Page 25 of Coming Home

“You fucking left him again?” She looks at me like I’m the stupidest person she’s ever dealt with.

“Yes. It was nothing. Just two people letting off some steam and getting over the past.” I blink back tears. “You can’t go back.”

Chapter Sixteen

Trey

Finally. I close my eyes. After two days of stopping by the ER only to leave when she wasn’t there, I’m relieved to see her again. A part of me has been a little worried she not only snuck out of my bed but ditched town again.

When she glances up, her eyes widen, and a slight flush covers her cheeks. She pulls open the window. “I’ll be with you in a second.” She motions to the woman and young boy in the chair beside her.

“No hurry. I’ll be right here.” My meaning is twofold. I’m not going anywhere until I get these damn itchy stitches out of my arm, and I’m not leaving without talking to her.

The waiting room is empty except for one man who’s asleep, leaning against the wall. He’s either been there a long time, or he’s waiting for a patient to be discharged.

I could take out my own stitches. I’ve done it before. However, they gave me an open invitation to return to the hospital to have them removed, and I’m not passing up the opportunity to see her again.

The window slides open. “I’m busy,” she whispers.

I step to the window and grin. “And, I’m here to get my stitches out.”

“Oh.” Her eyes widen, and her face flames beet red. “Shit. This is embarrassing.” Turning to her computer screen, she types in something. “They’ll be with you in a moment.”

“Thank you.” I nod and amble over to the chair closest to the ER door and across from her. I want to be in her direct line of sight. Pressing my lips together, I cross one leg over my knee and lean back in the chair.

Yes, I’m an ass. I could have told her I only came to the ER to see her, but I got a small thrill seeing her disappointment. Twisted, but true.

I catch her gaze and smile. She jerks her attention back to the screen and mutters to herself. Pretend all you want, Princess. You still want me.

I lean my head against the wall and close my eyes. As always, the place reeks of antiseptic and cleaning solutions. Every door slamming and intercom announcement is hypnotic.

“Trey Collins.”

What? I jerk and open my eyes. The bright glow of the overhead lights stings my eyes. Shit. I fell asleep.

How long have I been out? I roll my head and wrinkle my nose. Natalie is staring with a cocked eyebrow and a twinkle in her eyes. Fuck. I was snoring. Way to turn her on.

“I’m on my way.” I shove off the seat and make my way into the ER.

“Thought I was going to have to shake you awake.” She giggles.

“I can think of a better way for you to wake me up.” My voice is low enough; no one else can hear.

She bites her bottom lip, but the ragged hitch of her breath causes her chest to move up and down. “Stop.”

Okay. As you wish. I straighten my shoulders and wipe all emotion from my face. “Which room?”

She nods. “Follow me.”

I train my eyes on the wall in front of me. If she doesn’t want me to be around, I’ll let it go. It hurts as much today as it did twelve years ago, but I’m not going to throw myself at her and beg.

After swiping the curtain open, I brush past her and sit down. I’m done. We’re done. I can’t take any more of the pain. “Thank you.”

The ER is quiet compared to when I had the stitches put in. Now, I wish I would have yanked the damn things out myself. I lean back against the pillow, swing my legs up onto the bed, and snap my eyes shut.

She doesn’t move. I can smell the vanilla over the scent of antiseptic. “Go.”

“Listen, Trey. I’m sorry I left. I should have stuck around and talked to you.”

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