Take a Breath (Take #1) - Jaimie Roberts Page 0,131

needs as always.

“Wow, what was that for?” he asks.

I frown at him. “Can’t I just hug and kiss you for no reason?”

He cups my face. “Of course you can. No reason is just as good a reason as any other.”

I start laughing. “You’re just too damn cute, you know that?”

His face crinkles into a frown. “I have been called lots of things, but cute ain’t one of them.”

“Cute as a button,” I smile, teasingly. I grab his nose with two fingers and laugh when he pulls away from me in moderate disgust.

At that precise moment, the doctor walks through the door. He looks a little hesitant as he hands over something to me. “Here are some pamphlets you should read. You may want to book yourself an appointment with a Dr. Townsend. She’s a very good therapist, and her office is very close to where you live. I’m sure she can help you … perhaps even more than you might expect.”

I wave my hands at him. “Honestly, I’m fine,” I protest.

He isn’t happy. His hand remains rigid as he pushes the pamphlets towards me. “Your nightmares tell me otherwise, Miss Sinclair. If you don’t deal with this situation now, it will soon become a waking nightmare.” He seems pissed, so I take the stuff from him anyway. He then turns his attention to Jake where he tells him what signs to watch out for, like sudden loss of breath, et cetera. Once all is said, he gives me a prescription for some tablets to help me with the pain.

The moment I walk outside, I take my first lungful of fresh air. It feels heavenly, despite the burning in my throat. We get to the parking lot where Jake opens the car door for me. He moves, burying himself into me and gently kisses my lips. It immediately sets my heart racing. It does so every time—no matter what the circumstances.

“You look beautiful in this dress. You always look beautiful. In—or out of—anything.”

I gently rub my nose against his. “Take me home now, Jake.”

He smiles. “It would truly be my pleasure.”

We set off quite quickly after Jake makes sure I’m settled and strapped in the car. He seems anxious to get out of here, and I’m with him on that. I feel as though I won’t be able to let out a breath until we’re on I-495, heading back home.

As we pull onto the driveway, Matthew comes racing out the door. It’s almost as though he’s been waiting there all day for us. He rushes in for a hug, and I welcome it wholeheartedly.

Once he retreats, I see tears in his eyes, which sets off a fresh batch of my own. I have never seen Matthew cry, and I certainly don’t want to be the cause of it now. “Hey, please don’t be upset. I’m fine. Really. Look at me. I’m okay.” I hold his face in my hands, and he nods, trying hard to compose himself.

“I’ve been going crazy with worry—everyone has—and my asshole father wouldn’t let me come see you while you were in the hospital.”

Jake slams his car door a bit more forcefully than he should have. I feel I have to say something to calm the situation. “Your dad was right to make you stay. Your studies are important … especially now.”

He looks like he wants to argue the point, but the expression on my face stops him. Instead, we stroll back into the house with Matthew’s arm wrapped tightly around me. It’s almost like he’s afraid I’ll disappear. Standing next to him like this, I realize just how tall he’s getting. He’s towering over me already.

Matthew squeezes my shoulder a little. “You feel like you’ve lost weight. Obviously hospital food doesn’t agree with you very well. I’ll make you some noodles, if you want?”

He seems eager to do something for me, and I don’t want to disappoint him. “That would be nice. Thank you.”

He runs towards the kitchen, and it’s then I notice the full view of the living room, which is filled with flowers. Matthew remembers and turns to face me. “They’ve been arriving all day for you. Everyone’s so happy that it’s all finally over and that you’re safe.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, I walk over to a bunch of pink orchids and read the card.

Ana, we’re all so happy you’re safe. Get well soon. All our love, Joe, Sally, and family. P.S. It’s a girl!

Tears spring to my eyes. I’m so happy for them. I’m