make a good impression, but I needed to hold Maya’s hand. Perhaps it comforted me more than it did her.
“You want to know how I’m feeling?” Maya asked. “I’m surviving.” She laughed as if she’d just made a joke, but I didn’t find it funny.
I leaned in and met her gaze. “What can I do? Do you want a better room? I can make that happen. Give me a task.”
Maya smiled as if genuinely amused. “That’s not necessary, Easton. I’m fine with this room.”
“I’m sure we can find you one with a better view. I can—”
“No, it’s fine. Really.”
Charlotte and Mrs. Anderson exchanged a knowing look as if my behavior was out of the norm and they suspected something was up.
“Who is your doctor?” I asked. “Let me put in a call. Get you the best.”
“Easton, it’s okay,” Maya said, looking as if she were about to laugh. “I’m getting good care.”
“But is it top notch?”
The corners of Maya’s mouth tilted up again. “Relax. I don’t plan on dying in the next ten minutes.”
I felt the blood drain from my face, and I scowled at her, not caring for the playful way in which she was pretending this was no big deal. “That wasn’t funny.”
“You should see your face. It was a joke, Easton. Lighten up.”
“How can I lighten up when you’re in the hospital?”
“Hey, it’s my turn.” Charlotte reached over and took Maya’s other hand since I refused to relinquish the one I was holding. “You’re putting on a brave face, but how are you really doing?”
Maya’s expression fell, but she shrugged it off. “I’m fine.”
“This isn’t an easy situation,” Mrs. Anderson said. She turned to Charlotte suddenly as if a thought had just occurred to her. “Charlotte, honey, I’m starving. Do you mind going with me to the cafeteria for a little while? I’m sure Easton would keep Maya company while we’re gone.” She glanced at me with a gleam in her eye, and I started to get the sense that she wanted to leave the two of us alone. I winked to let her know I was completely on board with that plan.
“I do declare, Mr. Radcliffe,” she said with a fake southern accent. “You are a charmer. I expect you to be on your best behavior with my daughter.”
Maya’s mouth dropped open, and she glared at her mother as if she’d just thrown her under the bus. “Mom…he’s my boss, for goodness’ sake.”
Mrs. Anderson looked as if she was ready to say something else when Charlotte cut in. “Not a problem. I’d love to go with you to the cafeteria.” She grinned at Maya and stood to her feet. “We won’t be long.”
Maya blushed and glanced away, clearly embarrassed by her mother’s actions, but I was thankful for the opportunity for us to be alone.
Once they left, she met my gaze for a moment and then averted her eyes. “Sorry, I think Mom has the wrong idea about us. I’ll clear up the misunderstanding when she gets back.”
“What misunderstanding? I don’t follow.” I did, but I wanted to hear it from her.
“She thinks you’re interested in me, but we both know we’re just—”
“Friends,” I said, cutting in.
“Yeah.” She glanced down, a worry line at her forehead deepening.
“About that…” Wanting to be closer, I scooted my chair so that it was nearer to the bed. “I don’t want to be only friends anymore.” Her gaze shot up to mine, and there was so much surprise there I was a little taken aback. “Surely, you saw this coming?”
“Saw what coming?”
She didn’t know? Had I read her all wrong? I hesitated, wanting to make this moment special despite the horrible circumstances, but I also didn’t want to put pressure on her if she wasn’t ready for a relationship. She schooled her features so that her expression was blank, but I sensed the emotion emanating from her. I squeezed her hand and paused, making eye contact. “Me…falling in love with you.”
She quickly inhaled a breath and pulled her hand away, appearing almost distressed. “Please don’t tell me what you imagine I want to hear because I’m sick. It doesn’t help the situation.”
“Are you kidding me?” I laughed incredulously. “You think I would pretend to feel something I don’t?”
She studied me then, hope flickering in her eyes. “I’m not sure.”
“Maya, I love you,” I said firmly. “And it didn’t take long for that to happen. All it took was a little time together.” My eyes moistened, and my throat thickened, causing