Текст книги "Beautifully Shattered"

Автор книги: Courtney Kristel

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Kohen must have collected my things when I was resting because now he is slinging the strap of my gym bag over his shoulder along with his medical bag. We’re standing so close that all I have to do is look up and our lips will meet. My hands fidget at my sides because I can’t make myself kiss him. The attraction I feel for him is foreign. My heart forever belongs to another.

Slowly, his hands trail from my shoulder to my wrists and back up again. By the second time his hands glide down my arms, goosebumps cover my whole body. As much as I don’t want to look up, I tilt my head back. My violet eyes connect with his azure ones. His hand caresses my face as he leans into me. Logic kicks in at the same time the gym doors bang open.

Kohen manages to angle his body in front of mine and yet he’s still supporting my weight. He watches me as Jax comes running around the corner in a desperate search for something, for me.

“Ads!” he shouts with relief.

I’m ogling him without shame, Kohen forgotten. My gaze is drawn to his brown hair that is styled in it’s usual messy fohawk, his forest green eyes, and his sinfully kissable lips. Everything is the complete package and I haven’t even taken in his body yet. I barely try to fight the pull I always feel when he’s around. He’s wearing a simple maroon dress shirt, first two buttons undone, with the sleeves rolled up displaying his tattooed arms. Once there was a time where I was able to study every picture, every black detail on his tanned arms. I would spend hours tracing every curve of his body.

Suddenly Jax comes to an abrupt halt when he sees the blood on my shirt, the bandage on my forehead, and me balancing on one leg. From the expression on his face, I can tell that his relief is short-lived. Sighing, I pinch the bridge of my nose and helplessly try not to make it obvious that I wished things were different between us, but they’re not. I’m just Logan’s little sister to him now.

“Please don’t start. I’m fine. I was on my way back to my place when you came storming in here.” Taking a deep breath to stall, I silently beg him to not make a big deal of this. I know there’s no use, he’s just as bad as my brother. “Please . . . just don’t, Jax.”

The only way this could be any worse is if Logan found me. At least with Jax I have a small window where he might be reasonable. With my brother I have no chance. It’s always take charge first, ask questions later. I know I only have a minute, maybe two if I’m lucky, to convince Jax not to make a scene. Suddenly I remember Kohen next to me. It’s amazing how just Jax’s presence can command a room.

I hate it.

“Seriously, Jax, I’m fine. Kohen,” I add pointing to the man still holding me upright, “is a doctor and he’s already looked me over. Gave me a clean bill of heath and everything. I just need to stay off the ankle and we both know I have crutches somewhere in my apartment.”

I’m wearing a huge grin knowing that I’ve talked my way out of this until the traitor opens his big fat mouth. “Actually I’ve been trying to convince her to go to the hospital for an X-ray. I don’t think anything is broken, but it wouldn’t hurt to have her examined. There’s a good chance she has a concussion.”

Kill me now.

My grin is now a scowl. I can’t believe Kohen ratted me out. Great, hospital here I come. Jax doesn’t say anything. He smiles that crooked smile I secretly love, the one that says he knows exactly what I’m thinking. Reaching into his black slacks, he grabs his vibrating phone.

“Yeah, man, found her. No idea, I haven’t asked yet. No, you’re going to need to meet us in the lobby. We need to make a quick run to the emergency room. Calm down, she’s fine. Yeah, tell Connor to bring the car around. Oh, I’m sure, I didn’t ask that either.” Pulling the phone away from his ear, he curses quietly so that my brother can’t hear. “Calm down, Logan. She’s fine. Yeah, I know. See you in a second.”

When Jax hangs up, he opens his mouth to speak. I hold up my hand. “No, Jax. Just don’t. Save it, okay? Let’s go before Logan loses his mind.”

I rub the side of my temple, hating that there’s a stranger witnessing the bubble that I live in. Wisely, Jax nods without saying anything. Turning slightly to face Kohen, I give him a weak smile that I don’t feel. “Thanks again for everything.”

