Bed of Thornes (Bed of Thornes Trilogy Book 1) Page 4
"How did all this happen anyway?" He asks curiously.
"It's a long story, but basically as I was rushing to get to my gallery in time to meet with an important client of mine, I was speeding and wasn't able to stop at the red light. Needless to say, the car coming through the green light on their end was also speeding and couldn't stop before crashing violently into the side of my car. You won't believe who the driver is."
"Who?" He asks.
"My client, the one I was in a hurry to meet with."
"Serious? What a hell of a coincidence that is. Is he alright?"
"I know right, it's crazy. Yeah, he's good. He's actually the doctor that has taken care of me today, he called the ambulance right after the accident and followed us here. He feels so guilty, I feel bad about that though to be honest." I look down at my hands, and notice the nurse button still lying at the foot of the bed, then I remember how thirsty I am.
I look back at Adrian. "The nurse never brought my water in, I hate talking on this speaker thing, would you mind stepping out to see if there is a nurse available?" I ask him, and right then my phone starts ringing. I scramble to get it from under my sheet where I left it when Adrian walked in. I turn the phone over to reveal the number, "It's my mother, I have to take this, excuse me just a few minutes." I give him a serious smile.
"No problem, I'll go get that water for you, I know you're probably thirsty as hell by now." He says and stands up from the chair to proceed out to the hall.
I slide the phone symbol to 'Answer'. "Mom?"
"Veronica, honey, oh my god, are you okay sweetie?" My mom's voice is frantic on the other end.
"I'm alright, mom, just rattled up that's all." I tell her, trying to not have her worry too much about me.
"Oh, Veronica, I was scared to death that you were gone. I couldn't find anything out, I tried getting through to everyone once Jenna called to let me know what happened. You've always been a tough one, are you sure you're alright? You're not just telling me that to keep me calm, are you? Veronica, if something serious is wrong, I will take the first flight out to be there with you. You know I won't leave you alone like that." She carries on.
"Mom." I interrupt. I know her heart is in the right place, but this is why I never let her know too much, she gets panicky. "I promise, I'm fine, just a few scrapes and bruises. Nothing serious." Which is the truth really, I came out of this horrible accident without as much damage as I could have accumulated. Dad's car, on the other hand, may be trashed.
"Well I worry about you, sweetie. I'm so far away and there's no telling what could be going on that you won't let me know of. Maybe I made a mistake moving over here." She sounds like she is on the verge of tears.
"No, ma, don't say that. You made the right decision, never regret it. I would have never expected you to put your dreams on hold for me. I mean, I have been able to live out my passions in life, you deserve that chance as well." I tell her with all sincerity.
"Maybe I wouldn't have to be so concerned if you would take time away from work and find yourself a nice man. That's what you need Veronica, a man." She says, sure of herself.
"Ma, let me stop you before you carry on... I got asked out by a man this week, I'm supposed to go tomorrow night, I just hope they will release me from the hospital so I can make it." I tell her, in hopes she will get off my case.
There's not even a moment to breathe before she chimes in, "Oh, that's so wonderful honey. I'm very happy for you, hopefully things will blossom with this one and turn into something special."
"Well let's not get ahead of ourselves now ma, it's the first date... if we're even calling it that... we haven't had much time to get to know one another yet. So we will see."
"Whatever you say sweetie, as long as you're happy and he's good to you. That's what makes me happy, to know you're alright. It's been so long since our last time speaking, I hate that it took an accident for you to have time to talk with your mother."
"Oh, come on ma, don't start. It's not like that." There's a knock on the door. It's Adrian, "Alright to come in?" He asks through the cracked door. I holler to him, "Yes, it's fine."
"Ma I have to go, but I love you and I'm glad that you called to check on me. I promise I will call you more often, I'll even let you know how things go tomorrow." I say quietly enough so that Adrian won't hear me.
"Okay honey, you take care of yourself and you better call me soon. Love you sweetie." She says and I reply, "I promise, love you too." We both hang up and I look over at Adrian, who has a tall white foam cup in one hand and a white piece of paper in the other hand.
