Sweetest Release

by Nicole Highland

  “You mean you were actually afraid to lose me?” I asked.

  My attitude displeased him, but I was in a daze, and didn't care about hurting his feelings. I figured I’d blame it on the pain medication, because it felt like it was numbing up my heart and the rest of my body.

  Devin reached for my hand, and his warm touch comforted me. He paused for a moment, staring at me with sorrowful eyes.

  “Natalie, you could’ve gotten yourself killed. Do you know how devastated I would’ve been? If you had died, I would never have forgiven myself. I love you, Natalie. I’m just--”

  I didn’t allow him to finish his sentence. With what little strength I had left, I pulled him into me, forcing his mouth to meet mine, and his kiss revived me. I felt alive again. It was a picture perfect moment, minus the part where I was lying in a hospital bed. I released him, feeling a pang of sorrow as we separated.

  “I’m don’t want to lose you,” he whispered.

  His eyes were glassy. Though he tried to hide his tears, it was too late. I already saw.

  “You’re not going to lose me, Devin. I’ll be okay.”

  “That’s not what I meant, but we can talk about it later. I probably need to get going. You need to rest up.”

  “Please don’t leave. Can’t you just stay?” I begged.

  “I’m sorry, Natalie. I’ll be back to visit later. We will talk later, I promise.”

  I missed him already, and I couldn’t wait for him to return.

  CHAPTER 13

  _______

  “Hi, Natalie,” my nurse said as she entered the room.

  A few hours had passed, and I was itching to get out of there.

  “Do you have any good news for me?” I asked.

  “We are releasing you for the night. You still have a mild concussion, and it’s important that you not have a full night of sleep yet for at least the next twenty-four hours. Small amounts of rest every few hours are okay. But before we release you, we want to make sure you have someone who will be able to wake you every few hours. Do have anyone you can do that for you tonight?”

  “Yeah, actually, I do. I need to get ahold of Devin. Do you know where my purse is?”

  “Yes, I do. Let me get that for you. So, is he the guy who was here earlier?”

  I didn't realize my purse was sitting on a chair on the other side of the room. As I watched her pick up the bag, I pondered her question about Devin. He must’ve been memorable to her, I thought. I hoped she wasn’t swooning over him; he was mine.

  “Yeah, that was Devin. He’s my friend. Well, actually, I don’t really know right now.”

  I wasn’t sure of our status anymore. All I knew is I wanted the craziness in my life to stop.

  The nurse laughed as she handed me my bag.

  “Well, your ‘friend’ seemed pretty enthralled with you, so consider yourself a lucky girl. He’s very handsome, too, I must say.”

  Her comment about his appearance was out of line, but I ignored it. I sent Devin a quick message.

  They’re releasing me. Can you come pick me up since I don’t have a car now?

  Thankfully, he responded right away. I was glad to have him come to my rescue.

  As he appeared in the doorway, I noticed her eyes scanning him from head to toe, sizing him up with a hint of glee, and her adoration agitated me.

  “Is Natalie ready to go?” he asked her.

  “Yes, she is. She will need to be looked after this evening.”

  “Of course. There is no need to worry. She’s in good hands with me.”

  I swooned. God, he could be so charming at times.

  As we walked down to the checkout desk, Devin held my hand. There were moments where I felt dizzy, but I couldn’t tell if it was from the trauma of the accident, or the rush I felt whenever his hand would touch mine.

  “Don’t forget, every few hours you’ll need to make sure she’s up,” the nurse said.

  She couldn’t stop grinning at Devin, and it drove me insane. Thank God I’m leaving now, I thought. As kind and helpful as she’d been during this whole debacle, she was getting on my last nerve. Her gushing over Devin was so unnecessary!

  “Yes, I know. Thank you for all your help. I can take it from here,” he said.

  I was pretty sure the only reason she didn’t want me to leave was because of Devin, not me.

  “She was pretty smitten with you,” I said, not disguising my mild irritation.

  “Yes, I know. That’s why I tried to be curt with her.”

  Sitting in his Mustang wasn’t comfortable, but I was thankful for the ride anyway. It was almost two o’clock in the morning by the time we arrived back to his apartment. I knew I needed to get straight to bed.

  “I think it’s best if you take a personal day tomorrow so you can recuperate,” Devin said as he opened the door to his apartment.

  “I will.”

  “Let me grab you an old shirt or something so you can get out of these filthy clothes,” Devin said.

  I couldn’t help but chuckle at his sudden need to impose modesty on me.

  “What’s wrong with just a bra and underwear?” I asked.

  “I don’t need the temptation. And you need to get some rest.”

  He almost sounded like he was scolding me, and I let out a laugh. I couldn’t help it.

  “Oh, come on,” I pleaded.

  My pleading was useless because he had already rummaged through his dresser drawer to find something for me to wear.

  “Here,” he said as he handed me an old, short-sleeved shirt.

  Even though he’d just pulled it from the drawer, it had the faintest hint of his cologne. I wondered if I could sneak it home in my purse with me when I went home. There was something so appealing about wearing his shirt.

  “Thanks.”

