Page 47 of Fractured

“Good morning,” he whispers. “It’s 5:45. I have to get an early start back home. I have clinic patients later this morning and you can never be sure of the DC traffic.” He stands and walks over to my side of the bed. Kissing me gently on the mouth, he cups my face. “I’ll call or text you later. I promise. Now, get some more sleep if you can. Stay until it’s time to get back to your room to get ready for the conference. You don’t have to be downstairs for a few more hours.”

“I didn’t realize you were only here for that one lecture.”

“Yes, just the one. Now get some sleep, kitten.”

I think about his statement, and it dawns on me how well I’ve slept when he’s been with me.I’m probably just worn out from the incredible sex.“Okay,” I reply, closing my eyes and slinking back down into the covers, inhaling his delicious scent. Feeling him kiss my forehead, I smile until I hear the door click shut.God, please don’t let this end like before.

* * *

It’s been a tough morning. My muscles are sore from yesterday’s long day seated in these uncomfortable chairs, coupled with the delicious pounding my body took last night. I’ve turned off my phone as not to distract those around me but want desperately to reach out to Nick to ensure he hasn’t had another panic attack on the way home. Justin has been stoic, not even mentioning the events of the club the night before. I appreciate this as I don’t know how I could adequately explain what’s been happening between Nick and I.

Lunchtime has finally arrived, and I go into the lobby to turn on my phone. There are unread text messages. I hold my breath and open the app.

8:15 a.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: I miss you already

9:43 a.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: I can’t stop thinking about you

I cover my mouth to hold in a giggle.

10:17 a.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: Can I see you when you get back?

11:38 a.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: Did I tell you I miss you?

My heart skips a beat, reading these digital love notes. How could twenty-four hours look so different?

* * *

It’s quiet in the hotel room this evening. It’s been a long day of lectures, and I decide to order room service and turn in early. I lie back on the bed, taking in snapshots of the night before. Grinning, I sink into the downy covers wishing he was still here. I miss him. This is dangerous. I’m already wishing for another text, praying he won’t ghost me again. He seemed sincere. He’s not Gabe. He’s not Gabe.

As if he’s read my mind, my face cracks with the force of my smile as I witness my phone dance across the nightstand. Quickly reaching for it, I pull the cell toward me and click on the text.

10:17 p.m.

Unknown number

Unknown number: Attachment

Disappointment turns to dread as I click on the attachment, and there’s a recording of Fall Out Boy playing “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark.” I don’t understand. What does this mean?

Chapter Fifteen

Kat

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