Laura's POV

It was one of my last nights at the hospital. I was finishing out the week because I planned on going back home to my little apartment and packing my things. I'd put my two weeks notice in and come back to live with my family again, and Chris. I was ready and it was about time. I felt like I had missed so much.

Axel and Anita were throwing their guest house at me. It was bigger than you'd expect and freakin gorgeous. They had some decent sized land and made a guest house a good distance away from their main house for privacy. It was a wonderful idea. The pool and garden kept the houses separated.

Honestly I could afford my own place but I think Anita really wanted the company. Our mother thought it was a great idea but that was because she'd most likely be over everyday.

It was temporary. Eventually I'd move out.

It was getting late in the day. My shift was almost over. Beatrice looked surprised to see me when I popped by her desk.

"What's up?" I tried to lighten the mood. What was up with her?

"Chris came in."

"What do you mean?" He would have texted me he was coming by.

We didn't write each other consistently everyday but enough to know each other's whereabouts.

"He was in a car accident. Lee didn't tell you."

My heart jumped in my throat from fear and anxiety. A car accident?

Lee was a newer nurse and I hadn't seen him for at least an hour.

"Where is he?" I couldn't think straight. Oh God.

A car accident. What if it was bad? What if he couldn't recover? I couldn't stop freakin out. Chris couldn't be dead. Why were our first thoughts always the worst?

I didn't want to live without him. I wasted so much time.

"I think he's with Dr. Stevens. In his office maybe."

In his office? I didn't even second guess it. I power walked to his room. My heart was pounding so fast I thought I was having a panic attack.

Chris was fine I kept telling myself. It wasn't too late. This was not the end for us. I couldn't believe I wasted so much time. What if he was dead? There were so many things I wanted to say to him. There were so many things I wanted to share in life with him.

I wanted the chance to love him the way he deserved to be loved, the way everyone deserved to be loved.

I didn't even knock which was rude I know but I couldn't help it. Will had his back to the door but I could see he was treating someone; someone big and familiar.

I could finally relax. Chris was sitting on the edge of the desk while Will finished putting a bandage on the side of his forehead.

I fully assessed his body for other injuries but nothing looked visually that bad.

"What happened?"

Chris opened his eyes and smiled at me. I wanted to smile back but I could see stitches on his head. Was he in pain?

"I was in a car with a co worker. We were hit from behind but nothing too serious."

I wanted to believe him but I needed to hear it from a doctor. "Will?"

Will stopped working on Chris' head and turned to look at me. He was easier to read. "Chris hit his head pretty hard against the window but he'll be fine. I'm prescribing medicine for the headache he's bound to get from it"

"Thanks." Chris sighed rubbing his eyes.

He looked exhausted.

Will's phone went off and he excused himself from his own office. I couldn't stop staring at Chris' face. He had tiny scratches from the glass all over his cheeks and forehead.

Chris reached for my hand. "Come here."

I did and he pulled me into a hug. I kept imagining if something more serious happened to him I wouldn't be in his arms right now.

"When do you get off?" His fingers played with my hair, lightly tugging on my ponytail.

"An hour. "

"Will you take me home?"

I nodded into his chest. What if I had lost him?

"I'll wait here for you."

It was so strange to see my exs getting along so well. They were acting like best friends. They probably were.

"Will's office. Should I be jealous? Is there something going on that I should know about?" I'd admit they were a cute bromance.

Chris lifted my chin to look up at him, he was grinning. "We put our differences aside when you left. We got to an understanding. We both love you. And that shouldn't make us hate each other."

It made me a little nervous. I wondered if they talked about me.

"Will's a good guy. I like him." Chris ended with that.

I couldn't agree more. "Give me an hour and then we can go."

The hour went by quickly. I hurried to change out of my scrubs. I was too excited to see Chris and spend the rest of the night with him. The last time we actually saw each other was a week ago at Aaron's house warming party. Our schedules prevented us from actually meeting up but we FaceTimed occasionally.

