“I’m sorry, Emma. Of course, you aren’t up to meeting new friends right now. I didn’t mean to be insensitive. Maybe tomorrow they can talk to you. Does that sound good?”
“Well, I do have to apologize to Alex and thank him for risking his life to save me. I know he saved me. I even dreamed he had golden wings. I guess I see him now as a golden angel.” I smiled just the slightest bit. I was sure that Raven could appreciate the humor in that statement. He knew how Alex and I had gotten along those first few days of school.
“Yes, that must have been a dream. So, you’re thinking of Alex as an angel now. I’m not sure I’d call him an angel, but you’re right about one thing. He did save your life. I’ll always be grateful to him for that. I’m sure he’ll get a chuckle out of your thinking he had angel wings. I’ll go tell the rest of the guys before they break down the door. I’ll let them know that now is not a good time. I’m sorry to intrude, Emma. I just wanted a little time alone with you. I wanted to make sure for myself that you were okay. I know you’ll want to talk to Vince, as well as Alex, for a few minutes. I’ll instruct them to come in separately so as not to upset you any further. I’ll see if Vince has your tea ready. If not, I’ll send Alex up first.”
“That’s a good idea to send them in separately. If Vince is as grumpy as you say he is, I wouldn’t want an argument to start with them in the same room together.” I knew I’d blushed but I had to ask, “Um Raven, before anyone else comes in the room do I, you know, look okay? I’m not fishing for compliments. I just wanted to make sure I’m, um, well, decent. I’m not used to entertaining male friends in my nightclothes.”
He pulled my face towards his and I felt his lips brush mine in a small tender kiss. “Piccola dolce, I’m so sorry you have to ask that question. I’ve talked to Sebastian. He seems to think the blindness is temporary, I’m sure he told you. As for your appearance, you are more than decent. You are lovely as always. It’s so nice to hear your voice again, too, Emma. I’ve missed you and I still want to take you on a date as soon as Sebastian releases you. I’ll make dinner for you and we can watch a movie. We have a home theatre in the rec room. If it’s really nice, we could go walking around the front yard before dinner if you’d like. I think you’d enjoy the maze that father had built. Oh, and I’ll send the others out for the day.”
“That would be great, Raven, but I don’t know how long you’ll have to wait for me to be able to leave this room.”
“You’re worth the wait, which I hope for your sake will be short. I claim the first date with you as soon as you want to go.”
It seemed like a funny first date with him, but I’d never had a guy cook for me. It might be fun to just stay inside and watch a movie with Raven, especially if all the other guys were gone. It wouldn’t seem so awkward if he wanted to kiss me good night or something. Were all the other guys staying here, I wondered? I didn’t ask and merely thanked him instead.
“Thanks for everything. Could you send Sebastian back in before anyone else comes in?”
“Sure, and Emma, I’ll see you again soon. Can I bring you anything before I go? I understand you’re going to have some tea. Vince should be up shortly with some fresh almond biscotti, too. As I said, I’ll check on it when I go back downstairs.” Then he lowered his voice to a husky whisper, “One more thing, can I kiss you goodbye for today? I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Sure, and thanks again, Raven.”
The next thing I knew Raven had asked Sebastian if he’d like to get some tea and one of the freshly baked biscotti’s he’d made.
I heard the door close and knew he’d gone.
The next thing I knew I was being gently lifted into Raven’s lap. His arms encircled me holding me tightly as if he never wanted to let me go. His hand strayed to my curls and he began stroking them as he spoke. “I’m so damn glad you’re okay, Emma. It was hell not knowing...I was so worried.”
I interrupted him, “I’m sorry I worried you, Raven. I was just so scared.”
“It’s okay, piccola, no more apologies. I’m just glad you’re okay. Now about that kiss…” He stopped and I could feel his warm breath on my lips as he covered my mouth with his. The kiss started out soft as more of an exploration. His tongue slid into my mouth as he deepened the kiss amid my sigh of pure pleasure.
