Fighting for Us Read online

  I know I’m completely unprofessional, but he’s also the most attractive man I have ever laid my eyes on. Considerably taller than my five-foot-two frame, his arms are huge, and I could see a tattoo peeking out of his shirt. Not that I noticed any of that.

  Like I said, completely unprofessional.

  I’m only a year away from being done with nursing school and I’m so ready. I work here at the hospital full time in the housekeeping department, and I also put in several hours a week in the ER doing clinicals. I was on my way to clock out when Levi Jackson came running through, and I knew I had to help.

  Heading back to my locker, I throw my sweatshirt on over my scrubs and grab my purse. As I walk back up toward the floor, I twist my long blonde hair up into a knot and swing by the ER. Checking in on the few patients I helped oversee, I notice Levi still sitting in Lily’s room.

  When I knock on the doorframe, he looks over his shoulder at me and I give him a smile.

  “How’s she doing?” I ask, leaning against the frame.

  “Better. Thank you, by the way, for everything.”

  “Just doing my job,” I say with a shrug.

  Standing from the bed, he jams his hands in the front pockets of his sweats and staggers over to me. “Lily has never been sick like that before, and it really scared me. I’m sure I overreacted, but I couldn’t help but panic over her fever.”

  “No, you didn’t overreact. Seriously, Levi, you seem like a really good dad. You did the right thing and she’ll be fine. I promise.”

  Levi flashes me a smile and I swear I melt into a puddle. Straight white teeth and those dimples.

  Jesus. He’s so handsome.

  Get it together, Reese.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I thought you guys would be out of here by now?”

  Looking over his shoulder at Lily, he turns back to me and runs a hand over the back of his neck. He looks tense and exhausted.

  “They wanted to run another test just to make sure she’s okay. I just want to get her home and into her bed. I don’t like seeing her here.”

  I can hear the pain in his voice. I’m not entirely sure what comes over me, but before I can second-guess myself, I step forward and loosely wrap my arms around his waist, gently hugging him. I almost giggle when I realize my head barely reaches his shoulders, but that dies when his arms lock around me, hugging me incredibly hard.

  Taking a deep breath, I get a whiff of his cologne or body wash, and it smells heavenly. It takes me three full seconds before I yank away from him, eyes wide.

  “Oh my gosh, that was inappropriate, I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize. I needed that.” Levi gives me a sheepish smile and I grin back at him.

  “Okay, good. I hope Lily is feeling better soon. I need to get going, but it was nice meeting you, Levi. Only wish it had been under better circumstances.”

  “Nice meeting you too, Emerson Reese. You have a good night, sweetheart.”

  With a small wave, I turn around and rush out of the hospital, cheeks burning the entire way. Oh my God, I can’t believe I freaking hugged him. What the hell was I thinking? He didn’t seem to mind, but I feel like such a weirdo. Who does that?

  Making it to the parking garage, my cell phone starts ringing from my purse and I pull it out to see it’s my mother calling.

  “Hey, Mom, what’s going on?”

  “Emerson, how was work today?”

  Cradling the phone under my ear, I dig around in my purse for my keys, then hit the key fob and unlock my car.

  “It was good, only had a couple of patients tonight. What are you and Dad up to?”

  “Well, your father is watching a baseball game and I’m prepping dinner. You want to come over? We’re having pork roast and potatoes.”

  “Sure. You mind if I swing home and shower first?” Dropping my stuff onto the passenger seat, I get into my car and shut the door.

  “Oh, that’s fine. It won’t be done for a while anyway. You come over whenever, honey.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you a little later, Mom. Love you.”

  “Love you too. Drive safe.”

  “Always.” Dropping my phone into the cup holder, I turn the car on and take off for home. I live a good twenty minutes away, so I crank the radio and turn up the newest Chase Rice single. While I drive, my thoughts drift to a certain handsome father, but I push them from my mind. Hell, Levi’s probably a married man and I’m being a silly ho bag.

  But damn was he yummy.