And space might have been a good thing for us. It seemed hard to keep our hands off each other. Even at the party we ended up in a bed. Luckily no one noticed when we walked back down to celebrate Aaron and Jamie's engagement.

I was so happy for them. Jamie was over the moon and loved the ring Aaron picked out for her.

I was down the hall from Will's office when I heard a distinct voice. Shit. It couldn't be?

I popped my head over the corner of the hallway and found Blake chatting away with Beatrice. He was such a flirt, it was no wonder she turned bright red. He knew all the right words to say to get his way.

I quietly came up behind him since he was so easily entertained by making Beatrice smile. I'll admit it was cute. She hardly smiled at boys. I punched him on the side of his stomach, he hunched over a bit and I smirked. Good, I was glad it hurt.

"What are you doing here?" He didn't call, nothing. There was no warning.

Blake flashed me his alluring hundred dollar smile and I narrowed my eyes at him. There was always a motive for him.

"I missed you." He leaned in to kiss me.

That was a normal greeting for us but now was different. I turned my head and pushed him back. He looked down at me confused but not necessarily hurt. I wasn't sure if I ever saw him express a sad emotion.

"You didn't call." I frowned. I didn't mean to scowled him but he could have given me a warning.

"I wanted to surprise you."

We had been texting frequently. He wanted to stay updated on my trip. He was technically my counselor but I hadn't told him about Chris exactly. It was complicated. And I felt a little weird talking to Blake about my love interests. He used to always tease me about guys because I never dated. I guess I didn't feel the need or want, for that matter. I kind of had him showering me with the amount of affection I needed at the time.

I didn't like the stupid, goofy grin on his face. He looked too excited to see me and I felt like he wanted to touch me.

"Can I at least have a hug?" He pouted his lips like his dog Max.

He didn't even wait for me to answer. He lifted me off the floor and spun me around. I felt like a child in his arms; I couldn't touch the floor.

His hugs were always over exaggerated. He was such a huge grizzly bear. I just gave in. From the corner of my eyes I saw Chris' figure and swallowed the lump in my throat.

He was leaning against the wall watching us, watching me. I just stared back at him. Neither one of us expressed any kind of feeling.

"Ok that's enough love." I pushed him off me once my feet hit the ground.

Blake wore his casual assemble of jeans, black t- shirt, and leather jacket. He owned a Harley and looked like he just came from cruising on it.

"Blake I want you to meet Chris." The words were nearly stuttered. What was wrong with me?

"Chris?" He lifted a brow. He knew about Chris. I had told him about my messy past so he couldn't play dumb. "Loverboy Chris."

I wanted to smack him. God, I hoped Chris couldn't hear him. I gradually pointed to Chris as he made his way towards us. Blake instinctively sized him up the way he did Will the moment he met him. He was such an overprotective brother.

"Chris, this is Blake. A friend of mine. Blake this is Chris Compton."

They shook hands while my anxiety seemed to spike. I needed a drink.

"Blake?" We heard Will's voice from around the receptionists desk.

What the hell? No. This was not happening. I wanted to slam my head against the wall. What was going on here?

I knew Will wasn't so fond of Blake so what was with the enthusiasm.

Will was still in his lab coat. He looked professional and definitely in his element compared to the underground gym session he caught me in. I was a little embarrassed when I saw him there. I was in a fighting ring, with bruises and cuts all over me. Blake loved showing me off but it was different with them. Will and Chris didn't know that side of me.

"What are you doing in town?" Will came to join our circle.

Blake played nice and answered Will with the happiest smile. "I came to see my girl."

I frowned at him and rolled my eyes. Chris saw my reaction and continued to study us.

"How long are you here for?" Will pressed while Chris stayed calm.

"I'm not sure yet." Blake crossed his arms and got more comfortable.

I figured Chris had a ton of questions in his head but was waiting to ask me in private. Which I was thankful for. Blake would twist the truth a bit because he was such a mischievous person. He loved pissing people off. He was a fighter and believed it was healthy to get that aggression out.

"I'm throwing a little party tomorrow. Why don't you come by?" Will did the unthinkable.

My eyes were about to pop out of my sockets. What party? What was he talking about?