For a few moments, I forgot everything but Raven and my first kiss. It was perfect, just as I’d hoped. He held me close, letting his tongue discover every corner of my mouth, darting in and out until I was almost panting. Very softly, Raven pulled his mouth away from mine, ending what could have become a passionate interlude for us both.
His breath wasn’t steady as he pulled me to him, tucking my head under his chin and wrapping his arms around mine as he held me to him. His hand reached up to play with a strand of my hair as we sat there trying to recover from our first kiss. I wondered if Raven’s legs were as shaky as mine felt. I’d never imagined a kiss could be so perfect. How could I ever have doubted Raven? His tenderness demonstrated how he felt about me more than any words ever could, as he caressed my shoulders and captured a last quick peck on the lips.
“Mm, Emma, you are intoxicating, like a fine wine. I’d better put you back in your bed before I get us both into trouble with Sebastian. I don’t want to tire his favorite patient.”
“I’m his only patient, he says.”
Raven laughed as he helped me into bed. I felt his excitement as he lifted me back into bed. He quickly pulled the covers over me as if he was a bit overwhelmed by his response to me. I was actually overwhelmed by Raven. He was perfect.
Raven kissed me ever so softly as he whispered, “Goodbye, until tomorrow, Emma love. It was nice finally having some alone time with you. I have to go though. I’m meeting with the guys, I mean I’m meeting the guys downstairs for a video chess tournament. I have a side bet with Miles for ten dollars and he’s probably pacing the floor waiting for me. Anyway, you really should relax, because if we keep kissing like that I’m liable to get us both into trouble. You’re amazing, Emma. I’m so glad we’re going to be dating soon.”
He gave me another kiss on the cheek and left the room. Had he just said dating? I thought we had one date sort of planned like a celebration of my recovery. I couldn’t believe it; Raven, my Raven wanted to date me. I just hoped he still want to date me if my sight didn’t return, which was something I never wanted to find out. I needed to see again and soon.
I couldn’t believe I was actually sleeping in Raven’s bed. I wondered what his room looked like. I still didn’t know what I looked like and I was about to see a couple of gorgeous guys, one that had saved my life.
I heard the sound of the door. I could tell by the footfalls and the fresh smell as he neared where I sat that it was the good doctor again. I sat back against the pillows on my bed. I was blushing yet again, probably from my kissing session with Raven. I quickly asked Sebastian before I lost my nerve, “Do I look okay to see Alex and Vincent? I, um, mean I have no idea what I look like. I just, it’s just...” I mumbled almost under my breath, stumbling through the words. I hated the darkness. It was frightening not being able to see anything but black. I was trying to be brave, but I didn’t even know if Sebastian was smirking at me or not for asking such a dumb girlie question. Well, I didn’t want to look stupid in front of an angel.
As if he read my mind, Sebastian said, “I think you are amazingly brave, Emma. As for your appearance, let me eliminate any fears you might be having. You look better than the guys do.” I smiled at that as he continued, “From this man’s point of view, you look wonderful, especially with that lovely smile. I’m especially fond of that pink tint in your cheeks by the way.” I didn’t actually know Sebastian, but he too seemed to be flirting with me and not for the first time. I just left Raven’s arms and I didn’t really mind that Sebastian was flirting with me. I had no idea what was wrong with me, but I felt drawn to both of them.
He continued in a tone allowing me to imagine his smile a
s he continued teasing, “I know women like everything to fashionably match. I understand that modesty for a young lady like yourself is of the upmost importance. Rest assured, everything matches and you are thoroughly covered.” I thought for a minute he said, “unfortunately, you are thoroughly covered.” I was surely wrong. He was a doctor after all.
He continued, “You’re wearing a lovely peach gown that few have been fortunate enough to see.” I wondered who had seen me in my nightgown. I really wasn’t sure I cared anyway. I could tell that the neckline seemed thick and lacey under my fingers which instantly began touching it. It covered my neck, so no worries there, I thought as Sebastian continued, “Any visitors will see only the soft peach silk robe that I see now. It’s lovely, just like you. Are you satisfied now? You’re most discreetly attired and lovely, too.”
“I’m embarrassed. I sounded terribly vain under the circumstances. My appearance should be the least of my worries.”
