Chapter 32 Emily
I wake up with a deep ache lodged deep inside my core and hands rubbing over my nipples. A moan rips out of my body as Andrew’s mouth finds a nipple.
His lips are gentle at first, teasing and exploring my sensitive skin. As I gasp and writhe beneath him, he grows more insistent, sucking and biting with a hunger that matches my own.
I’m caught between sleep and wakefulness, my body responding to his touch without hesitation.
I'm overtaken by a wave of intense desire, my body trembling as Andrew continues to explore me. I moan his name, feeling the pleasure build inside me until it is almost unbearable.
I reach between us, and wrap my hands around his rock-hard cock.
“I want you,” I say, the ache between my legs intensifying.
Andrew groans, his hips bucking against me. He positions himself between my thighs, his erection nudging at my entrance.
“Now?” he asks, his voice hoarse with need.
“Yes,” I whisper, my body trembling with anticipation.
He pushes inside me, and I gasp at the sensation of his thick length filling me completely. Our eyes lock as we move together, our bodies syncing perfectly.
The pleasure builds rapidly, and I cry out Andrew's name as the climax crashes over me, my body shuddering with the force of it.
Andrew's face contorts in pleasure, his eyes shut tight as he thrusts deeper inside me. With a final cry, he releases, filling me completely.
As soon as he rolls off me, reality crashes into me like ice water. My father is in the hospital. Panic and fear claw their way up my throat, and I scramble for my phone.
Nothing. No missed calls, no messages. That’s good news, right?
Andrew plants a warm kiss on my forehead. “That was amazing.” His eyes are bright, carefree, and I manage a weak smile .
Guilt swarms over me. How could I let go like that, without a thought for my parents, for my father fighting for his life? I force a smile, though it feels like a mask stretching over my face.
Andrew picks up his phone, scrolling through his messages, and within seconds, his face lights up. “Hey, Amy emailed you and copied me in. The Army Base hotel is fully booked for the next six months. Isn’t that incredible?” He grins, eyes full of pride.
“That’s great,” I say, struggling to push my mind back to the present. He looks so genuinely happy, and I can’t let him see the storm that’s brewing inside me. Not now.
He runs a hand along my arm, pulling me close. “I can’t wait to get started on the Lakeside Riviera. How’s your day looking? Think we could head over there this afternoon and brainstorm ideas?”
I swallow, my mind racing. I need to go to the hospital first thing. “The afternoon’s fine,” I say as lightly as I can. “I just have a few errands in the morning.”
He nuzzles my neck, pressing soft kisses along my jawline. “You sure you don’t want some company for those errands, hmm?” His voice is low, teasing, and it takes every ounce of willpower to keep my tone playful in response.
“Not today, lover boy,” I say, giving his chest a little push. “Some things need a woman’s touch.”
He chuckles, sitting up and stretching. “Alright, if you say so.”
Andrew heads to the shower, and as soon as I’m alone, I grab my phone and text Catherine . Reorganize my schedule for the morning. I won’t be in until later.
My fingers tremble as I type, and I force myself to take a deep breath. This has to be quick. In and out of the hospital, then I can switch back to work mode. I have to keep it together today.
I slip into the guest room and take a fast shower, letting the warm water clear my mind. By the time I’m dressed, I feel more composed.
Andrew is in the kitchen, stirring his coffee. The temptation to rush out gnaws at me, but if I make a break for it, he’ll only get curious. So, I steady my breath and walk in slowly, masking my urgency with a casual smile.
“Ready to start the day?” he asks, his eyes meeting mine.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I say, hoping he can’t see the tremor of nerves hiding beneath my smile.
Andrew pours me a cup of coffee then opens the fridge and takes out two bowls of fruit, sliding one to my end.
I push my fork around the plate, barely noticing the colors of the fruit against the white china. Andrew is talking about the renovations at the lakeside Riviera, mapping out his plans.
I can hear him, but it’s like background noise, something distant and foggy, barely reaching me.
All I can think about is my father. Is he still alive? The question echoes in my mind, crowding out everything else.
My mother’s call last night was short and direct. “Your father’s in the ICU,” she said, sounding calm, stronger than I expected. Maybe that’s a good sign. Maybe there’s hope.
My phone buzzes beside me, jolting me back to the present. Lisa. I glance at Andrew, nodding along to his words, but he doesn’t seem to notice my distraction.
“When are you leaving?” Lisa asks when I pick up.
“Twenty minutes,” I say, glancing at my watch.
“Alright, I’ll meet you there,” she says.
I drain the last of my coffee, setting the cup down a little too hard.
Andrew looks up, his brow furrowed. “You haven’t eaten anything,” he says, gesturing to the untouched fruit on my plate.
“I’m not hungry,” I reply, giving him a small smile. “I’ll eat later.” Leaning down, I press a quick kiss to his forehead, trying to ignore the worried look in his eyes.
“See you at the office,” I add, slipping away before he can ask any more questions .
The drive to the hospital is a blur. The route feels foreign, like I’m moving in slow motion, everything muted and unreal.
When I reach the waiting room, Lisa is already there, standing near the elevator. She gives me a brief hug, and I’m tempted to let lose, cry, and get rid of the lump that is permanently lodged in my chest.
“How are you doing?” Lisa asks, her hands on my shoulders.
I give her a weak smile. “Hanging in there.”
“Come on, let’s go,” she says, leading the way to the elevators.
The ICU is on the fifth floor and as soon as we step out, the solemn, silent atmosphere hits me, renewed fear coming over me.
My mother is already seated in the waiting room, her face pale but composed. She stands as I approach, wrapping me in a hug, her arms warm and grounding.
“How is he?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
She pulls back slightly, studying my face, her expression weary. “The same,” she says.
I nod, squeezing her hand before looking to Lisa, who gives me a reassuring smile.
“I'll be right here,” Lisa says, her hand on my shoulder for a brief moment.
I leave them in the waiting room and approach the nurse’s station, hoping they’ll let me see him.
I find a friendly nurse and she looks at me sympathetically. “You’ll only have five minutes,” she says, and I nod, grateful for even a moment.
I step inside the ICU, and there he is, looking as he did at home, only now he’s surrounded by the constant hum and beeps of machines.
Wires snake around him, measuring his heart, his breath, every vital sign. It makes it all feel so much more real, as if each sound is a reminder that he’s slipping further away.
I approach the bed, my hand trembling as I reach for his. His skin is cold, so still beneath my touch. A lump forms in my throat, and my composure cracks.
“We need you,” I whisper, clutching his hand a little tighter. “Please come back to us.”
The words spill out, my tears falling onto the thin blanket covering him. I don’t try to hold back; it’s as if the floodgates have opened, and all the fear, all the worry, is finally pouring out.
After a few minutes, I take a shuddering breath, forcing myself to straighten up.
Be strong Emily.
He wouldn’t want me to fall apart. Wiping my tears away, I try to bring back a smile.
“You’ll be so proud of the Army Base, Dad,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “The launch went beautifully, and everyone loved it. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
For a moment, I imagine his eyes opening, his familiar smile telling me he’s proud. But he remains still, his chest rising and falling to the rhythm of the machines.
After one final squeeze of his hand, I lean down, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “Please keep fighting. We’re all waiting for you.”