Ford

While I was down at the lobby, I stopped by the front desk and asked them to deliver some ice to my room. When I told them that I needed it for my fiancé’s twisted ankle, they offered to send up some ice packs as well.

“Here you go, sir. Is there anything else I can help you with tonight?”

“No, that should do it. Thank you.” I say and tip him before shutting the door. Grabbing a washcloth from the bathroom, I cover the ice pack and bring it back to Jasmine. I’m thankful I decided to get a room for the night. I hate driving in the city, and driving here at night is even worse. I figured it would be better to just grab a room and then drive home early in the morning.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I examine her ankle and see that the swelling has doubled in size since I propped it up half an hour ago. I played hockey from the time I was five and every year after that until I graduated high school. I’ve had sprains and even a few breaks in my time. Her ankle has got to be killing her. I place the ice pack against her ankle, and she hisses but eventually relaxes after a few moments. “How does that feel?”

“Better.” She sighs and pats the spot on the bed next to her. “Come watch this with me.”

I loosen my tie and throw it on the ground then kick my shoes off before getting into bed next to her. I try not to get too close not wanting to hurt her ankle any more than it already is or spooks her away before I can get her to let down those walls. We watch one of my favorite shows in silence. When the show is almost over, I hear a quiet snore coming from her and look over to see that she, in fact, fell asleep. Doing my best not to wake her, I grab the extra blanket from the closet and drape it over her.

I use the bathroom and undress down to my boxer briefs then crawl in bed beside her after first turning off the lights. I never thought the first time I spent the night with a woman we’d both be clothed, and she would be passed out and injured. I fire off an email to Delilah and let her know of my intentions. She returns my email rather quickly and explains in detail Jasmine’s situation. I respond requesting a few things from her to take care of what will need to be done.

If Jasmine needs a marriage to get her out of the bind she’s in, then that’s what she’ll get. But it won’t be to some asshole in a three-piece suit who won’t treat her like the beautiful angel she is. When I watched Delilah introduce her to Jackson O’Leary, I almost marched over there and pulled her away. Instead, I got out of there needing a minute to cool off before going back in there to keep watch on her.

I knew the minute she walked away from me that she was the woman I hadn’t been looking for. Neither of us were looking for love, but circumstance led us here. Now all that’s left is to convince her that she can have it all, love and marriage.

I toss and turn all night, never able to fall into a restful sleep knowing Jasmine is here beside me. I keep thinking about everything I need to get done and the short amount of time I have to do it. It will all be worth it in the end when I see a hopefully smiling Jasmine. When I wake, she is cuddled up beside me, resting her head against my shoulder. As much as I want to stay in bed and enjoy this time with her, there’s too much to do. I take a quick shower and then dress in the clothes I had on the night before. I leave a note for Jasmine telling her to call me when she wakes up and that I will be back soon. I hope she enjoys surprises because today is going to be full of them.

Amazingly enough, Delilah was able to accommodate my wishes and sent over the information I needed.