  Pulling into my apartment complex a bit later, I park and head up to my place. I live in a seedy area of town, and I definitely want to get out of here soon; my lease is up in six months and I’m already looking for a new place. Letting myself in, I shut the door behind me and lock the crappy deadbolt. I can already hear the couple above me screaming at each other as I hurry to my tiny bathroom. Turning the water on, I wait for it to heat, then strip out of my scrubs and jump in.

  Rushing through my routine, I wrap my hair and body in towels and go in search of some clothes. Deciding on a pair of yoga pants and a long-sleeved tee, I towel-dry my hair as best as possible and find my Chucks. Since I never wear makeup, I’m ready to go in minutes.

  Grabbing my purse, I’m out the door to my parents’ only fifteen minutes after getting home. As I shut myself into my car, I take a deep breath and rest my forehead on the steering wheel. I moved here when I was assigned to the hospital for my clinicals, but maybe I should ask for a transfer so I can get out of this shady area.

  While I’m driving, I decide that I should talk to my dad about my apartment. Maybe it’s not worth the deposit I put down and I should just move anyway. My dad is a realtor, so maybe he can help me find something better.

  It doesn’t take long before I’m turning into their driveway. Their golden retriever, Rosie, comes racing around the front of the house, barking with delight. Parking next to their cars in the driveway, I climb out and kneel down to give Rosie some love. When she’s satisfied, she runs away, and I look up to see my parents coming out of the house.

  “Hey, baby girl!” Dad yells, rushing over to pull me into a bear hug. My feet leave the ground, he hugs me so tight, and Mom is right behind him. I’m the only child and have always had an incredible relationship with them. Smiling, Mom wraps an arm around my shoulders and we all head into the house.

  “How’s work, Daddy?” I ask, taking a seat at the kitchen counter. He offers me a beer but I decline. Shrugging, he pops the top off one and takes a sip.

  “Not bad. Sold a couple properties, still trying to help one couple find a place.”

  “Is the market bad right now?” I ask, resting my chin on my hand.

  “No, it’s doing okay. They just had a new baby, so they’re trying to find the perfect place. A house they can have more kids in and grow into.”

  “I can understand that. How are rentals doing?”

  “You looking to move, kiddo?”

  “Yeah, I am. That neighborhood is so bad, and my apartment is crap. Every night I’m either listening to people fighting, someone having a party, or loud, nasty sex. I hardly sleep anymore.” Shaking my head, I see my dad’s eyes narrow.

  “Em, why didn’t you tell us that? We could have gotten you out sooner.”

  “It wasn’t too bad when I first moved in, but it’s gotten worse and I’m just sick of it, ya know? I only have a year left in school and I want to be at my best for it, but I’m either at work, or at school doing all my work there.”

  “I’ll take care of you, baby girl. Don’t you worry.” With a wink, Dad walks away and I hear him go into his office. Mom laughs and then offers me a glass of wine, which I gladly accept. I shouldn’t drink when I’ll be driving tonight, but it’s a small one, and I’ll fill up on Mom’s food soon enough. I need a nice night to just relax and stop stressing.

  A week later, I’m sitting on my lunch break at work and have just hung up with my dad. He found me a small house for
rent closer to theirs. It’s a tiny bit out of my price range, but if I’m careful it’ll be fine. After all, if I can get a job at the hospital right after graduation, I’ll be making much more money. It’s only a year.

  Placing my phone on the table in front of me, I look up when my coworker comes into the room. Ashley has a huge grin on her face and I raise an eyebrow.

  “What’s up?”

  “Someone is here to see you,” she says, pointing over her shoulder.

  “Who is it?”

  “No clue.”

  Standing from my chair, I toss my food into the wastebasket and stroll from the room. Looking down the hallway to the left, I don’t see anybody.

  “Ms. Reese!” a high-pitched voice shrieks, and I turn around to a small force knocking me onto my butt. Grabbing the child, I maneuver us so I can stand up, then look down into her sweet face. Lily.

  “Hey, sweetie pie, what are you doing here?”

  “I’s all better. See!” Pointing to her ear, I laugh at her excitement.