Will glanced down at me and winked. "Its last minute but I was thinking about it for awhile. Sahirah wants to properly meet everyone."

This couldn't possibly get worse.

"Sure. Why not?" Blake answered ecstatic to annoy me.

I wasn't gonna go. Nope. No way.

"You're coming Laura, right?" Will gave me those stupid puppy eyes Blake gave me a second ago. "Sahirah really wants to see you again."

He was lying. He had to be. Why would she care to see me again?

"I think I'm busy tomorrow night. But I'll see." No guarantees was my safe bet. "I need to take Chris home. See you guys later. Bye." I grabbed Chris' arm and he let me drag him away.

What the hell was that? Why would Will invite Blake over? I was so going to get him back for it. Chris dropped his hand into mine and we walked to my car in peace.

For the first few minutes we rode in silence. I didn't know what to say.

"Will told me about Blake when he got back from seeing you."

Oh gosh. How much did he know then?

"He's your counselor and trainer."

I kept my eyes on the road and nodded.

"You told him about me?" His voice echoed in my ears.

I nodded again. Was he mad?

"Did he help you?" His concern meant the world to me.

I nodded. "He's good at his job."

"Was it ever more than a job?"

Shit. I didn't want to lie to him. "I've never slept with him but we had a mutual agreement. We were friendlier than most. I pushed men away when you left. I didn't trust myself around people. I didn't want to be near them and Blake saw that. I wanted to hide away and he tried making me more comfortable."

"So you haven't been with anyone since..."

"No. You were the only one. I never even went on a date." I laughed at my pathetic lifestyle. "My RBF was a good repellent."

He reached over the arm rest and took my hand from my lap. He brought it up to his lips and kissed my knuckles, my palm. Then laced our fingers together.

God, I loved him so much.

"I believe you." He finally whispered as we reached his house.

He had no idea how much I needed to hear that confirmed.

"Will you stay the night?"

I couldn't say no. Plus I really wanted to. He kept the place the same. Nothing changed much except a few more pieces of furniture. 
He took medicine and I knew it would probably knock him out quickly. I went into the living room and waited for him on the couch.

He came, sat next to me and placed his head on my lap. I was cautious of his forehead. It looked worse up close. I had gotten head injuries from fighting before and knew how bad they hurt.

He closed his eyes while I played with his hair. His long lashes were something I envied and loved. His skin was darker than mine, a sun kissed tint. His lips were a perfect shape for his face.

They were tempting. I wanted to lean in and kiss him. How could I have let him go?

Yes. My mind wasn't in the best place but he was there for me.

"Marry me." My words came out softly.

His eyes instantly opened. They were green and playful like he didn't believe me. I knew it was a jump. A few days ago I suggested we take things slow now I was proposing.

"Why should I?" He smirked taking my hand and tucking it between his arm and chest.

"Because I don't want to live apart from you. I love you. It scares me. I know I still need to earn your trust but I want you to know you're the only man I want to marry."

His other hand went around my neck and he pulled me into a kiss. My insides were melting with how happy I was.

"Yes." He breathed. "I'll marry you."

He deepened the kiss while sitting up. He pulled me on top of him somehow, effortlessly. I was too swept up in bliss to focus on the details. He managed to lift us both off the couch. My head was spinning. He said yes. Oh God. Was it too much? Me asking him to marry me. Did it even matter anymore?

He said yes.

I heard a door opening. My eyes remained closed as I lowered my lips to his neck. He moaned as I sucked his sweet spot till eventually he laid me on a bed. His room?

He went over to his nightstand quickly and pulled something out. I sat up while he came to sit before me on the ground. He had a black ring box in his hands and my thoughts began to explode.

"I bought this for you a long time ago." He opened it to reveal the most beautiful ring imaginable.

The sliver band was delicately curved with designs. It was so elegant. Instead of a traditional white diamond there was a black pearl in the center. I loved it.

"I always wanted to make you my wife." He admitted and I started to wonder when he had bought it.