"Here's your water." He hands me the cup. I smile while reaching out to take the cup, touching his hand in the process, "Thank you so much, I feel like I haven't drank anything in weeks." I tell him. He steps closer to the bed and sits down on the edge. "You're welcome, the nurses are slammed in there, and she apologized for not already giving it to you.”
I look down at the paper in his hand, "Did you get her number while you were at it?" I ask, jokingly. He doesn't look impressed by the jealous-type statement. "I wouldn't come to see a woman I barely know, to make sure she is alright and in condition to still join me Saturday, if I was just going to get another lady's number." He grins that sexy smile of his, licking his lip while slightly biting it, "This right here, this is your release form, they are going to let you go tonight if you're ready."
"Wow. Really? I'm surprised they would let me go so soon."
He grins again, "Well, I have my ways." He grins even wider, "I told you I would make sure you were able to make it tomorrow. Besides, they said everything is good with you besides a little pain, and I told them I would make sure you're well taken care of and comfortable." He winks at me.
Damn, it's like that? He has his ways, huh? He can have his way with me... as soon as my back doesn't feel like I was slammed in a wrestling match, that is. He sure does know how to make a lady feel special.
"Thank you for that, I really do appreciate it. I couldn't imagine staying overnight in this creepy, empty, cold ass room." I laugh lightly. "It's really sweet of you to do all of this for me, too. I don't know any other man that would bother or care enough. What are you trying to prove, Adrian?" I joke with him.
"Nothing, really, I just feel something in my gut telling me that you're not the type of woman to just write off and look past. You're the type of woman to pay close attention to, figure out, learn, and appreciate in every way possible. You're not just any woman, you're the one every man looks for but few ever find." He leans a little closer, "Don't get me twisted, I'm not trying to come off like I'm sprung or in love, Ms. Thorne, just letting you know that you're worth it."
I smile big, "That's adorable. I know you're not in love, I feel what you're saying though, and it makes me feel good to know you think that of me." I wink back at him from his wink earlier.
He hands me the paper, "Whenever you feel ready, just sign at the bottom and I'll call the nurse in to get you checked out so we can get out of here."
I take the paper from his hand. "I'm ready, very ready to get out of this place." I chuckle.
"Good." He says. "I've got somewhere I'd like to take you this evening."
"I thought you already had a surprise for me tomorrow, are you trying to spoil me?" I smile at him. Not that I'm arguing though.
He gives me an intense look, "With what you've been through today, you need something to make you feel alive again. Then you can rest up so you'll be ready for tomorrow."
"I'm game, Mr. Montez." I perk my lips and raise an eyebrow.
He laughs, "That sounds like a deal then, Ms. Thorne."
"Ms. Thorne makes me sound old." I frown.
"Hey, you called me Mr. Montez, it's just a formality in return to your indication." He states.
"It sounds hot with your name though." I smile. He blushes.
"Sign the paper beautiful." He says.
Even in this condition, he makes me wet with the simplest words and looks from him. T
hat's power. Power over my pussy. I smile from my thoughts and grab the pen he hands me and I sign the release form. He presses the nurse call button to have them come in and check my vitals before leaving. I get up from the bed and head to the closet to gather my shoes. There's a knock on the door and someone enters.
"Veronica?" Doctor Clayton says to me as I'm behind the door at the closet, he only sees Adrian standing beside the bed.
"Yes, Doc." I say to him.
"Oh, hey there, I thought maybe you already escaped." He chuckles. "I just wanted to make sure you're positive that you feel secure about leaving today. I don't want you to have any trouble with anything. I know you're in good health for the most part, but still pretty banged up."
"No, I'm fine, really. I appreciate your concern though. I also want to personally thank you for being there to help. I know it had to have been difficult to be a part of it and still be in your right mind to handle the situation properly. If it weren't for you, this could have been worse." I tell him.
"Well, Veronica, if it weren't for me then the accident wouldn't have happened at all." He says with shame written all over his face.
