Free Alluring Infatuation by Skye Turner, Kari Ayasha

he’s a good man. He’s just not the man for me and I wasn’t the woman for him. It’s just me. Well, and my cat.” I smile at her.
    She reaches over. “You’ll find the someone you’re supposed to be with.” She glances at her sleeping husband and her face lights up. “He and I were friends our whole lives. We dated other people growing up. We were always there for each other and never realized we loved each other that way. We went to the same college and still didn’t see what was clear to everyone else. One night, we got drunk and ended up sleeping together. It was so natural and right. We’ve been together ever since. He’s my Jack.”
    I look at her in confusion. “Your Jack?!”
    Her cheeks flush and she laughs so loudly it wakes the sleeping infant and she starts her mewling cries. Leaning down, I lift her and she starts rooting on my chest. Chuckling, I hand her to her momma. “I don’t have what she’s wanting.”
    She smiles and touches the baby’s downy head, before nestling her to her breast. As the infant feeds, she kisses the top of her head and looks over at the couch. Her husband is rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He hops up and exclaims, “Do you need anything, hunny? Is there something you need me to do?”
    She blows him a kiss and says, “No, baby, I’m fine. She was just hungry.” Then she looks to me and says, “My Jack. I’m his Rose. No matter what, we’re each other’s forever loves.”
    My eyes mist as I realize what she’s saying. I love that damn movie. I nod as I close her chart. “I’m going to head out. You try to get some sleep and send the baby to the nursery if you need to. Rest is important after a C-section. Stay hydrated. Press the call button if you need pain meds. I’ll check on you tomorrow.” Smiling at the beautiful new family, I swallow. “Good night.” They murmur goodnight, though their attention is on their precious bundle and I ease out the door.
    I’d love to have that someday.
    I sign two more charts and head to my car. I need a shower and a glass of wine. Checking my phone, I see that it’s 3:46pm. It’s too early for wine, but I do want to stop and grab some food. Cooking is not on the menu for tonight.
    As I pull into my apartment not far from the hospital, my phone buzzes. I wait to park in my spot before checking it.
    “Dade:
    It’s 4pm.”
    I check the time. It’s 4:02. I laugh. Has he been watching the clock!? My heart rate increases at the thought. Rolling my shoulders, I tell myself not to read too much into it. I text back.
    “Melonie:
    It is.”
    I wait for a reply. None comes. Sighing, I grab my bags and head to my first floor apartment. I enjoy my complex. They’re quiet, luxury units. Mine came fully furnished, so I didn’t have to add much. A few personal touches here and there have gone a long way. It’s close to both hospitals and is in the heart of town. Traffic is horrid most days, but then again, traffic always sucks here, yet I love this city.
    The complex is gated, so I feel safe. There’s a guard on duty twenty-four hours. It’s landscaped and houses four different buildings. My building mostly consists of professional types and a few retired couples. There are two pools, a gym, and a spa on site. A walking trail is also around the perimeter, but you are still blocked from prying eyes. We’re in the city, but other than the street noise, from inside, you can’t tell.
    As I’m lugging my purse, briefcase, and grocery bags into the apartment, my phone chimes in my purse. I kick off my heels before heading into the spacious kitchen and laying the bags on the counter. When my hands are free, I grab the phone.
    It’s Dade.
    “Dade:
    Can I take you out to dinner tonight?”
    I contemplate it before deciding I’m too exhausted. I was on my feet for almost ten hours today. If he really wants to talk, he can come here. I text him back.
    “Melonie:
    I’m beat honestly. It was a long day. I grabbed a few things on