I shook my head in a feeble attempt to clear it. “Oh, yes, of course,” I answered stupidly while shuffling through my small purse for mom’s credit card.
“Ours are together,” Creed responded smoothly and passed the somewhat impatient cashier a hundred dollar bill. The cashier looked over at Creed with a wide smile and even wider eyes.
A little breathless, she said, “Your change, sir.”
Well, good. At least it wasn’t just me. This guy was more than just a little attractive. Any girl with a pulse could see how handsome this guy looked. Something about his eyes was mesmerizing. Note to self, Meg: Try not to look into his eyes.
“That was very nice of you,” I said awkwardly.
“Don’t think anything of it. Hey, I know we ordered to go,” casually taking my bags of food from me, “but would you be willing to sit with me for a while?”
I stared at the cardboard drink holder in my hands, trying not to look up into his eyes. “I really have to get breakfast up to my family,” I said a little too hurriedly.
“Of course,” Creed’s voice dropped a pitch. I could hear his disappointment. “Will I see you again?”
“Well, my mom’s really sick. I don’t think we’ll be leaving the hospital any time soon,” I said. “What about you? Who are you visiting here?”
“I was visiting a friend who was in an accident, but he’s being discharged today. I don’t imagine I’ll be hanging out on the hospital’s front lawn at 3am anymore.” As he was speaking he’d been leading me away from the crowded dining room toward the elevators.
“I’m glad your friend is well enough to go home,” I said trying to think of a way to keep him with me for a few moments more. Something about the way he moved made me want to move right with him. I didn’t mean to. I felt him leading me, but I couldn’t resist.
He leaned up against the wall next to the elevator, still holding the bags of food all in one hand. I stood facing him foolishly holding the tray of milk. He didn’t speak for a moment, waiting instead for me to look up at him. I knew that’s what he was doing. I bit my lower lip, torn between my instincts and my urges. My eyes studied the steady pulse in his throat for a moment before I gave in and dove into his pools of blue.
“I need to see you again,” he simply said.
I tried to think clearly, but his scent was intoxicating. “Noon,” my mouth formed the words, but my head was screaming, slow down you dolt!
“Where?” he smiled.
“On the lawn,” my mouth was moving of its own volition.
“I’ll be there,” he said smiling that dazzling smile he showed me last night. He leaned over and pressed the up button for me. Immediately, the doors opened. He stepped in briefly to hand me my bags of breakfast, allowing our fingers to touch. I had to look away for a moment as he exited the small space. The doors began closing with a “ding” and there he was, lifting a huge masculine hand to gently wave goodbye.
It didn’t register till I got to my mom’s room and was unlocking the door by typing the code into the lock that I didn’t remember pushing the elevator button. It stopped on the floor I needed, the seventh, but I hadn’t pushed the button.
Did Creed?
How would he have known what floor my family was on? Worry lines creased my forehead as I thought of the possibilities. No, I must have hit the button myself, and just don’t remember doing it. My mind was a little preoccupied just then, to put it mildly. It’s okay to like a nice guy, Meg. I told myself. Especially a hottie with dreamy eyes! Don’t be so paranoid!
7 Changing of the Guards
“Breakfast is served,” I called over to Evan who was carefully folding up the cots and blankets.
“Excellent, I’m famished, and it smells delicious.” He walked over to the makeshift breakfast table and sat down with me. Maze was licking his chops waiting for his plateful of food, too.
“Okay, Maze. Here go you buddy. Don’t eat too fast, or you’ll get hiccups like you did last time,” I teased my friend while placing his plate on the floor at my feet.
“Wow, this is awesome. I sure have been missing authentic Mexican food,” Evan said with his mouth full of eggs.
“Mmm,” I swallowed, “me, too.”
“Wish mom could eat with us. She’d love this,” Evan stopped and looked over lovingly at his mom who was still lying in bed. Her jaw was wired shut as it healed because it had been so horribly shattered.
“She’ll be eating with us soon enough,” I said trying to cheer up my little brother. “Then she’ll make you eat asparagus with breakfast.”
“Yeah, that never did make sense to me,” Evan smiled.
“Mom loves to force vegetables down our throats,” I smiled at the memory. “But I love her for always wanting us to be healthy.”
“Me, too,” Evan poked his fork into his rice and began pushing pieces around his plate.