“I know, but you’re a young lady and these things just matter. I’m glad you’re thinking about something other than your medical condition for the moment. Anyway, I’m used to seeing beautiful women in much less than nightgowns. Now stop worrying or all the guys will fall in love with you as that pretty pink blush continues to stain your cheeks and there will be fighting.” We both chuckled even if mine was a bit nervous.
I smiled at the thought of men fighting over me. I guess I’d finally stopped thinking about them as boys since one of them had bravely saved my life. They’d all taken turns staying with me and taking care of me like responsible adults and friends would.
As the doctor left, I had a feeling my face was more beet red than a pretty pink, but I appreciated the kind, if not entirely truthful, words. I was nervous and the doctor knew it. Perhaps he was trying to put me at ease with his teasing. I knew I’d be crying later when everyone left. Right now, it was nice to focus on something besides my sight and my mom, even if they were never far from my thoughts.
While I was a bit more comfortable with my appearance, why did I even care? How could any of the guys be interested in a girl who was foolish enough to ruin her eyesight by attempting to run into an inferno? What the hell did I expect to do when I got inside? I wondered for the hundredth time since I had woken, what had I been thinking? Nothing would ever make me forget that I was blind by my own stupidity. I didn’t even know how long I’d be without my vision. I silently prayed again that it wouldn’t be much longer.
Sebastian interrupted my melancholy thoughts as he started to open the latch on the door, which I clearly heard before he spoke. “I believe Alex is outside. May I invite him in? I’ll leave to give you some privacy. I’ll be back shortly. If you need anything, have Alex send for me. I’ll be downstairs getting another bite to eat. Yeah, I might as well leave before Alex asks me to go have some tea.” We both laughed and his faded as he walked out the door.
I wondered when he’d last eaten, before he’d gone down for that tea while Raven was here. He always seemed to be with me even when one of the others was in the room.
“Thanks again, Sebastian, and please let Alex come in.”
I needed to thank Alex. It was nice that he still cared and even wanted to see me after I’d kicked his manly parts. Manly parts indeed, I thought; I’d kicked him hard in the crotch. I was such a bitch sometimes. He’d risked his own life to save mine even after that nonsense. I couldn’t even think about where I’d kicked him without cringing. I’d never even seen a guy’s junk; how could I have kicked his? I’m sure it hurt, the way he immediately released me after my knee made contact with his stuff.
I hoped he’d accept my apology. That kind of thinking was only making matters worse. I wasn’t in the frame of mind to face anyone else at that time. I really dreaded encountering Alex. I hoped I didn’t start crying again or say something stupid. Guys still made me nervous, especially Alex, after all that had happened between us.
A slight squeak of the door hinges and a few footfalls alerted me to Alex’s presence. I knew it was him as the smell of sunny days at the beach filled my senses.
“Hello Emma.”
“Hi Alexander,” I said as softly as possible as I hung my head. I couldn’t even pretend to look at him, I was so embarrassed.
“Alex, please?”
“Sorry Alex, I forgot.” I had to stop thinking of the guys by their formal names. They weren’t my personal knights or protectors even if it felt like they were more than they seemed at times. They were friends that just seemed to be in the right place at the right time to keep me out of trouble.
“Can I sit down?”
“I’m sorry, of course Alex, please have a seat. I believe there’s a chair by the bed. Anyway, I’d like to talk to you,” I continued quickly before I could second guess anything I said, “First, I wanted to say thank you for saving my life. I know that what I did was stupid. I couldn’t have saved Mom even if I had gotten inside. I’m really sorry about, um, kicking you, you know. Are we cool?” I could feel the blush as it stained my cheeks yet again.
Alex began stroking my arm through the soft material of my robe as he spoke, “Emma, we are still friends. There’s no need to thank me for anything. There’s no need to apologize for anything either, although you do have pretty good aim and a strong knee.” He snickered and continued, ever the tease, “I should’ve handled things differently. I knew how upset you were. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“No. Are you okay, Alex? Sebastian said you were injured trying to save me.”
