Total pages in book: 151
Estimated words: 139803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 699(@200wpm)___ 559(@250wpm)___ 466(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 139803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 699(@200wpm)___ 559(@250wpm)___ 466(@300wpm)
“I don’t think I’m ready,” I admitted, my voice shaking.
Julian grabbed my hand in his, his touch calming my rapidly beating heart somewhat. “Shh,” Julian quietly soothed as he brushed his thumb over the pulse in my wrist. “Listen to what he has to say, baby girl.”
I slowly looked back at Dr. Gresham. “You’ve come a long way, Meghan. Your recovery has been magnificent. I still want to see you twice a week for therapy sessions and to keep track on your progress. Julian and Axel have both assured me that they will make sure you take your meds every day and do everything they can to help you thrive.”
“I have to start all of my courses back over, and I have to work—" I choked out. The thought of being around so many people again sent my heart into overdrive.
“Julian?” Dr. Gresham prompted.
I looked over at the handsome man next to me. He gave me a small, nervous smile. “I signed a contract with the Patriots a couple of months ago,” he informed me. My heart swelled with pride in my chest for him. He was following his dreams after all. “I’m prepared to take care of you—fuck, baby girl, I want to take care of you. I’ve even gone through my own therapy to make sure I can be the kind of man you need.” Tears filled my eyes at his words. “I just want you to paint; do what makes you happy, baby.”
“I can’t let you do this,” I whispered, my bottom lip trembling.
“You can, but the decision is ultimately yours.” My chest swelled with so much love for the man in front of me that it was hard to contain it all. He wasn’t forcing this decision on me. The old him would have. “But if you’ll let me, I want to make this all official between us. Officially make you mine in the proper way. Not because I’m forcing you, but because you really want to, baby.”
“Let him take care of you, sweet girl,” Axel said softly from the other side of me. I looked over at my best friend—my rock. He smiled at me as he reached forward and tucked my hair behind my ear. “Let him,” he urged. “It’s time for you to come home, sweet girl.”
“Okay,” I whispered as I turned to look back at Julian. He beamed at me, his blue eyes shining so beautifully, it melted my soul. “Okay, I’ll let you.”
“Good,” Dr. Gresham said as he smiled at me, pride shining in his eyes. “You’re one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, Meghan. I know you’ll do amazing back out in the real world again. Just don’t over-do yourself, understand? Take it one baby step at a time.”
I nodded in understanding. I stood up from my chair as Dr. Gresham did. Then, I rushed forward and wrapped my arms around him even if it was extremely unprofessional. This man had saved my life. “Thank you,” I whispered, “for everything. You’ll never understand how much you helped me.”
He released a soft sigh as he returned the hug. “Meghan, you did that all on your own. I only guided you.” He released me and gave me a small smile. “Go on and pack your things, okay? I need to talk to Axel and Julian. Mrs. Evelyn will help you get all your paintings and other things together.”
Julian grabbed my hand before I could leave the room. He drew me into his arms and leaned down to softly kiss me. “I love you,” he whispered.
Tears burned in my eyes as I reached up and gently ran the tips of my fingers over his jaw. “And I love you,” I whispered.
22
Julian held my hand in his as he led me into the house he had bought. It was on the outskirts of his hometown because he wanted to be close to his family during his off seasons. “The beauty of you just focusing on painting is that you can be with me wherever I am,” he told me as he shut the front door behind us. “This is our home during my off season. When I have to play, we’ll live in Massachusetts.”
“Two homes?” I asked a tad incredulously as I stared up at him with wide eyes. That seemed like a lot.
He nodded. “Babe, I signed a multi-million dollar contract. I own both homes outright, as well as both of our cars. I finished paying mine off, and I bought you one as well.”
“Julian, that’s insane,” I breathed. “You shouldn’t have bought me a car.”
He leaned down and brushed his lips with mine. “If you don’t like it, I’ll sell it. I just thought you needed your own transportation.”
I slowly shook my head, suddenly feeling just a tiny bit overwhelmed as tears clogged my throat. “Hey, hey,” Julian soothed as he reached out and drew me against him. He tucked my head under his chin. “Breathe,” he softly commanded. “I want to take care of you. To me, that means providing you with things that may seem way too much in your eyes—like a new car or our homes. I’m not trying to step on your toes or force you into anything you’re not comfortable with. Just say the words, and I’ll get rid of all of it. I just want you happy, baby.”