“My wife’s been in an accident,” I blurt out, again without really thinking through what the hell I’m doing.
“Oh my god, I had no idea you were married. Is she okay?”
“She will be after I get my hands on her,” I answer.
There’s just enough time for me to see the shocked expression on her face before the elevator doors close. I’m not able to process exactly what I’m walking out on as I pull out my phone and make a call.
By the time I’m outside and in a cab, I’ve already called the hotel and had them pack my belongings. And made a call to the airport to charter a private plane back home to Pink Springs. Selma might be okay, but I won’t know for sure until I lay my eyes and hands on her.
Two hours later, I’m getting off the plane and my car is waiting for me on the tarmac. I grab the keys from the attendant nearby and toss my bag in the passenger seat. Once behind the wheel, I feel like I finally have control, and I hit the gas. Hard.
I need to learn how to fly a fucking plane, because at least then it would have felt like I was doing something instead of sitting idly by, waiting to be closer to Selma.
The drive to the city isn’t long, and with the way I’m driving, I do it in half the time. I know where Selma lives because Bastian and I have had several talks over dinner about real estate in the city and the developments he owns. I remember specifically discussing his sister’s building because it was part of a land deal I did a few years back. Since then the company built a few high-rises, and his sister was at the top of one of the best.
Pulling into the front, I hand my keys over to the valet and wave to the doorman. I called ahead and told them I’d be coming and made sure the owner of the building backed me up. When the elevator opens automatically, I hit the button for the penthouse and tap my foot anxiously.
The ride up feels like it’s taking years, but in actuality it’s a straight shot, and I’m at her door in seconds. I don’t bother knocking, but the damn thing is locked so I don’t have a choice.
“Selma!” I bang loudly, not caring if she thinks I’m crazy. Right now I am. “Selma, open this damn door.”
My fist is raised in the air to bang on it again, just as she swings it open and glares daggers at me. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Oh thank god.” I rush forward with my arms open and pull her to me. I bury my face in her dark curls and breathe in her sweet scent as I close my eyes. “Fuck, he said you were okay, but I was so fucking worried.”
“Are you insane?” I feel her tense, and her hands push on my shoulders.
“Yes.” I answer honestly and make no move to put her down.
She lets out a long sigh, and I feel her body go limp in my arms. “At least close my front door.”
I kick it closed without turning to look at it and walk forward. “Where’s your bedroom?”
“Down the hall,” she says softly, and I make my way to it. “Luca, what the hell are you doing?”
“I’m going to look you over myself. I need to make sure you’re okay.” When I set her on the edge of the bed, she takes the opportunity to shove me back. I’m so much bigger than her that I don’t move, and she growls in frustration.
“I didn’t ask you to come here.”
“Why didn’t you call me?” I snap, finally able to say what I’ve been unable to since I was last with her. I reach up and cup her face, and she scowls at me.
“I’m sorry I didn’t hear it when you snuck out.” Her words are sharp, but I’m confused.
“It was on the note. The hotel said they left it on the cart with the pancakes.”
“Pancakes?” Now she’s the one confused.
“I had them spell out I miss you in chocolate chips. You said it was your favorite.”
“Chocolate chips?”
“Then there was a note with my number. You were supposed to call me.”
“A note?”
“Stop repeating what I’m saying.” I lean forward and hold her face with both my hands. “I got here as fast as I could. I was held up in Houston, but that’s a whole other mess I need to deal with. Why didn’t you call me?”
“I-I didn’t know.” Her shoulders deflate, and I see some of the worry in her eyes melt away. “I was kind of salty when I woke up alone.” She shrugs, and it might be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.