“I’m okay now that you’re awake and I see that you’re healing. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay, but I guess Seb..., Dr., oh Sebastian told you about my loss of vision.” I couldn’t say the word blindness to him as that made it sound so permanent, which was something I couldn’t face at that moment. “I feel okay, still just a little sore. Are you okay, Alex? I had this dream that your wings were singed.” Had I really just said that aloud? I was babbling again.
I could hear his soft chuckle, but it didn’t sound quite natural. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have thought he was nervous. When he spoke, his voice lacked its usual blatant self-confidence. “Oh, so I’ve gone from an egotistical bragging jock to an angel. I’m hardly either, Emma, but in any case, I’m glad I was there. I just wish I’d gotten you away from there sooner.” As he spoke, his finger had grazed across my cheek near my eyes. “I’m so sorry about your eyes.” His hand moved to lift my chin so he could look into my eyes I thought. I could feel his breath on my cheek. That was how I knew he’d moved closer and was looking directly into my eyes. Before I knew what was happening, he leaned towards me and kissed both my eyelids.
“You still have the most amazing blue eyes even without those contacts.”
I didn’t know what to say to his latest compliment and his fingers on my chin were warm and making me even more uncomfortable, so I let it pass and addressed his apology. “It’s not your fault. My own foolishness caused my injuries and caused you to risk your life, too. I know we both could’ve been killed because of my rash actions. It was for nothing, anyway. I know now that Mom was already out of the house.”
“Honey, it wasn’t for nothing. You thought your mother was inside that house. I’m glad your mother escaped. It’s going to be okay now, you’ll see. Just be patient, my little angel. We’re all here for you now, Emma.”
“I’m so thankful to all of you. I’m really grateful that Mom is okay, too. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
Silence filled the room as Alex again moved to hold my hand, squeezing it slightly at my heartfelt words.
“Emma, I just want you to know that I’ll always be there for you. Honey, like I said, we’re all here for you. I know it won’t be easy, but you have friends, Emma. We’re your family now. We’ll help you get through this, I promise.”
He sounded so sincere it made my breath catch at his heartfelt words, but I still didn’t think that most of them treated me like a sister. I was
n’t sure if I should really believe him, but my heart told me it was the truth. Raven, Alex and Vince had proved they were my friends and more. I hadn’t even met all of Raven’s cousins, but they’d been my friends, too. They’d all taken turns sitting with me. Maybe when I finally came to terms with my lack of sight, I’d be able to thank all of them.
I couldn’t believe that I mattered so much to six guys, two of whom I’d yet to meet. Well, I remembered Julian from my childhood, but he’d been gone from St. Paris for a long time.
These guys cared for someone like me that had brought them a lot of trouble. They’d all stood by me when I needed them the most.
I couldn’t wait to visit Mom to introduce her to my new friends, but I knew that wasn’t possible just yet. Maybe next week I’d be able to see her. I hoped she knew I was okay, too. Sebastian had said that she knew I was okay, and not to worry about her. He’d said several times that I just needed to focus on getting well and resting. I wondered if I could just call her. Just hearing her voice would be reassuring. I’d ask Sebastian later.
I needed to talk to Tori and my other friends, too. That was my final thought as my eyelids began to get heavy. I didn’t want to sleep yet. I had to talk to Vince. I just wanted his confirmation that Mom was really okay. We’d been friends for a long time. I knew I could trust him, which would satisfy any remaining nagging doubts that I had. I was almost positive that I could trust Alex, Raven, and Sebastian, but their voices had sounded strained whenever I’d mentioned my mother.
I felt the movement as Alex got out of the chair and leaned over me for a quick chaste kiss. It had been so feather-light, just a slight brushing of his lips against mine. I wasn’t completely sure I hadn’t imagined it, but my stomach filled with dancing butterflies regardless.
“You’re getting tired, Emma. I’d like to see you tomorrow if that’s okay. I’ll get Vince if you’d like. Raven said you’d wanted to see him, too. Anyway, you might want your tea before you fall asleep. I’m not sure what’s taking him so long. Maybe he’s baking the biscuits.”
Dark Hearts Page 20