It smells good.
It smells safe.
“I got you,” that voice whispers.
My eyes flutter closed and I let go.
I got you.
A headache hits my temple.
I groan while sitting up.
For a second, I’m too disoriented to figure out where I am.
The bedroom’s dark decor with the large bed prickles my memory.
The Meet Up.
My eyes open wide and I push my hair back.
Aiden.
My heart beats then sinks into itself at the thought of him.
How did he find me? Also, why the hell would he even find me after the show Jonathan pulled at our house this morning?
Only a bathrobe and a sheet cover my nakedness.
The room’s temperature is warm. It almost feels like a cosy morning.
Almost.
The door opens without a sound. My shoulders strain with tension at the thought of seeing him.
I can’t even pretend that his presence doesn’t wreak havoc in my heart and mind.
Hot chocolate scent wafts in the air from the steaming cup he’s carrying.
His tousled hair seems damp. He’s wearing dark jeans and Elites’ royal blue jacket.
No uniform. That means he didn’t even consider going to RES.
He appears his usual self, calm and composed as if nothing is wrong.
As if my life hasn’t been crashing down all around me today.
No. Not today.
My life has been crashing down since Eli’s death. I just spent the last ten years pretending like it’s not.
“The doctor came to see you.” Aiden takes my hand in his and places the steaming hot cup between my fingers. “He said it’s not alarming, but you should have tests done with your supervising heart physician.”
“The doctor?” I ask.
“Our family doctor.”
Of course, they have a family doctor who does home visits.