Page 26 of Saved By A Dark Billionaire
"Fine, aside from a headache." I shrugged, looking around the room for my clothes. When I couldn't find it, I looked at Lucas again. "Where are my clothes? I need to get going."
"Rose, no. It's late and you need to rest before you move." he said sternly.
"It's fine. Hailey can come get me, and she'll watch over me," I assured him. It would be better for me to stay here, but I know it will only muddy the waters again. I have to remember this is only for sex. Sleeping here won't help me keep focus on that. Lucas looked sad, but in the blink of an eye, it was gone, making me wonder if I had imagined it.
"Fine, but I'll drive you home and make sure you make it inside," he told me sternly.
I nodded my head, mainly because I didn't want to bother Hailey this late. Even if this whole thing was her idea. He disappeared for a moment, coming back with my clothes. I got dressed with him, watching the entire time. He pulled a shirt over his sweatpants, looking comfortable and yet still so sexy. I will keep a mental picture of him in sweats and store it next to the mental image of him in his suit yesterday. Lucas held his hand out for me to take, but I shook my head. Holding hands seemed too intimate.
When I didn't grab his hand, he placed his arm around my waist, grabbing my hip on the opposite side. He held me firmly, making me realize he wasn't wanting to hold my hand. He was trying to give me something to hold in case I felt faint again. I bit my lip, feeling guilty as he walked us out of his apartment. We made it to his car with no trouble. I still felt a little lightheaded, but it was small.
The car ride was silent and uncomfortable. I felt like I should say something, but I wasn't sure what. Lucas must have been feeling the same way. I think he still felt guilty as he bit at the back of his finger on the arm resting on his door. He looked so handsome even when he was worried. His face was serious as he drove. I could tell he was trying to think of something to say, too. We reached the apartment building without either of us being able to exchange any words.
Lucas opened my door, helping me out. This time, I took his hand when he offered it. He gave it a squeeze when I did. He appreciated the fact I accepted it this time. We walked in silence to the elevator, but by then I couldn't take it anymore. I had to say something or I would lose my mind in this quiet. I wasn't the only one feeling this way, as we both spoke at the same time.
"I'm sorry I-" He started.
"I truly enjoyed-" We both laughed at each other.
"Don't feel guilty, Lucas, and please don't apologize. I enjoyed myself and I would hate to have it ruined with a memory of you feeling guilty over it," I told him, not able to look him in the eyes as I did. He grabbed my chin, gently lifting it until I met those intense chocolate eyes. He leaned down, kissing me so tenderly. It wasn't like the kisses we share when we have sex. It was sweet and gentle and had my feelings mixing up again.
"Thank you, Rose. I'll do better next time," he whispered to me as the elevator doors opened. He walked me to the penthouse door, watching me unlock it and enter.
"Goodnight, Olive." I heard him say as I closed the door.
I leaned against the door for a moment before I turned and looked through the peephole. I saw him in the elevator, leaning back against the gold rail. He looked sullen as the elevator doors closed. I sighed, trying to shake the need to comfort him.
It's just sex.
"Have you made an appointment yet?" Mom asked me as I sat on her bed, eating the jello she told me she couldn't stomach.
"It's the weekend, mom. Doctor's office isn't open," I reminded her.
"Promise me you'll call first thing tomorrow." She looked so concerned as she met my eyes.
"I promise. Don't worry, Mom, I'll get it done." She nodded her head, closing her eyes again. She looked exhausted today, but any time I would offer to leave, to let her rest, she'd wake herself back up. I didn't want her to wake up and not find me here.
"I'll be right back, Mom. I'm going down to the cafeteria to get something else to snack on. Keep resting." I kissed her forehead before leaving. It took me a good minute to find the cafeteria, getting lost in the hospital about a million times. Why are hospitals so hard for me to navigate? I pushed open the doors, finding a couple of things that looked rather good. I paid, but as I was about to leave, I heard a familiar voice call my name.
"Olive?" I turned to see Leo sitting at a table by himself near the doors. I furrowed my brow at him, not expecting to see him here.
"Leo?" I cocked my head to the side.
"What are you doing here?" he asked me as I walked towards him.
"Visiting my mom. What about you?"
"Visiting my dad." He looked down for a moment.
"Is he okay?" I asked, feeling something was wrong.
"We're pulling the plug on him today," he explained, crushing my heart.
I placed my things down on the table, grabbing his arms and making him stand. He furrowed his brow at me for a moment, but I wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug. I felt him melt into the embrace as he wrapped his arms back around me. I held him close for a while, knowing he needs more than this, but it was the only thing I had to offer.
"I am so sorry, Leo. I had no idea." My voice barely carried in the air, with my head resting against his chest.
"It's okay. Thank you, Olive." He sighed. "He's been on life support for a year now, but there's no improvement. Mom finally decided it was time," he explained.
