Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

PART 2 CHAPTER 137 LUKE

The room felt heavy with the sterile smell of antiseptic mixed with the soft beeping of machines monitoring Jess's vitals. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her-

bandages wrapping her head, her leg in a cast, tubes running from her arms. She looked fragile, unlike the girl I'd seen sprinting up hills and giving me at run for my money.

she was lying, so still, I had to focus on her chest to make. sure she was breathing.

When we walked in, the nurse said, "She should be able to hear you," even though it looked like she was fast asleep. Luckily, Jess was breathing on her own, which they said was a good sign.

I kept trying to focus on that. Maybe if she could hear me, would hear my apology.

she

Josh stood on the other side of the bed, holding her hand like it was a lifeline. His jaw was clenched tight, and I knew he was feeling the same thing I was-helpless.

He muttered a "thanks" to the nurse, who stopped for a second. I could see it on her face: She recognized us and didn't know if now would be the appropriate time to ask. After a few moments, she made the right choice and walked out of the

room.

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her. All I could think was, "This is my

this hospital bed, and I couldn't fix it. Suddenly, Jess stirred, her lips moving, and I thought I heard her say my name. I looked over at Josh. "She called you man. Not me. Take her fucking hand," Josh breathed, and I

her hand gently as if I could wake her with my touch. But she went still again like it never

neither of us saying anything. I didn't know how long

her steady heart rate on the monitor and watch her chest rise and fall. Before I knew it, I was zoned out. Then, the monitor started beeping faster. The

looked at the monitor, my heart pounding in my chest. "What's happening?" Josh asked, getting up to push the call button. The beeping grew louder, and then so many alarms went off. Jess's heart rate was climbing, and my

CHAPTER

s was 1.

was an instruction-like, get the hell back but with compassion. But I couldn't shake the

changed just slightly, but enough to set off alarms in my head. She called for another nurse. "Call Dr.

that mean?" Josh asked,

twisting in pain. "She's awake!"I mumbled but then stopped

trying to grab her other hand, but more nurses stormed in, pushing us back and forcing us to stand helpless

can't," He said, and for the first time tonight, Josh seemed 100% sober. The nurses didn't answer. They were too focused

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