Page 3 of Crimson Love

I drag my eyes open and recognize the annoying woman I nicknamed Sally. I have no idea what her real name is. She’s looking down at me through a stupid-ass grin plastered on her face. The depressing tones from machines beep all around me—I almost feel the sadness in the air. “There he is. Awake, just like I said he would be. Your sister is not a patient woman. I had to wheel her in sooner than we normally do. She insisted she be here when you woke up.”

“Jett,” Harlow calls from my side.

I blink a few more times, and it takes all my energy to turn my head on my pillow. Harlow is lying in the bed next to me with Devon glued to her side. I’m surprised he didn’t cuff himself to her and demand to be present for the procedure. If the look on his face has anything to do with Harlow’s prognosis, then at least she’s going to be okay. I’m glad. She did risk everything for me.

“Good to see you awake, Jett,” Devon drawls.

It seems that’s the best news I’ll get today.

“She’s okay?” I demand, barely able to get the words out.

Devon lifts his chin before turning his attention to Harlow next to me. “She’s perfect. As good as she can be, mate.”

I don’t say anything and direct my attention to her. The only thing I feel pulsing through my veins is guilt for wanting this. Guilt for putting her at risk. And guilt for all of this being for nothing.

She’s smiling, and tears streak her temples. “You’re good.”

I blink.

Then I blink again as my muddled brain processes what she said.

Harlow’s whispered words are full of emotion. “The transplant worked. Your body loves my kidney.”

That soul-crushing weight pressing down on me lifts. “It worked?”

She nods. “Without a hitch. They said it was textbook. It’s early, so they’re not making any lifetime proclamations, but you’re young and strong. Jett, you’re going to be okay.”

An energy pulses through me that I haven’t felt in years. I’m not shallow enough to think it’s real, body-racing energy. No. It’s the kind fueled by hope instead of edging on the brink of death for a change. I lift my hand, yank off the oxygen monitor clipped to my finger, and reach across the small space to my sister.

We both ignore the monitor going batshit crazy alerting the masses that I have no oxygen to my body, but no one cares. Not even Chipper Sally. I take her hand in mine and squeeze.

“It worked,” I repeat.

Her tears stream stronger than before. “Yes. I just found you. If you think I’m going to let you die, then you have no idea who I really am. The only thing I’ve ever wanted in life was family. I don’t care how much better of a name you got. You’re stuck with me for a long, long time, Jett Parker Cross.”

I’ve heard my entire name rattled off more times than I can count since I tracked down my half-sister. I’m not used to anyone being obsessed with anything about me. I’m also not used to constant hugs, shared meals, or talking about fucked-up things...

Like the future.

But Harlow is obsessed with all those things and more.

“Your dad is waiting to see you both. Do you want me to send for him?” Devon asks.

“Give me a moment,” I mutter. “I just need a minute.”

Harlow gives my hand a weak squeeze. “Take all the time you want, Jett. You have a long, healthy life ahead of you. I can’t wait to see what you’re going to do with it, even if Dad does think he has plans for us.”

Devon leans down and places a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t jinx him, baby. The rest of us had to go through hell and back to get where we are.”

Been there, done that, and don’t need a repeat trip. I’ve gone through enough torture to last a lifetime. I moved to Winslet, a.k.a. small-town U.S.A. for a reason. Sure my newfound sister is here, and the father I’m still getting to know has promised to visit regularly, but I needed a new start along with my new kidney.

A slow, easy life.

Besides, what the hell can go wrong in a sleepy little place like this?

CHAPTER TWO

THE BIGGEST OF THE