Wanting Mr. Cane

EIGHT

KANDY

Once I had the room number, I took off for the elevator, pressing the up arrow. I smelled Cane before I could look over my shoulder and see him meet up behind me. He wasn't looking at me. He was focused on the digital numbers above the elevator instead.

Getting into the elevator was the worst part. Being in such a confined, tight space, alone with him. The scent of him overwhelmed every single one of my senses. He was too close. I could hear him breathing lightly, but still, I kept my shit together and pretended his presence didn't bother me—that I was on a mission and he was the last thing on my mind

As soon as the doors drew apart, I rushed out, scurrying down the hallway until I found the room Dad was in. I opened it and as soon as I stepped inside, Mom sprung out of her seat. Her eyes were tired, but when she saw me, she smiled and sighed.

"Mom," I breathed, and a rush of relief washed over me as I rushed her way and threw my arms around her neck. I hugged her tight, like this hug would help me forget about what happened only hours ago with Cane—make me forget about the phone call she had to make. I hugged her like everything would go back to normal...but it didn't.

Everything was still the same.

I pulled back a fraction to look at my dad.
He wore a green hospital gown and had a bandage wrapped round his neck. I could see blood leaking through the bandage and I drew in a sharp breath, pulling my eyes away. I couldn't look at him like this—so fragile and weak.

"I know, sweetie," Mom cooed, rubbing my back. "I know. But guess what?"

I looked up at her, meeting the honey-brown eyes that were identical to mine. "What?"

"He's going to be okay," she chimed with a soft breath, but I could tell she wanted to squeal. I could tell by the smile plastered on her face that, despite his condition, she was happy. So, so happy.

"He is?" Relief struck me. "Oh, thank God! I was so worried!"

"Me too, honey. But the surgery went well. The bullet that hit his thigh didn't damage anything. He should still be able to walk. He's going to be a little sore when he wakes up and will probably have to spend a few more days here, but he's going to be okay." She reeled me in for another hug and I squeezed her tight.

I was crying now, and I shut my eyes, soaking it all in. In that moment, last night didn't matter. Cane didn't matter. My Dad was going to live. That was all I could have asked for.

A deep throat cleared behind me and Mom pulled away, looking over her shoulder and smiling at Cane.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Cane," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "I didn't even acknowledge you come in."

"It's okay. I understand what you're going through." Cane took a step forward. "That's great news about Derek. I'm glad he's going to be okay," Cane murmured, glancing at Dad. "I was really worried about him."

"Oh, I know you were." Mom took a step away from me to pat Cane on the shoulder. "Thank you for taking Kandy in last night and watching over her."

Cane's eyes slid over to me and I fidgeted, but didn't look away from him. I saw the guilt flash in his eyes, but he covered it with a soft smile and said, "Of course. Anytime." He changed the subject then, lifting the cup holder and showing off the coffees. "Brought you a pick-me-up. Figured you might need it after pulling an all-nighter."

"Oh, yes please," she laughed. "Thank you. That was really nice of you." Mom accepted the coffee and then came back to me, wrapping her arm around my shoulder. "Do you have to be anywhere? You can stay a while if you want to. The doctor said he should be waking up soon."