"No, Mr. Clayton, things happen in life that we cannot control. Please don't feel bad about the accident. I'm just glad it was someone like you rather than some jerk that could have left me there for dead." I say to him with a gracious smile.
He returns the smile, "Thank you for your kindness, and if there is ever anything you need... please, please, do not hesitate to let me know." He reaches into his pocket, pulls out his card, and hands it to me. "My cell is on there, you can reach me through that number any time you need me."
I get the feeling that he will never live this down, he's taking it pretty hard on himself. I take the card and give him a little smile. "Thanks, Mr. Clayton. If you still want to meet sometime to go over the project you wanted, we can set that up. You can call Jenna at the gallery to request an open time. I owe you the project."
"You owe me nothing. I will call to get together soon." He nods at Adrian and smiles at me before stepping out.
I turn to look at Adrian, who has a look on his face that says it all. He shakes his head, "Man thinks he can slide in and get close because of all this, it's not happening."
I open my mouth wide, "Ugh, now look who's on the jealous tip." I smile big.
"No not jealous, I can just see through that bullshit he tried pulling with you. He's not slick." He chuckles, but I know he is serious.
Another knock on the door and the nurse wheels in the machine to take my vitals. "You sure you don't want to have a luxurious stay at our grand hospital tonight?" She smiles.
"No, I thank you for your kind offer though." I smile back and hand her the signed release form.
"I don't blame you." She winks and takes out the blood pressure cuff. "Just going to check you out then you are free to go, Ms. Thorne."
After a process of what felt like she checked every organ in my body, she finishes up and marks down all of the stats. "Everything looks good, I will let the doctor know and we will call to check up with you on Monday. It's best to see your normal practitioner in about a week, just to be sure everything is still well with you after you have had some healing time."
"Okay, thank you." I say.
"You're welcome." She grabs the machine on wheels and heads out of the room.
Adrian looks at me anxiously. "Let's get out of here." He smiles.
I throw my heels on, grab my things, and we walk out of the door.
As we walk out of the hospital, the cool evening air brushes my face. I feel flush but I blame that on the extremely hot man walking beside of me. I could not be happier to get out of this place. I still don't know how he did it, getting me out so soon, but I sure am glad he did. No matter what he has in store for tonight, I wouldn't want to have it any other way. This is a perfect way to leave such a disaster of a day.
I glance over at Adrian, his expression says it all. He takes my hand and leads me over to his car, parked only a few parking spots away from the entrance doors. His car is gorgeous, a shiny Chrysler 300, all black with tinted windows. He steps in front of me to open the passenger door and motions for me to have a seat inside. Such a gentleman, and I thought chivalry was dead. A younger man to have manners like his, he must have been raised right, go mom! I give him a sweet smile and climb inside of the car. He jogs to the other side, opens the driver's door, and steps in. As he adjusts himself in the seat and grabs his key to start the engine, I grab his hand.
"Adrian, I don't know where we are going, but please don't turn out to be some psycho that's going to end up throwing me into a river somewhere." I look at him seriously. He looks at me, shocked and mouth opening to say whatever just came to mind with my statement. I bust out laughing. "I'm kidding, I just wanted to see your reaction, and it let me know your intentions." I laugh again. "No, I'm totally joking. You should have seen your face though." I can't stop laughing.
He joins in the laughter, "Damn, girl, I thought you were serious... I was about to tell you that it hurt that you would think of me that way. I didn't know what to think." His laughter turns into sincerity. "I hope you really trust me, Veronica, I would never do anything to hurt you."
"I know." I say. I don't know how I know, but I do. It just feels right. If it didn't, I wouldn't be in this car right now. I do watch movies when I have the time, and I have seen some pretty dumb bitches. 'Get out of the car, bitch!' I would be screaming at myself if I was watching this moment as a movie and knew something wasn't right. I chuckle to myself.
"Good." He winks. He has to stop that shit. I want to rip his clothes off and fuck the fuck right out of him, here and now. Wink one more time.