Because I can’t help myself and I want to see Jax suffer, I rise up on my good foot and kiss his cheek. I hear a growl and have to bite my lip to keep from beaming.

Kohen smiles down at me, ignoring a steaming Jax. “You’re welcome . . . let’s try to be more careful next time?”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Momentarily forgetting about my ankle, I stumble towards Jax, which makes both Jax and Kohen reach for me. There’s one on each side of me, helping me from face-planting.

“Jesus, Ads, stop trying to kill yourself.” I don’t have time to respond before Jax sweeps me up into his arms and cradles me to his chest. Jax grins down at me when I glare at him.

“Thanks for helping her,” he tells Kohen, his green eyes fixed on mine.

Then Jax strolls out of the gym without waiting for a reply. I bury my head into his chest from embarrassment. God, could he act anymore like a caveman? When we reach the door I take a quick look over Jax’s shoulder. Kohen hurls his medical equipment back into his bag.

“You don’t need to carry me,” I tell Jax.

“No, but I want to. Besides if your brother sees me letting you limp your way to the car, I’ll be dead.”

My brain has short-circuited. Jaxon Chandler wants to carry me. He wants me in his arms. I know I’m making a bigger deal out of this then I need to, but I can’t help it. This is Jax. The man that I’ve been in love with for as long as I can remember.

“Besides, most women would love to be in my arms.”

Ignoring the pain in my chest, I smirk at him. “Don’t flatter yourself, Jax, those women only want your money. The rest of us don’t want to hurt your feelings. You’re not as good-looking as you think.” We both know I’m lying. He is the very definition of beautiful.

“Great,” I mumble under my breath when we reach the lobby.

Connor leans against the wall idly typing on his phone while Logan paces. Logan rushes to my side. He tries to grab me from Jax, whose hold on me tightens.

“No, I got her. She doesn’t need to move more than necessary with her ankle.”

Logan nods while sliding off his suit jacket from his buff shoulders to lay it over me. “Thanks, man. You okay, Addie?”

“Of course. I’m a little tired, though, so maybe we should go back up to my place and watch a movie?”

His light blue eyes that are the exact replica of our father’s plead with me not to fight with him. I give him a tight nod. There’s so much of our father in him; his build, his tone of voice, even his brown hair. I have that, too. We both have our mother’s smile. Thanks to our mom I was blessed with her rare shade of violet eyes.

Logan kisses the top of my head. “Not a chance, baby girl,” he says using Dad’s nickname for me. To Jax he says, “Let’s go.”

Putting away his phone, Connor hurries over to the door to hold it open for us. The chill in the spring night air washes over me. I burry myself closer into Jax’s warm chest, secretly loving his potent cologne. I breathe deeply once before watching Connor’s 6’6’’ frame clear out the back seat of his car.

Like my brother, Jax treats me as if I’m a porcelain doll as he maneuvers me in the car. By the time he has the buckle in place I’m covered in goosebumps and it’s not from the cold. Jax is so close, but still so many miles away from me.

After making sure that I’m comfortable in the back, Logan surprises me by manning the wheel. He hardly drives since the accident. He utilizes his massive amounts of money and has a full-time driver. I feel his fear resembles mine in a way, even if he wasn’t there that dreadful night.

I nearly groan when Jax settles himself next to me and Connor slides into the passenger seat. I was hoping that Connor would sit with me. It would be easier to keep my distance from Jax. When we finally arrive at the hospital, Connor rushes to snag a wheelchair for me while the rest of us wait in the car.

Logan breaks the silence. “You didn’t think to call us?”

I turn to face the window. “No, I was a little preoccupied. Besides, I knew you three would make a big deal out of this.” I wave my hand down my body.

Luckily, Connor returns with the wheelchair before Logan or Jax can respond.