  I slipped out of my shirt and tossed it in his laundry bin. I knew it wouldn’t be washed now, but if nothing else, it gave me an excuse to see him again. After I’d changed into his shirt, I headed for the living room, but Devin stopped me.

  “Where are you going?” he asked.

  “I’m heading out to the couch. Where else would I be going?”

  I didn’t want him to feel obligated to allow me in his bed. He was helping me enough as it was. I didn’t want to infringe upon his space than I needed to.

  “No, it’s fine, you can stay in here, and sleep with me.”

  I couldn’t say no to that. For the first time, I was spending the night with him, and nothing could make me happier than falling asleep in his arms.

  CHAPTER 14

  _______

  The sound of a slamming door in the apartment next to Devin’s woke me up with a jolt. I rolled over to look at the alarm clock and the time on the display shocked me.

  The time read three minutes after eight o’clock. Damn it, I need to call right now if I’m going to call in today, I thought.

  I wriggled out of bed, but not without waking Devin first.

  “Natalie? I’m so sorry. I fell asleep and didn’t check in on you throughout the night. Forgive me.”

  I turned to look at him as I grabbed my phone out of my purse. He was right. He hadn’t done that, but luckily, I’d made it through the night okay.

  He’d rolled over onto his side and was stared at me with his big brown eyes. I noticed he wasn’t wearing a shirt. I didn’t remember him taking if off before we went to bed.

  But, lord, was that a sight to see first thing in the morning! It was a sight that I could get used to waking up to every day.

  “It’s okay. I’ll forgive you this time,” I said lightheartedly.

  “I’m glad you slept well,” he said.

  “Me too. I still feel kinda tired though.”

  “You’ll probably be a bit sore the next week or so as your body recovers. Make your phone call and then let’s get breakfast and get cleaned up.”

  Let’s get cleaned up? I w
ondered if he had plans to take me somewhere.

  After I hung up the phone, I contemplated letting Mom know what had happened. Then my mind flashed to James. Shit, he’s probably wondering where I am, I thought.

  I sent him a quick text while Devin was in the kitchen starting breakfast.

  Hey, are you home? I’m over at Trina’s right now. I might spend a few days here.

  He didn’t need the truth. At least, he didn’t need it right now. He only needed to know I wasn’t home, and that it would be awhile before I’d return. I felt the phone vibrate.

  Yeah, but I’m getting ready to leave in few minutes. I get the keys to my apartment today. We’ll talk later.

  His words stunned me. Keys to an apartment? I didn’t know he had reached a decision about moving out. Then again, it had been a few days since we’d spoken last. It was a step in the right direction, but we still needed to begin the divorce proceedings.

  “Hope you don’t mind pancakes and bacon.”

  “That sounds good to me,” I said.

  It was way more than I normally had for breakfast. I usually grabbed a toaster pastry and headed out the door without a second thought. I rarely ate a heavy breakfast.

  “Was your boss okay with you staying home today?”

  I noticed he said ‘home’ like he’d forgotten I didn’t live here. I’m probably over-analyzing this, I thought. He probably misspoke.

  “Yes, she was. She sounded very concerned if I was feeling okay.”

  “I don’t blame her. It was a horrible accident. I’m glad I didn’t lose you.”

  “Speaking of that, I wanted to ask you about something you told me yesterday,” I said.

  “Go right on ahead,” Devin said as he shoved a forkful of pancake slices into his mouth.

  “When you said you were afraid to lose me, you weren’t just talking about the accident, were you?”

  “No, I wasn’t.”

  His expression went dark, and it concerned me.

  “What were you talking about, then?”

  “I was speaking in generalities. I have an immense fear of anything hurting you at all.”

  “You do realize you can’t control everything, right?” I asked.

  “Yes, I do. But I’m still going to try as best I can to make sure you’re safe and happy.”

  “Then never leave me. That’s how you can make me happy.”

  The words flew out of my mouth before I could even try to stop them. It reassured me to see Devin smiling at my statement.

  “Finish up, and let’s get ready,” he said.

  I thought it strange he said nothing else, but I let it go. It wasn’t worth starting an argument over.

  While Devin rinsed off the dishes, I headed off to the bathroom to get ready for the day, still wondering what he had planned. My appearance displeased me as I undressed in front of the bathroom mirror waiting for the water to warm up. Cuts and bruises marred my body, and I hated the way I looked. I wished that Devin hadn’t seen me like this.

  I tried to relax as I stood under the water, but my brain kept replaying the scenes from the accident. I knew it could’ve been worse, and I was lucky to be alive.

  I looked around in the shower and struggled to find something I could clean myself up with. I guess I’ll just have to use his soap, I thought.

  As I picked up the soap bar, I heard the bathroom door open.

  “I didn’t realize you were getting in without me,” Devin said.

  “Well, I didn’t realize you wanted to be in here at the same time,” I said mockingly.

  As I stood under the water, I heard the shower curtain open, but kept my back to Devin. I felt his hands massage my shoulders as I stood under the hot water.

  “You feel very tense.”

  I laughed.

  “Well, I do have a lot of stress in my life, you know.”