He puts the key in and starts the car, we back out of the parking spot and drive through the parking lot towards the road. It's getting dark now, I've spent most of the day at that damn hospital. I'm just thankful it's over, and quickly at that. I could have spent the night there, but Adrian came to my rescue like a hero. I couldn't be happier right now, I think my smile is painted on my face, I can't help it.
We pull out onto the main road, and start heading down the street to the red light. Adrian keeps looking at me, I can see him in the corner of my eye. I begin to blush and my permanent smile grows bigger.
"I'm glad you decided to come with me tonight, Veronica, I didn't want you to have to stay at that hospital alone. I know I wouldn't have wanted to if it was me." He says to me as we come to a stop at the red light. "Plus, I have something special for you." He turns to me and smiles, followed by another sexy fucking wink.
I'm literally about to lose it. I come quite close to tearing off his clothes and have my way with him, but I can't get myself to do it, I don't want him to think that I am the one who is a psycho.
"I'm glad too." I smile at him with my everlasting smile. "A horrible car accident and a surprise all in one day. This has to be the most eventful time I've ever had. I'm so used to just working day in and day out. A huge switch up for me." I confess.
"Well fate has a way of making things happen for whatever reasons, sometimes it's a real fucked up way of making it happen, but the good outcome is all that matters." He assures me.
"Yeah, in some really fucked up ways." I chuckle.
He turns down the main street, leading to downtown Dallas. The lights of the city are on and starting to shine as the sun diminishes from the sky. It's so beautiful. I grew up in the city, and have always appreciated the beauty of it.
"Close your eyes." He says to me. I look at him, he's serious. I turn my head back facing forward and close my eyes, my smile still planted on my face. I can feel the car slowing down, turning to the right, and slowly coming to a stop. I hear him grab onto the keys, and the car turns off. The sounds of him removing his seat belt and opening the door come next. I want to peek so badly. It's kind of freaky, and not in the freaky way I want it to be. I get goosebumps on my arms and the hairs on the back of my neck begin to rise when I hear so
mething beside me.
"Can I open my eyes?" I ask loudly. My door opens and my arm almost falls out. I jump, startled.
"Open them." He whispers close to my ear. The goosebumps spread all over my body. My senses are on fire. I smell the light scent of his cologne; he is so close. I slowly open my eyes, nervous of what I am about to see. I get my eyes fully open, let them adjust for a second, and look up at what is in front of me. I smile and look at Adrian.
"Is this Darius Cordell's?" I ask him, excited inside.
Darius Cordell is a high end dress designers shop in the heart of Dallas, specializing in Couture. I know they make bridal dresses here as well, I hope he's not about to ask me to marry him. I chuckle to myself. Definitely not ready for that. He has been quick to jump into things thus far, so there's no telling.
He smiles, "Yes, it is. Would you like to step inside?"
"Of course!" I step out of the car, closing the door behind me. Adrian takes my hand and leads me to the front of the shop.
"Are you feeling alright?" He asks. "If you don't feel up to it, I can bring you home to rest."
"No I'm good. Very curious why we are here though." I tell him.
"You'll see in just a moment." He hints.
We walk inside the store and a beautiful young lady comes to greet us.
"How are you all this evening, can I help you with anything?" She asks.
Adrian nods at the lady who has long blonde hair, wire frame glasses and is wearing a business ensemble.
"I'm here for the fitting of the evening dress I that came in to order last night for Ms. Thorne." He tells the blonde.
I quickly turn to look at Adrian, my eyebrows positioned in a way as to question him. The lady looks down at her clipboard and then back up at Adrian.
"Oh yes, we have that waiting in the back. Let me go get it for you, and have a seat in the waiting area if you would like. I will be right back." She informs him, never looking at me. Bitch, I'm standing right here. I look back at Adrian, who is turning his head away from her and towards me.
"You came in last night to order a dress to be made for me?" I ask him. "You just met me yesterday. You are not one to waste any time, are you?" I laugh lightly.