“All right, Addie, you know the drill,” Connor says.

Jax picks me up like I’m a child and sets me in the chair. I breathe my first breath of fresh air since being in his arms. Being so close to him yet so far away is torture.

I sigh dramatically for his benefit. “Oh, well thank you, kind sir. I don’t know how I would have made it the whole half a step to the wheelchair without you.”

Someone clutches my hand. I look up and smile at Connor. His tall frame bends slightly so that he can continue to hold my hand while Logan steers me towards the automatic doors. I watch Connor as we near the entrance. Not for the first time, I wish that I felt something for him besides friendship. It would be so much easier to be in love with the blond stud squeezing my hand, but of course I consider him a brother. He brushes his long hair behind his ears. It’s only then that I realize his wrist is missing the pink hair-tie I gave him earlier. Without saying anything, I give him the extra I keep on my wrist just for him. He smiles appreciatively as he gathers his shoulder-length hair into one of those manly ponytails at the bottom of his head.

My anxiety rises the closer I’m wheeled to the hospital’s doors. Ever since the accident, I avoid them. Well, I try to at least; me being accident-prone doesn’t help with my fear since the guys always insist on me seeing a doctor. Logan wheels me into the crowded Emergency Room at New York Presbyterian Hospital, oblivious that I’m dying inside.

Jax walks up to the counter like he owns the place. Flashing the receptionist his trademark smile he says, “I need to have someone look at my friend Adalynn Maxwell. She hit her head pretty badly and we’re worried she might have a concussion.”

He’s so charming it should be illegal. The lady doesn’t shift her focus from the computer screen; apparently there are women immune to Jax’s charm. That’s just too bad. Really, my heart breaks for him.

“You’re going to need to fill this out and wait in the waiting room like everyone else.” She hands him a clipboard with the paperwork attached. When Jax doesn’t make a move for it, Connor is forced to seize it.

“I didn’t introduce myself earlier, my apologies. I’m Jaxon Chandler, as in the owner of Trinity. Which happened to give the largest donation this year at the pediatric fundraising event last week.”

He doesn’t even wait for the light bulb to go off. I’m surprised how fast she recognizes the name of their company. Understanding dawns on me when I glance around. The new self-help posters have the Trinity logo in the lower left corner. What doesn’t their company dabble in these days?

“I would like Miss Maxwell in a private room and to be seen by the best neurologist.”

She’s already standing and walking around the counter. She might be immune to Jax’s charm, but she doesn’t want to piss off their biggest paycheck. I doubt their CEO, who I know just went golfing with Logan, would be happy to hear from a fuming Jax. I have to try extremely hard not to laugh at her sudden willingness to help. It’s hilarious how name-dropping can change people, even in a hospital, where it shouldn’t matter.

“Of course, sir. I can have someone show you to Miss Maxwell’s room right away. Unfortunately you will have to see the on-call doctor, as our head of neurology has the night off. I assure you Miss Maxwell will be in good hands.”

Connor groans with me. Jax ignores both of us. She couldn’t have just kept quiet, could she? No, it’s not like she would have known that Jax isn’t a man to be deterred. I tremble when he slams his strong hands on the counter. He glares at her as if she just said the most outrageous thing in the history of the world.

“That’s unacceptable. I want the best. Make it happen or do I need to call Don?” He reads her name tag. “Mrs. Adams?”

“My apologies, sir. I’ll have someone take her for all the tests while you wait for the doctor. It might take awhile longer since this is his only day off this week.”

Mrs. Adams calls over a nurse to manage the desk before snatching the wheelchair from Logan. The guys are forced to hurry along after us to catch up. I have to hand it to Mrs. Adams, she doesn’t just take it lying on her back. Go her! I pick imaginary lint off my bright orange leggings as Mrs. Adams silently pushes me. I stare straight ahead as we pass through the doors that she has to use a keycard to access. The urge to break the silence is overwhelming.