  “I’m so glad to hear that, Lily! High five.” I hold my palm up, and she slaps her much smaller one against mine.

  “Lily bug, don’t run from Daddy like that, please. You almost gave me a heart attack.” I hear his deep voice before I see him, and the butterflies flutter in my stomach. I count to three in my head, and with Lily still in my arms, I turn around and find myself face-to-face with the man I’ve spent the last week thinking about.

  Levi’s blue eyes are filled with humor, and his mouth is tilted in a half smile with that dimple on full display. In a pair of tight jeans and a black sweatshirt, he is completely enchanting. I’m also screwed, no doubt about that.

  “Levi,” I say, using Lily as a tiny shield to hopefully keep Levi from seeing his effect on me.

  “Emerson. Hope we aren’t bothering you.”

  I take a deep breath and then smile at him.

  “Absolutely not.”

  Yep. Completely screwed.

  CHAPTER 3

  Levi

  “SO, WHAT ARE YOU guys doing here?” Emerson has her head tilted to the side and it’s obvious that she’s suspicious of us right now.

  “Lily was asking to see you,” I tell her honestly, tucking my hands into the pockets of my sweatshirt.

  Her smile grows and she turns her face to kiss Lily on the cheek.

  “Well, I’m real glad, Lily. Good to see you well, sweetheart.”

  Lily sticks out her tongue and then wiggles to be let down. Emerson complies and Lily runs over to me, grabbing me around the leg.

  “Daddy, ask her!”

  “Real subtle, Lily bug. Ms. Reese, my little monkey and I would like to know if we could take you out to dinner this weekend, on us?”

  As Emerson tucks a strand of her long blonde hair behind her ear, I can see the blush spread over her cheeks. I’m starting to wonder if she does the hair thing when she’s nervous.

  “Uh, yeah, I suppose that would be okay. Is your wife coming?”

  Well fuck me.

  Chuckling, I step forward, shaking my head. “Do I look like the kind of man who would ask you on a date if I had a wife?”

  “You don’t look like someone who would ask me out period.”

  “Well, I am. We both are. Let us take you out this weekend. Hell, it doesn’t even have to be a date. But I would like to get to know you.”

  Emerson takes a moment to mull it over, and then she looks up at me with a huge smile, those gorgeous blue eyes sparkling.

  “Let’s do it. Sure. I’d love to go out with you guys.”

  “Awesome. Let’s exchange numbers and you can give me a call when you’re off shift tonight. We can make plans.”

  Pulling her phone from her scrubs, she hands it to me and I program my number in. She does the same with mine, and five minutes later I’m leaving the hospital, Lily holding my hand and a stupid fucking smile on my face.

  This is gonna be interesting.

  After a long day of playing dress-up and having make-believe tea, Lily and I had an elaborate dinner of mac and cheese and hot dogs, and some spilled milk. Now she’s zonked out in her bed and I’m relaxing with a beer on the couch, watching some horrible sitcom that I just can’t seem to shut off. I’m contemplating just calling it a night when my cell phone rings from the coffee table. Leaning over with a groan, I grab it and my mood instantly lifts.

  Emerson.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Levi. It’s Emerson. I hope I’m not calling too late.”

  I look at my watch: eight fifteen.

  “No, not at all. It’s only after eight. That’s not late.”

  “I know, but I didn’t know if you were trying to get Lily to bed, and I didn’t want to wake her up or throw off her routine.”

  “That’s incredibly sweet, but she goes to bed at seven thirty. I’m just lounging on the couch before I eventually get to bed myself. Are you just getting off work?”

  “Yeah, I had clinical plus a regular shift.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, getting more comfortable on the couch.

  “I’m in my final year of nursing school, but I work at the hospital in the housekeeping department to pay for my house and such. I’ve been in that department for four years now.”

  “Oh, I gotcha. Well that’s good. I hope you don’t pull too many of those doubles. You’ll wear yourself out real fast, sweetheart.”

  “Trust me, I’m always worn out. I’ve learned to adjust. How about you? I never asked, what is it you do for work?”

