Chapter 40

MELANIE Ibounce on my toes like an excited teenager about to go on her first date while I wait for Nathan to step off the elevator. I’ve missed him so much, which seems silly given that he’s only been gone for three days, but any amount of time without him lately feels long and torturous. Smoothing down my dress, I think about the black lace I have on underneath and smile. I intend to welcome him home with all the enthusiasm of his own personal cheer squad. The doors open and he steps out, and I let out an involuntary shriek as I bound forward and throw my arms around his neck. “Mel.” His voice is hoarse, full of pain, and I pull back and stare at his face. God, he looks awful. Pale and drawn. His eyes are bloodshot, and he has a thick shadow of stubble across his jaw, which usually only serves to make him sexier, but today it seems to make him look worn down. “Are you okay? Are you sick?” Shaking his head, he takes my hands in his. “Let’s go sit.” My heart rate triples, and my legs be