  “None of that is from me, of course,” he joked.

  I wrapped my arms around his neck as the water continued to pour down my back. For the first time in a while, I felt completely relaxed.

  “Some of it may or may not be.”

  “You know I can’t stand a tease,” he said.

  His smile masked his anguish, and I felt how much he wanted me.

  “A little teasing is good for you.”

  “For you, maybe. But not for me. You’re my hardest temptation to resist.”

  “Then don’t,” I said as I enclosed my mouth on his. Gently, he tugged at my bottom lip, and I pulled him in closer, running my hands through his hair.

  My blood pulsated rapidly through my body, and I wanted him to feel the blaze burning inside me. I wanted him to know he was the only one I wanted to get lost in for the rest of my life.

  As he pushed me against the shower wall, his mouth made its way down to my neck, and his hot tongue flicked against my skin, teasing me in the most sinister way. He knows damn well what he is doing to me, I thought.

  “Why must you taste so sweet?” he whispered.

  “I’m made of sugar, I guess.”

  We both smirked at my remark.

  “If that’s the case, I better devour you, now.”

  I didn’t have the heart to tell him he’d already devoured my soul a long time ago.

  His mouth met mine again, and the rush of my emotions flooded me once more. He pulled my body against his, and I felt his warm, muscular body against mine.

  I wasn’t sure what he was waiting for, and for a moment, I wondered if it was he who was the real tease. I didn’t know how he could stand us being so close, and I didn’t know which was hotter: the water running down our bodies, or the heat radiating from his skin.

  “Now who’s teasing who?” I asked.

  “How unfair of me,” he said.

  Devin fixed his hungry gaze upon me, and with one swift movement, he turned me around, forcing me to face the wall.

  Despite being wet from the water in the shower, I felt beads of perspiration on my face. His fingers wove themselves through my hair, forcing my head back, as I moaned in approval.

  “Try not to make too much noise. These walls are thin.”

  I said nothing in response. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to make him that promise.

  CHAPTER 15

  _______

  Devin had already dried off and was changing into his clothes when I heard the fan in the bathroom shut off.

  “You probably shouldn’t shut the fan off, yet. It’s still pretty hot in here.”

  “I didn’t mess with it.”

  “So you’re saying a ghost did it?”

  We both laughed. I heard him flip the switch off, and then back on, but the fan still did nothing.

  “Guess the damn fan isn't working. I’ll have to call maintenance about it.”

  “That’s so odd. It was working just fine a few minutes ago,” I said as I opened the shower curtain.

  The stagnant air provided no relief to cool me down, and beads of sweat appeared on my face.

  “Things happen, I guess. It’s not a big deal. I’m sure they will come at some point today to fix it.”

  “You don’t happen to have a hair dryer, do you? You know, for your pretty hair and all,” I teased.

  “Actually, I do not.”

  Great. The one hair related item he doesn’t have, I thought. Since I had no other recourse, I left my hair up in the towel to let it dry, and with what little makeup products I always kept in my bag, I tried to make myself look a little more presentable.

  As I finished getting ready, I heard Devin in the living room talking on the phone.

  “They have someone they’re sending down later this morning, or early afternoon,” Devin said as he poked his head through the door.

  “That’s good. Hey, do you mind if I borrow one of your shirts again, since I’m still clothes-less?”

  “I don’t mind at all. I’ll go grab one.”

  Though his s
hirts were too big to fit me, they were comfortable, and the loose fit shrouded my curves.

  When I entered the living room, he was sitting on the couch, and he looked peaceful and lost in thought.

  “I thought I was exhausted before, but now I really feel tired, now,” I said jokingly.

  He laughed.

  “Guess I wore you out, then.”

  I sat down on the other end of the couch. The accident replayed over again in my mind and I reminded myself that I needed to be thankful I was still here.

  Despite all the difficult events I'd been living through lately, I knew I could never lose sight of how precious life could be, and how it could be taken away in the blink of an eye. Devin’s voice broke the silence.

  “Let’s see what’s on TV. You can lie down if you want.”

  “You know, the last time you said that—”

  “I know, but this time both of us need to behave.”

  “Maybe I don’t want to behave,” I said as I cuddled up against him.

  His body felt warm, and I wondered if he was still warm from the shower.

  “I think we’ve had enough excitement today. You need to rest up.”

  He flipped through the channels trying to find something to watch. I knew I needed to relax, but flashbacks from the accident kept flooding my brain, and I wondered what happened to the other driver. My mind raced, and my stomach felt uneasy. I knew I had a lot to do in the days and weeks to come.

  Startled, I heard a noise at the door that sounded like someone was trying to unlock it.

  “Is someone at the door?” I asked Devin.

  “I’m sure it’s the maintenance person, Natalie.”

  I wasn’t sure of that. It seemed odd they didn't have the courtesy to at least knock, or say something before entering.

  “Come on in!” he shouted in the direction of the door.

  The door opened, and the figure in the doorway stood silent for a few moments. Devin and I sat up, but what we saw was not what we’d expected at all. It wasn’t the maintenance person in the doorway.

  It was James.

  CHAPTER 16

  _______