“I’m sorry about him. He’s harmless, by the way,” I tell her as she wheels me into a room.

“Yeah, he’s like a rabid dog without teeth.” I turn just in time to see Jax slap the back of Connor’s head. “Ow!”

I can tell from her tight smile that Mrs. Adams wishes she were anywhere else right now. Can’t say that I blame her. She starts to help me from the chair, but Jax pushes her out of the way.

“I got her.”

My jaw drops. He needs to stop acting this way in front of Logan. I force myself not to react to his closeness as he lifts me up before gently laying me in the bed.

“Your nurse will be right in.” Mrs. Adams inches her way closer to the door.

“You’re not my nurse?” I ask, surprised.

After a shake of her head, she slips out the door.

“Jax, any doctor would have been fine.” I let my annoyance show in my voice. “I’m pretty sure they all went to medical school, but who knows, some might have gone to clown school.”

Jax ignores me as he makes a point of walking over to Logan, who’s leaning against the far wall across from the bed. I’m still irritated that I’m here when a male nurse knocks on the door. He couldn’t have come at a better time. Being here is making my entire body tense. Pretty soon I’m going to snap. Hopefully nobody is here to witness it.

Forty-five minutes later I have my ankle re-wrapped. Just a bad sprain, thank goodness; I just have to wait for the doctor to go over my CT scan. I survey the room for Jax, but he’s missing. I want to ask where he’s gone, but I don’t want to clue in Logan to my feelings for his best friend. Talk about awkward.

“Don’t be so hard on them, Addie,” Connor says, “You know they’re both just worried.”

I frown at my best friend, hating that he’s right. He’s known me my entire life, and he’s usually the one who makes those two see reason when it comes to me. He’s like another big brother. I love him even if he annoys me 99 percent of the time.

I stare at Logan as he types away on his phone, probably responding to the thousand of emails he receives daily. As I inspect him closer I notice the shadows under his eyes. Without asking, I know he didn’t sleep last night. Most likely he was restless like me, remembering everything we lost. But unlike me, he doesn’t have the gory, haunting memories I do. I’m glad as my brother doesn’t deserve to suffer like me. He’s innocent.

“I know, Connor. I’m not mad at them. I just wish Jax didn’t make a big deal out of this. Between the two of them, I don’t know who’s worse.”

His twin dimples are prominent. “If you haven’t noticed, Jax likes to make a show out of everything when it comes to you.” Before I can say anything, he quickly changes the subject. “Have you picked your dress for the Masquerade Ball yet or are you—” He breaks off when there’s a soft knock on the door.

We all turn to see a tall, muscular doctor with sandy blond hair that just can’t seem to stay in the right place. Tonight is getting better and better.

Chapter Two

“What are you doing here?” I ask even though I know the answer.

He’s wearing a white lab coat with his endearing smile. “I got called in for a possible concussion.” He shrugs as if it’s no big deal. It is.

I stare wide-eyed at Kohen. Then at my confused brother. Logan moves to my side. I know overprotective brother syndrome is emerging, fast.

“Have you two met?” he asks me but his focus is solely on Kohen.

I can tell Kohen interprets Logan’s question as innocent. Logan knows everyone in my life. I already know he is itching to place a call to his PI to investigate Kohen. Being the gentleman that he’s shown me he is, Kohen steps forward and extends his hand to Logan and then to Connor.

“Yes, we met earlier this evening at the gym. I was the one who bandaged her up and insisted that Adalynn seek medical attention. However, Adalynn is a little stubborn and refused to go until her boyfriend came in and rescued her.”

“Boyfriend?” Logan asks, baffled, at the same time Connor says, “Don’t we know it.”

Luckily Kohen is studying my CT scans so he’s not paying much attention to them. I notice that his smile slips for a second. I can feel Logan’s gaze on me, but I don’t acknowledge him. He shouldn’t have to ask about the boyfriend comment; he knows I’m unattached.

