“He’s a good man, Ivy.”
She chews on her bottom lip and shakes her head. “I’m seeing that.”
“Harper, sweetheart. How are you feeling?” Porter asks, interrupting our talk.
He kisses my cheek and smiles down at me. His long hair and beard look like both need to be brushed. But his sweet smile and soft green eyes distract from that. “I just had pain medicine, so I’m alright.”
“You look great. You’ll be out of here and bossing Zane around before you know it,” he jokes.
“I can’t wait,” I say, grinning.
He squeezes my shoulder and gives me a wink. “That boy is crazy about you.”
My broken heart, literally, beats a little faster. I can’t be angry with him when I know everything, he’s done is for me. I need to take my own advice and stop before it consumes me.
“The feeling is completely mutual, Porter.”
He waves his hand at me, his tattooed arm flexing as he laughs. “That’s pretty fucking obvious, sweetheart.” I laugh with him, but once again stop quickly. “I’ll let you rest. I’ll be right outside the door if you need me.” He squeezes my foot as he walks away, and I smile.
“They don’t even look at me,” Ivy whispers.
I turn to her toward her, seeing she’s staring out the door. “What?”
Her brown eyes find mine as she wrings her hands. “I sat in that waiting room and no one even looked at me, never mind talked to me.”
“Hey, they’ve known me since I was a kid. But even if they didn’t, I’m Zane’s girl. No one knows what’s going on with you and Kace,” I explain.
She lets out a small laugh. “Nothing’s going on.”
“Well, that’s between you and him. I’m saying, if you and Kace were together, they wouldn’t treat you like that. But, did you try to talk to them?” I ask.
She glances down before looking back at me. “No.”
I shake my head and smile. “It goes both ways. They probably think you were ignoring them. Just give it time, they are all great guys.”
“Yeah, okay. Well enough about that. Do you need anything?”
I can feel the pain medicine working, so I shake my head. “No, I’m good. I’m really tired though.”
“Close your eyes. I’ll watch some TV while you sleep.”
My eyes start to drift closed as I shake my head. I begin to think of Zane and what our future holds. A bit hopeful and a bit hopeless. The only thing I know for sure is that my life will never be the same. The mistakes and regrets I hold, will never be repeated. No matter the cost.
5
Zane
Kace and I left the hospital and went to my place. He forced me to take a shower and get some sleep. I wanted to argue, but when I closed my eyes in the shower, I knew I had to give in. I need to be the man that Harper deserves and the one I’ve been lately, isn’t him. A few hours of sleep, some food, and I’m starting to feel like I can handle life again.
“Did Brooks say what time to be at the club??
?? Kace asks, finishing his cigarette.
I check the time and nod. “Yeah, he said around six.”
“We need to tell them about Kingsley.”
I finish off my beer and nod. “I know, brother. I’m not trying to keep anything from the club. Harper was right, I need to take care of my business.”