her jaw, then finally claimed her lips. It was the kind of slow, gentle, and tender kiss you wished would never end. Her body tingled all over as he pulled her against him. She wasn’t the only one who’d been affected; she could feel his growing erection.
Just when she thought she couldn’t take anymore, Jon stopped.
Sitting only inches away from her he asked, “So, truth or dare?”
Still breathing heavily, Lizette replied softly, “I think you have your answer already.” She put her hands on his chest and scooted back. “Let’s go back to playing cards. Know any other games we haven’t played yet?”
“Strip poker . . .?”
“I give up. Maybe we should take a break from games for now. It’s almost ten, which means I’m almost out of the woods with my concussion. Just a few hours more to stay awake. Funny, I’m not tired anymore. I think I’m going to take a hot shower and get ready for the day.”
“Would you like company?” Jon teased. “The doctor did say to not let you be alone for twenty-four hours, and it hasn’t been that long yet.”
“I don’t think that’s what he meant,” she said, laughing, as she got up and headed out of the room, pulling her shirt over her head as she left.
“Are you sure? I clearly remember his instructions,” he said as he followed her.
She reached behind her, unhooked her bra, and slipped it off. Now bare from the waist up, she turned to face him and said, “Who am I to disobey doctor’s orders?” She let the bra drop from her fingers before she scooted away with Jon close behind.
Jon turned the shower on as they quickly removed their remaining clothes. He stepped in first, then grabbed her hand and pulled her in beside him. She reached to put her arms around his neck, but he stepped back. “What’s the matter?” she asked.
He didn’t answer; instead, he picked up the soap and lathered his hands. He then took the soap and began to wash her neck, gliding his hands over her shoulders and down her arms, and back up again only to now begin washing her breasts, first one and then the other. She closed her eyes and let him do as he wished. The soap traveled lower to her most delicate areas, then down her thighs and calves, and back up again. He was driving her crazy. Then he whispered, “Turn around.” She did as he asked. Once again he started on her shoulders, arms, then back, hips, and legs, only to trace his way back up. She heard him put the soap back, and she was just about to turn and face him, when he stopped her. He pulled her back against him. She could feel his hard throbbing cock against her. His hands came from behind and cupped her breasts, caressing her nipples. A moan escaped her as he gently pinched them. With his foot he gently nudged her legs apart and teased her with his firm cock. Then he plunged deep inside her, causing her to shudder with an orgasm so strong her legs trembled and threaten to give out. Jon held her close until she stopped. He began moving again with slow, deep thrusts, one hand on her hip pulling her to him, the other exploring every inch of her he could touch. She bit her lip as he gripped her ass to bring her even closer, each thrust more intense than the one before. His breath became as ragged as hers and they both exploded at the same time. It was a shower neither of them would ever forget.
Lizette broke the silence by saying, “I think this is the first time I actually need a shower after a shower.” They both laughed. They finished showering, and this time, they only washed themselves.
As they were dressing, Jon’s cell phone rang. “Sorry,” he said. “I need to take this, it’s Matt.”
“Of course. I’ll go make us some coffee.” She kissed him on the check and headed to the kitchen.
“What’s going on, Matt? I told you to hold all calls. This better be important.”
“Yes, Mr. Vinchi. I thought you would want to know that a few reporters have stopped in today asking questions.”
“Questions? About what? Don’t tell me some idiot leaked information before we received FDA approval. That would jeopardize everything.”
“No, they were not here regarding that.”
“Spill it, Matt. You know me by now—I don’t like to play guessing games. What is so damn urgent you need me right now?” His frustration was getting the best of him, no matter how he tried to control it. It seemed there was only one person who sparked a different fire in him, one he was enjoying very much.
“Mr. Vinchi, they were here inquiring about the accident Miss Burke had yesterday.”
“Oh, is that all? You should handle that like everything else. Just tell them no comment.”
“No, that is not all. They referred to Miss Burke as your,” Matt cleared his throat, “as your fiancée.”
What the hell had he done? Just one simple little word and boom, all this shit happened. He had no choice, he was going to have to tell Lizette the truth and hope it wouldn’t be too much for her. If he didn’t tell her now, she would eventually regain her memory and realize their engagement was a lie. One way or another, the truth was going to come out. It might as well come from him, and no better time to come clean than the present.
“Mr. Vinchi. Mr. Vinchi, are you there?”
“Just tell them no comment. Understood? No comment on anything,” he said firmly and hung up the phone.
He wanted to smash his cell phone against the wall; he wished he had never received Matt’s call. Avoiding the truth any longer was only going to make things worse. He wasn’t exactly sure how things could get worse, but at this point, nothing would surprise him.
Leaving the room to join Lizette in the kitchen, he could overhear her talking. It appeared she was also on the phone. Please don’t let it be reporters. Her back was to him as she spoke.
“Yes, I will . . . yes, I understand . . . I will, Mom . . . Don’t worry, Jon is taking wonderful care of me . . . I promise we will come see you guys soon . . . Okay, Mom, I understand . . . I have to go now . . . I’ll call you later. I love you too, Mom. Kiss Dad for me.”
She turned with the cell phone clutched to her chest, almost oblivious that he was there.
“Everything okay, Lizette?”
She jumped. “Oh, yes, sorry, I was talking to my mother. She was worried I hadn’t called her.” Lizette had a puzzled look on her face. Then she hit him with a question that would change everything. “Jon, I know we’re engaged, but the details of how it happened are fuzzy. Okay, actually, completely missing would better describe it. When I was talking to my mother just now, I was shocked to find out we never told my parents. They’ve actually never met you. Why would that be? They’re everything to me. Was it so recent I never had the chance to tell them?”
The Billionaire's Secret (Betting on You Series: Book One) Page 13