She emerged from the shower as Jillian Knight: woman on a mission to find her own life, her own love. What better way to forge ahead with that journey than dinner with AJ at a Thai restaurant with cloth napkins.
“What do you think?” Jillian twirled around in her short black racer-back dress and heels.
Jackson dropped from his pull-up bar. “For dinner or work tonight?”
“Both.”
He nodded. “Yeah, you won’t make it to work if you wear that to dinner. AJ’s an old guy, but I’ve gathered from your incessant ‘Aric James’ cries that his dick still works.”
“So you’re saying I look hot?”
Jackson’s face morphed into a sour look. “No. God no!”
“But if I weren’t your sister you’d totally do me, right?”
“Jesus, Jill!”
The admittedly sick and twisted sister turned on her high heels and giggled all the way to the front door, peeking out to see if she could see AJ’s Jeep. The seventy degree evening invited her out to sit on the stoop while she waited for him. He was a half hour late and she tapped her heel on the concrete feeling a little upset and a lot disappointed that they were probably going to miss dinner. She had to be back by seven for her party.
“I’m feeling stood up, Sarge. I have to work at seven, and I’m dressed for sin. Your loss buddy.” She pressed End and headed back in the house.
“That was quick. He forget to take his Viagra?”
“Funny, Jack-ass. He’s being such a guy today, like you. It’s as if he forgot we even had plans until I reminded him. Now he’s late, not answering his phone, and he hasn’t called me back.”
“Are you pissed or worried?”
“Both.” She frowned. “But more worried than pissed.”
Jackson chuckled. “Welcome to my world.”
She slipped off her heels and plunked down on the chair next to him. “This worrying crap sucks. That’s why I don’t do it very often.”
Her phone chimed.
Jackson’s brows perked. “And there he is.”
Jillian looked at her phone. “It’s not him.” She swiped her finger across the screen. “Hello?”
“Jillian, it’s Cage.”
“Hey, what’s up?”
“My dad … I just got a call from the hospital. He’s been in an accident.”
“Oh my God,” she whispered.
“I’m on my way there now. The nurse said he’s stable, but other than that she couldn’t elaborate on the extent of his injuries. They’re running some tests now.”
Jillian jotted down the hospital information as Cage gave it to her. Then she grabbed her purse and slipped back on her shoes. “I’ll see you there.”
Jackson stood. “What happened?”
“AJ … he’s been in an accident.” She looked around. “Dammit! Where’s my purse.”
Jackson tugged the strap already on her shoulder. “I think it’s best if I take you.”
She sighed, closing her eyes, and nodded.
*
As expected, they arrived before Cage and were refused any information about AJ’s condition because they weren’t family.
“I should have said I’m his wife.” Jillian paced the waiting room.
“Don’t even go there,” Jackson deadpanned.
“You know what I mean,” she huffed.
“Jillian.” She turned. Cage stepped off the elevator.
She frowned. “They won’t tell me anything.” He gave her a hug.
“Wait here.” Cage checked in at the nurses station then came back. “He’s done with the tests and in a room now. You can come in with me.”
Jillian looked back at Jackson.
“I’m good out here.”
She nodded.
The doctor was just leaving as they entered the room. He gave them a somber nod.
“Dad. Jesus, are you okay?”
A faint smile pulled at AJ’s lips. He had gauze wrapped around his head, but no other visible injuries. Jillian stayed back a few feet, giving them space.
“Yes, nothing major. A few stitches…” he pointed to the side of his head “…and a mild concussion.”
Cage’s shoulders relaxed. “What happened?”
“Some idiot t-boned me. Totaled my poor Jeep.” AJ gave Jillian a fleeting glance as if he couldn’t hold her gaze.
Something felt off.
“When can I take you home?”
“Not until tomorrow. They’re keeping me for observation and to run a few more tests.”
“Okay. I’ll call Grandma and Grandpa.”
AJ nodded, giving Jillian another quick glance. “Can you call them in the waiting room? I need to talk to Jillian.”
“Sure.” Cage gave AJ’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I’m so relieved you’re okay.”
When the door closed, Jillian eased toward AJ. “Hey, I was worried and rightfully so.”
AJ reached for her hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.” He forced a smile. “You look incredible. Too damn sexy as usual.”
She sat on the edge of his bed. He rested his hand on her bare knee.