Page 103 of Sexted By Santa
“It sure is. You know how I know?”
“How?”
“Because you enchanted me the moment I first held you as a baby. I knew without a doubt you were the most magical creature I’d ever meet.”
She giggled. “You’re silly.”
“It’s true. Cross my heart.” I slashed a finger across my chest.
She hesitated. “Where’s Christian?”
“I’m…not sure.” He’d been in the hall earlier, though I could barely remember our conversation. “He’s probably just trying to give us some time to talk.”
She yawned, her eyes growing heavy. “I wanna see him too.”
“You will.” I brushed some hair off her face. “But maybe rest now, sweetie. You’re worn out.”
As I watched, her eyelids fell as if weighted down, and her breathing deepened and evened out. Her color already looked better, but it had been a close call.
Too close.
I needed to update Christian. He was probably worried.
Pulling out my phone, I sent a text:Where are you? Tori’s sleeping, but they’ll be moving her to a regular room soon.
A few minutes went by without a response. I stood and looked out into the hall. There was no sign of Christian. Maybe he’d gone to the bathroom or to grab coffee.
Just as I was about to text him again, his reply came in, socking me in the gut.
I went home.
What??
He’dleft? When Tori was in the hospital, he’d just picked up and gone. Why would he do that?
I thought it’d be better for everyone. I was only in the way.
Before I could respond to that, he texted again.
I thought I could handle everything today. I’m sorry I let you down.
Confusion wrestled with resignation. I’d believed Christian was different. But he was just like everyone else. As soon as things got hairy, he ran.
Fuck.My chest tightened, and my eyes stung. I’d really opened myself up this time. I’d invited Christian in—not just into my heart, but Tori’s. What would I tell her?
Anger swept in to replace the pain, and my fingers flew across the digital keyboard before I could think it through.
If you can’t handle this, then yeah, I guess it’s best you went. Tori and I deserve better.
Filled with disgust, I turned off my phone.
* * *
After Tori was settled for the night in her hospital room, I tried to get comfortable in the reclining chair at her bedside. The nurse, who’d introduced herself as Paula with a friendly tone that had instantly put me at ease, brought me a pillow and throw blanket as if she knew I wouldn’t be going home anytime soon.
“Get some rest if you can,” she said quietly. “She’ll be full of energy and running you off your feet again in a few days.”
I dredged up a smile, though it was difficult. “Thanks, Paula.”