“There’s no swelling, or anything else to be concerned about, but I would still like to check your balance, reflexes, coordination, vis—”

I interrupt him as I know exactly what he has to do. “Vision, and any possible memory loss.”

He doesn’t seem surprised that I am familiar with the examination. Maybe he realizes I’m accident-prone. That could be a new thing that shows up on CT scans now.

He pulls out a silver looking pen that I recognize as a flashlight. “Look to the left, good. Now the right, good. Follow the light with your eyes please.”

“Well?” Logan ask impatiently once Kohen finishes testing my reflexes.

Kohen turns to my pacing brother. “I need to check her balance next and then I’ll be done.”

“Is she going to be okay?” Logan asks, ignoring the fact that the examine isn’t over. “Yes, she has a slight concussion but she’ll be fine.” He focuses on me again. “Stand up, please.”

I do everything he asks, wishing with each command that we were alone so he wouldn’t have to deal with the my brother. He’s already had to come in on his day off. I want to make this as easy as possible for him, and him receiving the third degree from my brother isn’t easy for anyone in the room.

His back is to the door when Jax swaggers in and Connor decides to make matters worse. I have no idea how I’m even surprised by anything that he says. I should be used to it by now, but not even a lifetime with this guy can prepare me for what comes out of his mouth.

“Oh, look here’s the boyfriend now.” He tilts his head toward Jax.

“I’ll hide your body where nobody will ever find it,” I mutter only loud enough for Connor to hear.

“Boyfriend? Ahh Connor I’m touched, but baby you’re not my type.”

Kohen looks from Connor to Jax, then finally to me. Connor and Logan aren’t even trying to hide their grins now while Jax is momentarily surprised to see Kohen again.

“Kohen, meet Jaxon Chandler. He’s another childhood friend of my brother’s.” I try to assure him that he isn’t my boyfriend.

Kohen nods in understanding and visibly relaxes. “Well, Adalynn, you’re ready to go home once the discharge nurse has you sign the release papers. You’ll need someone to check on you a few times throughout the night. Rest that ankle for at least two weeks before you take on any treadmills again.”

“Great, thanks again, Kohen. Sorry you were forced to come in so late.”

My brother steps forward and shakes his hand. “Yes, thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome.” He moves towards the door. “The discharge nurse will be in shortly.”

Once the door closes, Jax asks, “Do I even want to know about the boyfriend comment?”

Logan shakes his head, but of course Connor decides silence isn’t necessary. “The doc is interested in Addie so I thought it would be funny to mess with him and let him think that you’re her boyfriend.”

Jax’s jaw tightens. It’s the only sign that he’s fighting to stay in control. Good. Maybe now he will notice that I’m not that broken teenager I once was and see me as an adult.

There’s a soft knock on the door and a male nurse enters, carrying crutches. After another minute or two, the crutches are in Connor’s hands, and the nurse is telling Logan where the pharmacy is to pick up my medication. Jax broods behind me, ready to wheel me out to the car. Connor wiggles his eyebrows at me. I glare at him and silently beg him not to do what I know he’s about to do.

He winks as he shouts, “Wait up!” to my brother. He hurriedly runs to catch up with Logan, leaving me in my wheelchair with a stone-faced Jax.

Awkward seconds turn into minutes as Jax wheels me into the waiting room. He sits down with the wheelchair in front of him. As I people-watch, I curse Connor for leaving me here. He could have at least taken me with him. That prick! Out of nowhere I’m spun around so I’m facing Jax. He leans forward and rests his chin in his hands. We’re so close, we’re breathing each other’s air. I don’t know how long we’re sitting here like this when I hear Connor’s laugh bouncing off the walls. He’s obnoxious, but I love him.

We’re finally able to leave. As the exit comes into view, I exhale in relief. My entire body is strung so tightly, I’m positive that I’ll snap if I’m forced to stay a second longer. It’s taking everything in me to be appreciative, but a small part of me is still pissed that Logan made me come here, today of all days.

