As I try to bite down on my lips to keep the moans from getting louder, Parker picks up speed, forcing my cries out.

“Shh, babe.”

“I can’t. Oh, God. Parker.”

I can feel my inner muscles tightening around him.

“That’s it, baby.”

My climax starts building within me, sending electrical waves through my body. Panting loudly, I try to catch my breath to speak, “Parker. I’m going to …”

“I know, baby,” he says as he pauses to speak.

“Don’t stop!” I shout, and he immediately makes contact again, sending me over the edge.

Chapter Twenty

“You don’t have to say anything, Aundrea. I get it. You’re scared, but just because you can’t see your future, doesn’t mean I can’t. I see it clearly because I can see mine.”

One week after I enter the hospital, my blood counts are high enough for my immediate family to come visit me. They are given strict instructions as to what they can and cannot bring into my room, as well as a strict time limit for their visit. Parker had yellow roses, my favorite, sent to my room with a small note: “ Thinking of you.”

Parker comes to visit the second week. I’m not sure how he persuaded the nursing staff to let him into my room, but I make sure to thank them numerous times. We are given specific instructions not to kiss, as my immune system is still weak and I can’t risk catching anything. One of the nurses makes special rounds on my room just to make sure we are obeying.

He helps me set up an app on my Kindle so that we can video chat, and as soon as he leaves he chats me.

Over the next days, he brings me with him wherever he goes via video chat: the car, clinic, his house, and, once, to the grocery store. One night we watch the Wild game together, and the next night he puts on a movie at his place, props his IPad up, and we watch it together. Of course, we talk the entire time.

It’s as if we’re never apart.

There are times he calls me to see what I’m having for dinner, then insists on making the same thing. The second time he visits he surprises me with Chinese food, which, unfortunately, doesn’t go unnoticed by the staff for long. The smell of the fresh noodles, vegetables, and chicken fills the room and wafts down the hallway. The charge nurse takes it away because it can bring in bacteria. Blah. Blah. I just roll my eyes as she walks away with my lo-mein.

The best surprise is the day he has a book delivered to my hospital room.

“Parker!” I scream into the phone.

“Yes?” he asks, laughing.

“How did you know to get me this?” It’s the second book in the paranormal series I’ve been reading.

“I noticed you were reading the first one, and this one was just released, so I thought you’d enjoy it.”

“Thank you! I can’t wait to read it.”

“You’re welcome.”

I have more blood tests and, in the third week, a spirometry test to check my breathing. My blood counts are coming back right on track, but my blood pressure has been increasing and my heart rate is rapid. Dr. Olson puts in a consult for a cardiologist to see me who, in turn, orders an echocardiogram and an EKG. My parents are concerned when I tell them the results showed tachycardia. Despite the nervousness in their voices, I tell them to stay home. There is no need to panic or freak out before I even have news myself.

I meet with a cardiologist who starts me on beta blockers to help with my heart rate. He explains that with the chemotherapy elevated heart rate is not uncommon, and explains that I may not need to be on them long. He isn’t too concerned, but insists I be monitored closely, and orders a full heart workup after my release, when all my counts are within normal range.

After four weeks in the hospital my last night has arrived and Parker video chats me.

“Hi, you!” I sit up with excitement.

“Hey, yourself. Miss me yet?”

“Of course. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.”

“Tell me about it. You all packed and ready, or did you fall madly in love with one of the cute doctors there and decide to stay?”

“Eh …” I shrug, trying to keep a straight face, but it doesn’t last long.

“I miss you, Aundrea.”

“Me too.” I smile. “What are you doing?”

“Just got done running some errands. I stocked the fridge with your favorite foods. I know you haven’t seen your family, but I thought you could come to my place tomorrow? If you want.”

“I would like that.” A nurse walks into my room, asking to take my blood pressure. “Parker, I have to go. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

“Of course. Noon, right?”

“Yes.”

He gives me a wink and I blow him a kiss.

Parker meets me on Thursday afternoon, along with my family. It has been a week since I last saw him in person, and a long four weeks since I’ve been able to come into close contact with him.

“Hi!” I exclaim, jumping into his arms at the nurse’s station and almost knocking him over.

I push him so hard that a gust of air leaves his lungs. Wrapping his arms around me, lifting me up, he laughs, “Hello, beautiful.”

“I’ve missed you,” I whisper as he squeezes me even tighter.

“Me too. So f**king much,” he whispers back, giving me multiple kisses on my face and lips, not caring who is around.

Setting me down by the counter, tears spring to my eyes. When one escapes he brings his thumb up to wipe it away.