No More Waiting, She Chooses Love novel Chapter 9

Though I wasn't head over heels, the idea of him answering a call or leaving me at that moment felt humiliating.

Conrad swallowed hard as he grabbed his phone, swiftly ending the call before resuming his trail of kisses down my neck and across my collarbone.

But the phone rang again almost instantly. I knew ignoring it meant neither Conrad nor I would find peace after.

I turned my head aside, saying coldly, "You better take it."

A flash of unease crossed Conrad's face as he pulled the blanket to cover me before picking up the phone and stepping onto the balcony.

Even though he slid the balcony door shut behind him, his deep, resonant voice still carried over to me. "I can't make it. Get a caregiver to help you out."

"I'm not saying I won't help. I know it's on me. Fine, stop crying. I'll be there soon..."

Then silence fell, punctuated only by the click of a lighter. Conrad was smoking. For the first time, he smoked at home. It took about ten minutes for Conrad to return, the air then tinged with tobacco.

He looked at me, his gaze filled with unease. "I... I need to step out. It's Haley. She's in the hospital with no one to look after her."

It was rare that he didn't lie or keep it from me.

A chill ran through my body under the blanket. "Is it appropriate for you, a man, to look after her?"

"I'm just going to find her a caregiver," Conrad said, tidying up the clothes I had mussed.

I knew I couldn't make him stay. Embarrassment and sorrow welled up inside me. "Conrad."

"Hmm?" He looked up at me, his eyes filled with apprehension.

I wasn't surprised Fanny knew, nor did I hide anything from her.

Fanny was livid. "Why's he running after a widow? Has he lost his mind? Doesn't he know that's asking for trouble?"

Even Fanny thought it improper. As close as sisters, I shamelessly shared, "What if I told you he left me in bed to go to her?"

Fanny paused. "You two were together?"

"Not exactly. Got halfway through undressing," I admitted, feeling like a fool.

"Damn!" Always the picture of sophistication and grace, Fanny couldn't help but curse, "He can zip up halfway through? Either he's got man’s issues, or..."