Billion Dollar Mistake: An opposites attract billionaire romance: (The Lincolns Book 1)

Chapter 33

I watch the sunrise from my hospital bed. Even though my mom got my phone out, I haven’t been able to bring myself to switch it on.

I still haven’t decided how I’ll handle work. I know the emails and to-do lists will be piling up, yet that still can’t get me to touch it. My brothers are keeping my personal assistant up-to-date, so she can answer people when they call. Leaving me to rest as they say. None of them know that the sound of Nova”s screams still haunts me. It was so high-pitched, laced with fear. It’s the last thing I remember.

I try to push the bad away and focus on the good memories we’ve shared. Like the time when my phone didn’t scare me, and I looked forward to the cheeky remarks Nova messaged me. Or the time in the lift where I held her close for the first time. And speaking of…our first kiss. The touch of those red painted lips on mine was addictive at the very first touch. I miss the way she tastes and smells. I want to see her already. I’ll lose it if the doctor doesn’t come by today and let me see her. I need to see her.

First thing I need to do is shower and change. I can’t see her in a hospital gown.

I press the bell for the nurse, and she assists me in the shower. She adjusts the length of the drip so I don’t have to take the whole device into the shower. She says if I eat and drink enough water today without feeling sick or needing pain relief meds then the doctor said I could have it removed.

Afterward, I decide to sit in bed and nap. Doing even the most basic tasks, like showering, is exhausting.

An hour later, it”s eight and I see breakfast has been delivered. I sit up on the side of my bed and eat. The door opens behind me and heavy steps stride in.

A doctor.

Thank fuck.

Getting to Nova feels like a step closer now.

“Good morning, Mr. Lincoln. I’m Doctor Andrews.”

“Morning, Doctor Andrews.”

“How are you feeling?” he asks, grabbing the chart from the nurse’s outstretched hand.

“A little tender but otherwise good.” I don’t bother lying because that won’t get me any closer to seeing Nova.

“You’re not taking much pain relief,” he murmurs, flicking the papers on my chart.

“It’s not that bad.”

“And you’re moving. I see you’ve had a shower.”

“Moving just makes me a little tender, nothing I can’t handle.”

“I’ll keep the drip in your arm today and if you’re fine, it can come out tomorrow and you could look at going home.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, but let’s see how you do today. Do you have any other questions.”

“Just one. Can I visit my girlfriend Nova in the ICU?”

“If you have a family member that can take you in a wheelchair and you promise me you won’t spend all day there, then yes.”

“Thanks Doctor.”

“An hour or two max.”

What? That’s not long enough. But right now, I don’t have a choice and I’ll take anything.

“Any other questions?” he asks.

I shake my head. “No.”

He closes my chart, hands it back to the nurse, and looks at me. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Lincoln.”

As soon as they leave the room, I grab my phone and switch it on. I ignore the number of messages and focus on finding my brother”s name.

I call him and tell him to go to my house, grab me some clothes and get his ass here asap. I explain that the doctor cleared me to see Nova.

He promises he’ll be here soon, so in the meantime, I hang up and take another nap, knowing I’ll need the strength for later.

A knock and the door swings open.

“It’s me,” Oliver calls out.

I swing my legs off the bed in anticipation.

“You look like your ugly self again.”

The edge of my lip tilts up. “Thanks.”

He comes to me and holds out the bag of clothes. He’s in cream chinos and a white button-up shirt. This is his version of casual.

“I had your maid pack stuff because I wasn’t going through your drawers. It didn’t feel right.”

“They’re clothes, not sex toys.”

“That’s what I was scared to find. I don’t need to stumble upon shit that I’m not supposed to, because then I’d never look at you the same.”

I shake my head and the first real laugh in days rumbles from my chest.

“You’re an idiot. Give me the bag so I can get changed.”

I rip open the bag and pull out sweatpants and a t-shirt. I dig around until I find the sweater and clean briefs. I start to undress.

“Woah, man. Give me a warning before flashing me your Crown Jewels…fuckkk.”

I continue putting on my pants. “You have a set yourself. Or are you jealous I have a bigger dick than you?”

“I didn’t look long enough to take that much notice, idiot.”

“Your loss. I’m not showing you again.”

“Never said I wanted another look.” He’s looking outside my window.

“I’m all covered and ready to go.”

Oliver turns away from the window. “Let me tell your nurse and grab you a wheelchair.”

“I don’t need a fucking wheelchair.”

“It’s a long walk and there’s no way you’re walking that far.”