Kohen strolls around the corner with a purpose. Hoping to evade his attention, I inspect my nearly perfect cuticles as he comes closer. When the wheelchair stops moving, I’m forced to lift my head to see Kohen kneeling in front of me.

He hands me a card. “My personal number is on the back. When you feel up for it, I would love to take you out.” Without waiting for a response, he kisses my hand and then he’s gone.

My face flushes beet red. That was hands-down the most mortifying thing to happen since we arrived at the hospital. I can’t believe he just asked me out in front of everyone. I turn slightly to see Jax rubbing his clean-shaven chin in thought. Not the envious reaction I was hoping for. Logan helps me into his suit jacket before we leave the hospital.

When we reach the parking lot, I wrinkle my nose as we pass a couple leaning against the back of their car, smoking. I hate the smell of cigarettes. I turn my head and see Jax glaring at them. Of course he would have a reaction to them and not to Kohen asking me out. We’re nothing to each other anymore. I’m just his best friend’s little sister.

I start to drift off before Logan drives out of the parking lot. I’m vaguely aware of Jax stirring in the middle seat. He leans my head on his shoulder and starts to draw patterns onto my arm. With the rhythmic movements of the car and the calm feeling Jax brings me, I’m asleep within seconds.

I have a momentary panic attack when I feel someone wrap their arms around me, but once the feel of Jax’s body against mine sinks in, I relax and snuggle as close to him as possible. All too soon we’re in my apartment and Jax carries me into my bedroom. I’m acutely aware of Logan watching us as Jax tucks me in. Once Jax ensures that I’m comfortable, not that he asked me, he promptly exits my room, leaving Logan and me alone.

“I have bad news, Addie.” Logan sits on the edge of my bed, careful to avoid my ankle. He runs a hand over his buzzed-cut brown hair. “Connor and I need to take the plane tonight for a meeting in San Francisco.”

It always amazes me how well my brother is doing. He and his best friends own Trinity together. And their company has its own plane. Just like Connor’s parents, ours would be proud of all three of them. They’ve dominated the business world, the tech world, and the sports world all at the same time. They combined their strengths and made a lucrative marketing company.

“I have to leave so Jax is going to stay here and watch out for you until I get back in two days.”

Ah, now the pieces of the puzzle are all here. I’m being put under house arrest with Jax as my warden. Wonderful. You would think for someone about to turn twenty-eight, Logan would be more lenient towards his younger sister, but you’d be wrong.

Jax decides to enter right as I’m about to protest. Which is good because I know it would be pointless. Logan wouldn’t leave me alone, especially after an Emergency Room visit. Turning away from Jax, I give my brother the biggest smile I can manage. I’m vaguely aware of Jax making more noise then he should, but I solely focus my attention on my brother.

“Make sure to say hi to Connor’s parents for me.” I know that they will get together since Connor’s adoptive parents now reside in the bay area. “I’ll be fine. Call me when you land.”

“Always do.”

Our eyes are drawn towards Jax when he lets something drop to the floor next to my bed. I can’t even hide my irritation when I see the air-mattress. Jax is just as bad as my brother. The drugs they gave me are kicking in and it’s becoming harder to fight off sleep.

For some reason, my witty personality seeps through my hard exterior. I’m usually closed off, barely muttering a “no” when I’m upset. Well, until recently. I’ve been standing up for myself a lot more.

“Ummm no. There’s a perfectly usable bed in the guest-room with your name on it, Jax.” I hope he doesn’t listen to me. Even though I can’t have him, his presence brings me comfort.

In his most mocking voice Jax says, “This is my new bed.” He points down at the air mattress. “Oh, and I sleep naked.”

I have to look away from Jax as I remember a time when his sweaty, naked body was gliding over mine as he slid inside me. I don’t want Logan to suddenly ask questions.

