Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 54888 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54888 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“That’s Sharon for ya. She’s like the floor mother.”
He smoothed his other hand up and down my back. “I think she took pity on me, because when I started saying I was your boss and a bunch of other ramblings she probably didn’t care about, I told her I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I asked that if she wouldn't tell me where you were or how to contact you, then could she get ahold of you and let you know I’d been trying to reach you.” He kissed the top of my head. “I probably looked like a maniac, all panicked and worried as fuck. She wouldn’t tell me anything but that I should go to St. Anthony’s.” He pulled back and cupped my face, staring into my eyes. “So here I am. Went to the reception desk, praying when I said your name that you wouldn’t have been admitted. Never felt such fucking relief when they said there wasn’t a patient with that name.” He closed his eyes for a second and swallowed, his throat working. “Then I remembered you said your father was sick, but I didn't know his name, so here I am.” He gave me a small, tight-lipped smile. “Freaking you out yet?”
I felt my lips curl as I shook my head slowly. “No,” I whispered. “Not at all.”
It’s what I want to hear from you.
“Korrie,” he said low, his eyes briefly closing before snapping open and having this intense look of determination in them. “I love you.”
My own eyes widened at his words.
“I know it’s fast and probably fucking insane, but I love you, and I can’t let you go. And I know you can’t possibly feel for me what I feel for you, but that’s okay.” He smoothed his thumbs over my cheeks. “Because I have my entire life to make you fall in love with me. And when it comes to you, I’ll do anything to make you mine.”
CHAPTER 17
Bishop
Iprobably freaked her the fuck out, but I hadn’t been able to hold in the words. I hadn’t been able to not tell Korrie I was in love with her.
“Just tell me what you want, Korrie. Tell me, because I’ll move heaven and earth to give it to you if it means I can be with you.” I didn’t even give a shit if I looked pathetic, begging, needing her in my life like I needed air in my lungs. But I kept my voice level, sure as hell hoped I looked like I wasn't a damn mess inside at the very idea of losing the only woman who would ever have my heart.
Keep your shit together. You’ll scare her, push her away. You’ll be too pushy when it’s clear she’s going through a hard time. Just be there for her.
I exhaled slowly, seeing her staring up at me, this look on her face breaking my heart. “I’m sorry,” I said, keeping my voice soft. “This isn’t fair to you, especially as we stand here in the hospital waiting room. I’m an asshole for coming here, for putting you on the spot. You deserve better than that.” I reluctantly let go of her face and ran a hand over the back of my neck, looking around, feeling shame. “I just want to be there for you, Korrie, and I’m not going anywhere.” I looked at her then, her big brown eyes filled with so much emotion. “If you want me to go, I’m gone. If you want me to stay”—please want me to stay—“I’m here for whatever you need. A friend. A shoulder to cry on. A ride home… anything.”
I want you to love me back, but I have all the time in the world, baby.
I saw her throat work as she swallowed, and then she glanced down, worrying her plump bottom lip with her straight white teeth. I couldn’t stop myself as I reached out to tip her head up so she could look at me again. But at the last moment I stopped, curled my fingers toward my palm, and dropped my arm to my side.
When Korrie lifted her head, I could see tears brimming her eyes.
“Oh, baby,” I murmured and didn’t stop myself then. I reached out and cupped her cheek once more, and she surprised the hell out of me when she lifted her hand and placed it over mine. My heart stopped before it kicked into overdrive.
“I’m scared, not just about my dad, even though he’s going to be fine, but scared about everything, Bishop.” She closed her eyes, and I pulled her in, wrapping my arms around her shoulders and keeping her close. I never wanted to let her go.
I’m never leaving you. I’m never letting you go through another thing alone.
“I may not know what's going on or what’s going to happen in the future,” she whispered, then tipped her head back to look into my face. I cupped the other cheek, now cradling her face in my hands. “But one thing I know for certain is I don’t want to be away from you.”