Page 390 of Keep My Heart


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He smirks, knowing damn well I’m full of shit. “I think we both know that’s not true. I’ve had you counting until you lost your voice.” His lips turn up, obviously very impressed with himself.

“So arrogant.” I sigh. “Some things never change.” I shake my head, trying to hold back a smile.

“And some things do,” he says, cupping my face. “No more games.” He rubs the pad of his thumb over my cheek, and I nearly melt into him. If he weren't injured, I’d be ready to strip all his clothes off.

I nod in agreement. “No more games.”

I know we’ll eventually need to have a conversation about that night and talk about what all happened, but I also know I trust him. Even after all the hurt, anger, and heartache, Travis King will always be the boy I loved as a child.

He pulls me toward him, pressing his lips to mine. It’s nothing like our previous kisses. This one is slow, soft, and passionate. I don’t push for more because I know he’s using every ounce of energy to kiss me.

I pull back, even though I don’t want to. Sitting next to Travis, I make sure to avoid touching or putting pressure on him.

“Since I’ll be dropping by between classes, there needs to be some rules.”

He grins slightly. “There’s the V I’m used to.”

I roll my eyes at the V comment. “We have to act like nothing’s changed in front of Drew. And while you’re hurt, no sex or sexual innuendos or making sexual comments.”

He groans. “You're just like the nurses at the hospital. No fun.”

“You mean they didn’t turn to mush from the Travis King charm?”

“Nope. Wouldn’t even let me get to second base.”

I roll my eyes again and fight the urge to curse and kiss him. “How rude of them.”

“But at least I’m back home with my own private nurse.” He winks. “If there’s going to be this no sex rule, can you at least provide other accommodations for your patient?”

I throw my head back and laugh at his ridiculousness. “I’m starting to wonder if they missed something when they did your brain scan.”

He pulls me closer again but winces before our lips meet.

“You need to rest.” I press a hand softly against his chest. “Take some meds and get some sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I smile, and he does, too.

I watch as he grabs his medicine bottle off his nightstand and takes out a couple of pills. He swallows them down with some water and settles against the pillows, adjusting his ice pack before finally settling in. Once his eyes flutter closed, I carefully scoot off the bed and lean down to kiss his cheek. Just as I’m walking toward the door, he speaks up, stopping me in my tracks. “I love you, Viola Fisher.”

Chapter 4

Travis

When I wake up hours later, hunger and soreness both fight for my attention. My phone says it’s three in the afternoon. My body says I need out of this bed. I need to eat, but more importantly IneedViola.

I hate asking for help, but I’m in no position to allow my pride to rule. But first, I’ll try. After managing to roll myself out of bed, I stand with the help of a few choice words. I showered at the hospital before I was discharged, and it was the most humiliating thing I’ve experienced in my life. Nancy and I had formed a decent relationship at night, but once her shift ended, Helen took over; let’s just say she was much less patient with me. She was a nurse sent straight from the pits of hell.

Once I’m out of my room, I walk down the hall to where I hear the TV and Viola’s sweet laughter. Yes,thisis home. I instantly smile when I hear her.

I pause for a second and take a deep breath, watching her curled up in the corner of the couch with a blanket tossed over her legs. She’s focused on some chick flick, and I’m focused on her. I clear my throat after a moment, and she turns and looks at me, concern on her face.

“You feeling okay?” She moves over slightly, giving me room that I wish she didn’t feel she needs to give me. I want her as close as possible.

I sit on the couch next to her, and she watches me.

“Never felt better.”

She smiles.

“You mind if I watch this with you?” I nod toward the TV.