Cherished (Wanted 4)

As they all walked by, they each gave me a strange look.

Was that pity I saw in their eyes?

The moment the door shut, Jessie smiled at me. “I’m sorry if you were scared. The doctor said it’s normal to feel cramping, and some experience it more than others. Hopefully, it won’t last long.”

I looked at the IV bag.

“I guess they thought I was dehydrated or something,” she said with a weak smile.

I came and sat down on the bed. She reached for my hand, and when she touched me, I felt that familiar zap run through my body.

“I was so scared, Jessie. I don’t know what I would have done if…” I couldn’t even finish my sentence.

“I know. I was scared, too, but everything is okay.”

I looked her in the eyes. “It will always be in the back of my head, Jessie, and I’m always going to wonder.”

I watched as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

“I don’t love him,” she whispered.

I nodded. “Well, I guess you’ll find out soon enough.”

She looked at me, confused. “What do you mean?”

“He’s heading to Mason.”

“Who’s heading to Mason?”

“Trey,” I whispered.

“What? Why? How do you know this? Oh my god, did you ask him to come here?” She tried to sit up.

I just looked at her. “No, I didn’t fucking ask him to come here. He said he got my number from the hotel clerk, the one you borrowed the phone from to call me. He called me and said he was coming to Mason.”

She shook her head. “Why?”

I stood up and ran my hands through my hair. I walked to the window and looked out. “Because he said he loves you, and he thinks you love him, too. He’s not giving up unless he knows this is what you want.”

“Scott, you have to know I love you,” she said as her voice broke off.

I turned and smiled at her as I nodded. “I know you do, baby. I know you do. I love you, too, and I’ll do…I’ll walk away if…”

I felt a tear run down my face as her eyes widened in surprise.

“If you decide that you need time…I’ll wait for you. I’ll always

wait for you.”

“Need time for what?” she asked.

“Jessie, I know you’re confused. I could tell by your reaction this morning when I went to reach out for you. You have feelings for this guy, and you need to figure out just what they are before we can even talk about our future together.”

She began shaking her head. “No…no, Scott. I don’t need to figure out anything. I know what I want and whom I want. I just need time to forget about him, and—”

I sucked in a breath of air.

“No! Wait…that’s not what I meant.”