  Smiling, I place my beer down on the coffee table and switch off the television.

  “I own a tattoo shop downtown with my brother, Caden.”

  “Oh, how cool!” Her voice rises with excitement and I can’t help laughing.

  “We think so.”

  “How long have you owned it? You seem young to have your own business.”

  “Only a couple years. Bought it just after I turned twenty-eight.”

  “So, you’re thirty?”

  “Yep.” Standing from the couch, I shut all the lights off and make sure the front door is locked before heading upstairs to my bedroom.

  “Yeah, I thought you were way older than that. You aren’t much older than me.”

  “How old are you?”

  “Twenty-seven.”

  “And here I was thinking you were younger. You said nursing school, so I assumed you were in your early twenties.” Peeking my head into Lily’s room, I see her still sound asleep with her bunny tucked under her arm, so I shut her door halfway and venture into mine, switching the light on before closing the door behind me.

  “Yeah, I got my associate’s after high school, but I was working full time at this day care and one day, one of the kids had a seizure. Scariest moment of my life. Here I am, this twenty-year-old, thinking I want to be a teacher, and I watched a child almost die in front of me. Something switched in my head and I was like no, I need to help people. So I started applying to every job I could find at the hospital, and when I had enough money saved up to start applying to nursing school, I did.” She giggles softly, then sighs. “Geez, listen to me ramble on and on about myself, and I’m not even letting you talk. I’m sorry, Levi. Tell me more about you.”

  Laughing, I climb onto my bed and lean back against the pillows.

  “No, I like listening to you. And I think it’s amazing that you took charge of your life like that. Not many people would be brave enough to change their plans and go after something that I’m sure is as difficult as being a nurse. I’m in awe of you.”

  Well, would you listen to this chick I’ve turned into.

  “Thanks. So, how is Lily feeling?”

  “She’s good, thanks for asking. Once the medicine kicked in, she was almost back to her normal self in a couple of days. Thank fuck.”

  “She’s a very sweet little girl. I don’t know your situation, but you’re doing an amazing job with her. You should be a proud daddy.”

 
Emerson’s words cause something in my chest to swell, and my smile grows even larger.

  “Thank you, sweetheart. I appreciate that.”

  “Of course, Levi. I’m gonna get going, I need to take a shower. Hopefully my neighbors will keep it down tonight. I need some sleep.”

  Narrowing my eyes, I sit up in bed. “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, they’re just really loud. I think the guy’s a drunk, and sometimes he goes banging through the building, screaming and raging about the girl.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yeah, it happens a couple times a week. No biggie, but I’m tired.”

  “Do you have your door locked? Are you okay?”

  “Levi, please don’t worry about me. He’s harmless, just really freaking loud. I promise. But I’ll talk to you tomorrow, maybe?” Emerson’s voice is quiet, and I worry I spooked her.

  “I’d really like that. I’ll call you, okay?”

  “Okay. Night, Levi.”

  “Sweet dreams, Emerson.”

  She disconnects the call and I’m left reeling, staring at the call log on my phone. Scrolling to my texts, I fire off one to her, hoping I didn’t upset her.

  Levi: I didn’t mean to freak out, I was just concerned.

  Emerson: It’s okay, really. I’m moving out next week. They’re just annoying.

  Levi: Okay, just checking. Night, Emerson.

  Emerson: You can call me Emmy. Emerson makes me think I’m in trouble.

  Levi: Yes, ma’am.

  Emerson: Night.

  Levi: Night, Emmy.

  Putting my phone on the charger, I drop it on my nightstand after turning on my alarms, then strip to my boxer briefs, pull down the blankets, and climb into bed. It takes me forever to fall asleep and when I do, visions of a tiny blonde fill my dreams.

  The next morning, I’m getting ready for work and Lily is in her room getting dressed when my cell phone beeps with an incoming text.

  Emerson: Morning, Levi and Lily. Hope you both have a great day!

  Levi: Thank you, sweetheart. Don’t work too hard today. Call you tonight?