Whatever It Takes (Bold As Love 3)

“I can tell you,” his sturdy voice tells me.

“I don't know you.”

“Yes, you do. You have amnesia, Sweetness.”

“Sweetness?”

“Yes. That's my nickname for you. I'm your boyfriend. We stay together here in Charlotte. We go to the same school. You love me.”

I shake my head. That's impossible. Frustrated tears fall from my eyes. I want Conrad. This Jake stands and leans forward to wipe my tears away, but I turn my head. He is a stranger and I don't want him touching me.

“The only person I trust is Conrad.”

“Okay. I'll call Conrad for you.”

The man leaves the room. I feel soreness in my back and stomach. My head hurts and I still don't know what has happened to me. Why aren't Conrad and Mom here? Why is this stranger in my room with me? Did he do something to me? He has to be lying about being my boyfriend. Nothing would ever separate Conrad and me.

An hour later, relief flows through me like a tsunami when Conrad walks through the door. Jake is right beh

ind him though. Conrad sits on the edge of my bed and places a kiss on my cheek.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like I've been beaten senseless. What's goin' on?”

He takes a deep breath and begins to tell me what happened while Jake stands at the foot of the bed with his arms crossed.

“You were in a car accident. Jake saw it happen.”

Interrupting, I say, “Wait. I know him?”

“Yes. He's your boyfriend.”

My heart breaks in two. “What? What about us? We had such a great day yesterday. I love you.”

“Jake wasn't lying when he told you that you have amnesia. It's been three years since that day Emily. You moved in with your dad, met Jake, and fell in love. I left you when I found out that Mel had my baby and I decided to try and make things work between us. You moved on.”

How could Conrad just leave me like that? How could he ever think it would work out between him and Mel? How is it possible that I don't remember the last three years of my life? Jake steps forward and I can tell that he wants to comfort me. I turn my attention back to Conrad.

“Where's my dad then?”

“He's on his way,” Jake states, taking another step forward.

“Emily, I've got to get back to pick up Logan, my boy. You are in very good hands, okay? Do you trust me?”

“Of course I do, but...”

“It's fine. Call me if you need anything. Jake has my number.”

With that, he goes to leaves.

“Don't go,” my voice cracks. He stops in his tracks, turns, and says he has to go. How can he leave me like this?

14

Jake

Mike bursts through the threshold of Emily's room and rushes over to her. He holds her in his arms and comforts her as she breaks down in tears. Oh how I wish I could be there for her. It's mind-boggling that we were just getting back to normal and some jackass hits her. Now, she doesn't remember me.