I stay silent deliberating starting a fight.

“Don’t fight me on this. I’ll push your ass the fastest I can.”

“Fine!” I sit down on the bed.

“Don’t sulk. You’ll be back to yourself before you know it.”

With that, he leaves the room. I grab my phone and turn it off before putting it away.

Oliver is back and one look at the chair causes me to grind my teeth.

“Don’t say a word. Get your ass in the chair and let”s go.”

I huff but step over to the chair and sit.

He doesn’t wait, he pushes me straight out of the room.

“Did you tell my nurse?”

“Yes. Now, let’s go.”

I want to ask him if he has any updates, but I don’t know if I want to know right now. I decide it’s better I wait and see.

I grip the sides of the wheelchair and look at every sign we pass, searching for the words ICU.

I’m sure Oliver knows where he’s going, but I can’t help but point and tell him the direction when I finally see a sign.

My heart pounds knowing I’m so close to her now. As soon as I see the nurse’s desk, I’m edging from the chair.

“Stay in the chair.” Oliver grunts from behind me. I twist my head to see perspiration beads on his forehead. I forgot he had to push a 180-pound man around in a hurry.

I sit back down.

“Hi. We’re here to see Miss Nova Lee.”

“Unfortunately she has family in there already, so I can only allow one of you.”

“I’ll stay out here. Go in, I”ll be here whenever you’re done.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I have work to do. I’ll sit on those chairs and do it.”

Work. Something I’m avoiding and should feel guilt-ridden about, but I don’t.

Oliver’s hand squeezes my shoulder. I cover my hand with his and squeeze it as a thanks. He turns and strides over to take a seat.

I turn and the nurse pushes me into the room. My heart is already in my throat, creating a painful lump, as the door swings open to reveal Nova.

Tears fill my eyes at the haunting scene. There are wires…everywhere.

My eyes well up with tears, and I struggle to breathe properly. I blink rapidly as my vision blurs. Tears roll down my cheeks, each droplet carrying the weight of my guilt, which only intensifies the longer I stare at her unmoving, lifeless body in the bed.

“Jeremy?” a familiar voice calls.

I turn toward it. Her mom.

I prepare myself for the lashing I deserve. I put their daughter in danger. She could die because of me.

But her mom comes over and hugs me. I’m shocked at first, but when I understand what’s happening, I bring my arms around her and hug her back. She cries in my ear at how glad she is that I”m okay.

I don’t deserve her kindness.

A hand touches my shoulder, it’s gentle yet firm. “Son, she’s okay, but we need to talk.” Her father’s voice hits my already vulnerable state.

Her sick father. A man who doesn’t deserve this pain. A sob leaves my mouth. I can’t stop the waves of tears that unleash now. Lydia’s arms squeeze me tighter and I keep howling my lungs out like I’ve needed this as much as I needed her to wake up.

Once I’ve cried my heart out, I peel back from Lydia’s arms and turn to Charles.

He dips his chin and walks out the door and I follow.

We move away from the others. This is a private conversation.

Once Charles sits down, I position myself so I’m facing him head on.

“How are you?” he asks.

“Better than I should be.”

He shakes his head. “The accident wasn’t your fault. I’m not here to blame you for this. This is an adult conversation between us.”

“Mm,” I reply, so he knows I’m listening.

“You know I’m sick. And I won’t be around forever. So, I need to make sure she’s with someone who is going to be there through thick and thin.”

“I will, sir.”

He shuffles forward in his chair, hands on his knees. “I’m at a point in my life where I need to make sure you’re going to be there for my daughter in the bad times and good. So if this isn’t what you want, I need you to let her go.”

This is the moment where the father lays down the law and wants to make sure I’m not going to hurt his daughter”s heart.

Fuck. I don’t plan to. Her being gone from my life for a few days almost killed me.

“I promise you she’s it for me. I need her in my life. I’ll give up work, money, anything.” I throw my hands up in the air. “All of it just to have her.”

His lips part. “You don’t need to do that. You just need to show her that you’ve got her back. That you’ll be there when I’m gone.”

My throat constricts. I hate hearing him talk about him dying. He isn’t, not now.

“I don’t plan to leave her side ever.” Again.

“Good.” He grabs my shoulder and squeezes it. “You’re good for her. I like you. Now we will give you some time alone with her.”

No. My fear says.

“Thanks.” My heart answers.

“She’s been waiting for you.”

At those words, one fat tear rolls down my cheek.