Page 67 of Protective Love

"I'd class our first date as the first night we spent together when I was reading that book by the Twisted Sisters," she says, interrupting my rambling.

"How? I wasn't even able to talk at that point."

"Yeah, I know. I miss how peaceful this room used to be," she jokes.

I feign hurt, clutching my chest as if she physically stabbed me through the heart, and she laughs at me, swatting at my arm.

"I'm joking, I promise. I know you couldn't talk then, but it was the first night we spent time together, and we got to know a little about each other. Plus, it was the first night that I felt safe here, and comfortable, so for me, I class that as our first date."

"Okay, fine, I'll accept that, but our second date will be outside of this hospital," I tell her, determined to take her on a proper date.

"I'm afraid we've already had a second date as well."

I groan and flop back on to the bed, shaking my head.

"Okay, I give up. How about we stop counting dates we've supposedly already had, and we just agree that we'll go on a date once I'm out. Yeah?"

She nods, and giggles at me.

"Yeah, I can agree to that."

"Great. Now get your cute little backside on this bed and let me cuddle you while you read."

She slips off her shoes and grabs her Kindle while I shuffle to one side of the bed and allow her to climb in beside me.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Rory

The last two days have been filled with blissful moments, stolen kisses, cute conversations, and lots more cuddling while I finished reading the book Chrissie recommended to me.

Jaylen was there to hold me and wipe my tears when I read through the sad, triggering chapters. He listened when I explained why I was laughing, or sighing in adoration, and he never once made fun of me, or made me feel silly when I claimed I was falling head over heels for men that didn't exist.

I've also realised that Jaylen would make the perfect book boyfriend.

He's got the good looks, the charming smile, the protective nature, the sculpted body, and he says the most perfect things that have you feeling a whole heap of different emotions.

During our question game last night, I also learnt that his cousin, Sophia, is not only into reading, but she's always dreamt of opening her own bookstore, and apparently Kaleb has bought her a store in London that he's currently having done up for her as a surprise.

I had to call Chrissie last night once Leo dropped me home and admit that she was, in fact, correct when she said Sophia was an icon and had Kaleb wrapped around her finger.

Imagine a man loving you so much that he secretly helps your dream come true just to see you happy.

Entering the hospital this morning, I'm practically skipping down the corridor, excited to see Jaylen again.

I really should ask for his number because the moment I leave the hospital at night, I start missing him, and even though I know he's always asleep when I leave, it'd be nice to be able to speak to him in the morning before I come in to the hospital.

After putting my stuff into my locker, I make my way to Jaylen's room, my heart beating fast inside my chest, and a warmth spreading through my body at the thought of finally being close to him again.

As I push open the door, I'm graced with the sight of Jaylen standing by the window with Jess beside him, and I immediately stop in my tracks, not wanting to interrupt them when I know they're still gradually rebuilding their relationship.

As I backtrack, Jaylen looks over his shoulder, spotting me, and he shoots me a cheesy grin, and winks at me, causing the swarm of butterflies in my stomach to flutter around in excitement.

"Hey, beautiful," he says, walking over to me and wrapping his arms around me, plastering me against his chest as he drags me back in to his room.

He places a kiss against my chest before loosening his hold on me, and his eyes sweep over my face.

"Hey," I murmur, blushing profusely.