Free Make My Heart Beat by Liz King Page A

ran right into Carmen as soon as I took off from Connor’s arms. One look at my tearstained face and she told me to go ahead and head home. She knew as well as I did that I wouldn't be any use to my coworkers or patients. Michelle texted me after she got out of the OR, asking if I needed her to come home, but I told her I was fine. I need to be alone right now. After driving home to change into my running gear, I find myself wandering around Waterfront Park after walking for an hour. I don’t know how long I’ve been wandering around after my walk, but the sun is starting to set.
    Damn Connor for coming up there today! My first week back to work, when I actually felt like joining the land of the living again, and he has to wreck my world. Michelle and Gabbi have been trying to keep me occupied, and Sly had to go back to Alabama. He applied to a few firehouses in Charleston and is planning on moving out here permanently, but he couldn’t take any more vacation time.
    Connor looked like he hadn’t slept in the three weeks since I last saw him. Lord knows he has been calling and texting me all hours of the day and night. I’m surprised he hasn’t tried coming to the apartment, but after the fight he and Sly had, I am guessing he knew he wouldn’t be making it very far past the parking lot. My heart ached at just the sight of him. My body instantly knew he was behind me before I even turned around. When he fell down to his knees in front of me, I almost lost my willpower. I love him so much, but it's tearing my heart apart.
    The warm breeze is blowing through my hair, but I still can’t seem to take a full breath. I walk down to the end of the pier and lean over the railing, looking out at the water. There aren’t many people out and about this afternoon, and I’m glad for the solitude. How did my life get to this point? I don’t even feel like the same person I was a few months ago. So much has happened, and I don’t think I’ve really stopped to take stock of everything.
    Just as I'm finally starting to really relax, I feel a set of arms wrap around me from behind. I jump about a foot in the air while screaming at the top of my lungs.
    “Jesus, baby! It’s just me.”
    “You scared the shit out of me, Seth!” I turn around in his arms and smack his chest.
    “I’m sorry.” He chuckles. “You sure are jumpy. What are you doing out here by yourself?”
    I push myself away from him and he releases me. I haven’t seen Seth since that afternoon at Connor’s apartment. “I needed air,” I respond. “What are you doing here?” I eye him up and down. He’s only in a pair of running shorts and sneakers with a t-shirt thrown over his shoulder.
    Seth watches my eyes take in his appearance, a grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. “Like what you see, babe?” Seth laughs when I glare at him. “Seriously, though. I was out for a run and saw you over here.” His face softens as he extends his arm out to place his hand on my shoulder. “I wanted to check on you. Connor isn’t the only one that’s missed you.”
    If I’m honest with myself, I miss the guys too. I've not only shut Connor out, I’ve shut them out too. Even though they usually were a huge pain in my ass, they really had become part of my family. Especially Seth and Wade. Wade has taken on the role of the annoying older brother, much like Sly, but Seth is different. Seth was becoming a close friend that was effortless to hang around with him, except when he was grabbing at me to get a rise out of Connor. The touchy-feely side of Seth was taking a bit to get used to. Sighing, I look back up to his bright blue eyes.
    “I’m just peachy.”
    “Liar.”
    Seth tugs me against his chest, wrapping me in a big hug, and I let him. It feels good to be held. The tears start coming out again full force. I cry into his chest, and he just holds me. After a few minutes, he leads me over to one of the bench swings under an awning. I sit down beside him