I pulled him towards me because I could only express how I felt. We fell back into the bed as I kissed him. My heart was in flames.  I was burning with love. I was burning from desire. I was burning from having the heat of his body on top of me.

It was the best feeling in the world; having him over me, consuming me. I wanted to belong to him.

"I love you. I can't wait to marry you." I spoke as tears of joy spilled from my eyes.

He stopped kissing me to wipe my face. "I love you Laura Gale Brown."

He rolled us over so I was on top of him. Chris gave me a final tender kiss.

Suddenly I saw it, the exhaustion. Chris closed his eyes and I placed my head on his chest. The pills were definitely kicking in.

"I'd love to keep kissing you but I feel so tired." He confessed and I laughed.

"Its ok. Sleep."

He was passed out like the dead in minutes. I pulled out my phone to check the time. It was only 10 o' clock.

Now I had another mission. I needed to find out exactly what the hell Blake was doing here.

I texted him. 'Where are you?'

He sent back an address. I didn't question it. I was ready to go in guns blazing. What the hell was he thinking coming to see me without a warning. Maybe I was exaggerating the situation but I didn't want to jeopardize the relationship I was currently growing with Chris.

Blake loved stirring up trouble. I just didn't want to lose Chris over him.

The address led me to massive house on the lake. Who the hell lived here? It was one of those suburban mansions with their own dock and boat on the water. The driveway was lit with its own light pole.

I ended up calling Blake not actually believing he could possibly be here. He popped outside the entry door and waved me to come inside. Before I even thought about getting out of the car I put the ring Chris gave me in the glove compartment. Now was not the time to flash it around.

Obviously I had a bone to pick with him but suddenly I had questions about the location now.

"Where are we and why are we here?" I poked his chest.

He chuckled and took my hand to lead me inside and down a fancy corridor. Was this his place?

"A friend of mine lives here. I'm glad you called. I always want to see you." His voice was too playful.

"Shut up." I jerked my hand lose. "We talked about this before I left. We made a deal you'd call if you came to visit."

He didn't like the idea of my coming back for Chris. I told him it was among other reasons but he knew Chris was the main one. He didn't like the fact that Chris crippled me in my time of need. He was my enabler instead of the strong rock I needed to guide me.

But I didn't necessarily see it that way. I probably would have done the same if the roles were reversed. I loved Chris more than I knew possible. I would give him anything he wanted.

Maybe I shouldn't have told Blake everything but I trusted him and he was after all my counselor. He was just afraid Chris would ruin the progress I made.

It was ridiculous. Maybe Blake was starting to deeply care for me more than a counselor should. Because of our special relationship. It was my fault.

"I know but I also knew you'd tell me not to come."

I made a face because he was right.

"I want to launch my program. We're at an old friend of mines house. He might invest. I want you to meet him."

His program had helped me and a number of people at his gym. He had a specific technique of training where you learn quicker and yet efficiently.

"Come meet him. Please. I've told him about you already." He begged.

"Fine but we need to seriously talk after all this."

He took my hand again and led me into a living area. It was a huge room with vaulted ceilings and window wall that stretched just as high. A good looking man in his 40s was sitting on a white leather sofa with a pretty woman draped on his arm.

The man smiled at me and I judged his peculiar stare. "Laura?" He reached over to shake my hand. He was bulky, definitely worked out.

I stepped around the glass coffee table and took his greeting politely. The girl smirked at me like she knew some kind of secret about me. She wore a sleeveless dress and I had to admire her muscular arms. She looked ripped.

"I'm Armando. This is Trix." He had a slight accent.

"Nice to meet you."

"Please sit. Would you like a drink?" He was already pouring wine in a glass.

Why not. "Yes. Thank you."

They sat back as they discussed strategies. I kind of tuned them out. Mostly because I was too excited about being engaged.

I was wedding planning small things in my head.

"Let's put it to the test then. Let me fight Laura." Trix's soft voice pulled me out of my bubble.

I raised a brow and Armando continued debating. "You said she's been training with you for a few months now. Let's see how well this program really is."

This was not why I came. Blake scratched his chin and finally