“Leave her alone. I swear if I find out that you slept naked in the same room as my sister, I will cut off the favorite part of your anatomy.”

Jax is smart enough not to say anything. A few minutes later, Logan leaves after I promise that I’ll call him immediately if I need anything. I’m so exhausted that I don’t have the energy to watch Jax walk out of my in-suite bathroom wearing only red boxer briefs.

I wake up, distraught and in a lot of pain. I regret ever opening my eyes this morning. My head feels like I decided to play chicken with a bus and lost, severely. Once my equilibrium returns, I manage to lean against my pillows. I attempt to brush my hair in a somewhat presentable style with my fingers.

I can’t help wanting to look good for Jax. I shake my head, knowing that nothing will ever happen between us. That notion floated away a long time ago. Giving up, I attempt to climb out of bed.

When I can finally manage to stagger to my feet, I notice that Jax spread my robe out on the duvet. He was even kind enough to move the blow-up mattress against the far wall so I wouldn’t have to maneuver around it with my crutches. That would just be asking for trouble. After I knot the silk sash to my robe in place, I hobble on crutches to the bathroom to freshen up before I go search for him.

Peering into the mirror, I almost don’t recognize the person staring back. I’m facing a complete stranger. I have a nasty bruise turning a wonderful shade of purple on my forehead and there aren’t enough brushes in the world to calm my hair. But what’s different is my eyes. Instead of being vacant, a look that I have grown accustomed to, there is a fire in them for the first time in six years. I look like I’m finally alive again. Just as quickly, the fire is gone.

I can’t shake the feeling that it’s time for me to move forward. I need to make a decision. I need to either start living, or I need to give up . . . for good. As I leave my bedroom I realize that I don’t have a choice to make. I already made it. I made it a year after the accident when I decided to seek help. I want to live . . . I just don’t know how.

I make my way to the living room before I call out for Jax. It’s hard to ignore the disappointment that immediately follows the silence. I limp my way to the kitchen, hating the crutches. I fight the smile that wants to appear when I see a note from Jax in his neat handwriting.

Had to run out to buy you a new phone since you decided to take your poor, helpless phone down with you. I’ll bring home breakfast so don’t eat. I already called the bakery and explained why you won’t be in for the rest of the weekend so don’t bother getting dressed for work. Take the medicine I left out for you with a glass of milk

–Jax

Call Logan.

Rolling my eyes, I do as I’m told. I’m annoyed that he placed all of my medicine on the counter for me, even going as far as grabbing a glass, as if I don’t know where I them. Men. Shaking my head, I open the fridge. After I take the medicine, I snag my house phone and wobble to the living room. I collapse onto the couch as gracefully as I can manage with a sprained ankle.

While waiting for him to answer, I wonder if Logan will make Jax stay the entire time he’s away. Logan picks up on the third ring, and by his worried greeting, I have my answer to my unasked question. Yes, Jax will be my new shadow until Logan returns. Hey, things could be worse. I could be locked up in a basement with a serial killer. Okay, so it’s not that bad, but I would enjoy myself a lot more if Jax would stop playing with my emotions.

“How are you feeling? I know you didn’t sleep that good.”

“How do you know how I slept? I swear if you put cameras in my room last night I’m going to kill you. That’s taking overprotective brother syndrome to a whole new level, even for you.”

“HA HA HA, Addie. No, I didn’t need to put a camera in. I had the next best thing . . . an actual person to watch over you for me. You kept him up all night.”

My brother isn’t as funny he thinks he is.

“How could I have possibly kept Jax up all night? I was out in seconds once the pain meds kicked in.”

“You were tossing and turning all night while sleep-talking.”

And just like that, all of the air leaves me. There are too many horrible possibilities of what I could have said last night. I hope it wasn’t anything about my unrequited love. Crap, suddenly I don’t want Jax to come home.