I couldn't believe my eyes. He was lying on a hospital bed. He didn't seem like he just got here either. It made me wonder if this was the reason why he decided to stop talking to me. Anything can happen in a week.

"Listen, this wasn't the way I wanted you to find out," Denny says, breaking me out of my thoughts. He still looked so adorable, but there was something I knew he was hiding. I could feel it.

"What do you mean, Denny? Why are you in here?"

He extends a hand and I eagerly take it into my own. I sit at the edge of his bed, watching as his thumb gently strokes the back of my hand. I could tell his mind was drifting elsewhere. Denny was usually a man who was able to look me in the eye, but right now, he couldn't.

I knew bad news was coming.

"That night… When I met you… I was denied a heart. I went to the supermarket to buy ice cream because I needed a pick-me up. I didn't expect to meet you. I didn't expect any of this to happen."

I shake my head. It sounded like he was dumping me.

"Denny… Stop. Wait. What do you mean you were denied a heart? What is going on?" My own heart beats against my chest at the anticipation.

"I've got congestive heart failure, Jess…"

I tighten my hand around his. My eyes stare at him, almost in complete shock. I couldn't believe it. Here was this man that I met about two weeks ago and yet, all I wanted to do was cry. Denny must have noticed because his hand moved instantly to my cheek.

"You – But you have to get a heart, Denny."

"I know. That's why I'm back here. My doctor said they found me a heart, Jess… I was going to tell you after my surgery went through. I promise."

I bite my lower lip. At the back of my mind, I knew I had to get back to my stupid coworker, but right now, I didn't want to leave. Especially not after the information I received.

"How long have you been here?" I ask.

"Almost a week. I got all your messages. I just – I couldn't bring myself up to reply to any of them."

"I'm not angry. I mean, I would be selfish if I was, but I'm not. I'm sad. I want you to be okay. I want you to have a new heart," I rant, dropping my eyes. We had only two dates and here I was, willing to spend all my time to cater to him, to make sure he was okay.

"And I will. I will get a new heart. It's why I'm here, Jess… Don't cry. Please." Denny gently tugs on my arm and when I meet his eyes, he gestures for me to lie down. "Lie down with me… Please?"

I hesitate before instantly curling at his side. My arm slowly drapes over his abdomen and his arm wraps around my shoulders, pulling me closer to his side. At least I know the feelings were not one-sided.

Somehow, being in his arms make me feel safe. As I shut my eyes, I realize that I never want to get up.

"Why are you here, by the way?" Denny asks.

I open my eyes to look up at him, biting my lower lip. My coworker could handle himself. "Uh, well… Stupid coworker got into an altercation at the bar. Had to bring him here because he lost the fight."

Denny smiles. Despite his condition, he was still smiling.

"Well, I could also say you're stalking me, but we'll go with your story," he teases.

I grin. I missed our teasing banter. I missed his presence. I missed his voice. I missed him.

"Oh, you love creating situations that aren't true, don't you?" I reply.

Denny laughs quietly, holding me tighter. I sigh happily, resting my cheek against his chest.

"Just admit it, Jess. You've fallen in love with me. Didn't I tell you it was going to happen?"

I blush, partly because deep down, I knew that I was. He was everything I ever wanted in a man and more, and I was going to stay by his side until he was better.

"Keep dreaming, Duquette," I playfully roll my eyes, but he simply smiles and catches me off guard when he kisses my forehead.

We still hadn't kissed yet, but I didn't mind. Our conversations were enough for me. Besides, I am sure that he was holding himself back as much as I was.

Because man. His lips sure do look kissable.

"Do you have to go?" Denny asks.

I instantly shake my head. "I'm staying right here."

He arches a brow in response, "What about your coworker?"

"He's a big boy. He's an adult. He can handle himself."

Denny nods. He rests his cheek against the crown of my head, biting his lower lip. The silence was comforting, but it was also a bit eerie, almost as if we both were waiting for something to happen.

Throughout the night, we remain that way. I stay in his arms and he holds me tightly against him. I couldn't imagine how comfortable I was with a man I just met.

"Do you believe in fate? In destiny?" Denny asks.

I glance up at him, resting my hand gently over his heart. I wish I had the power to heal.

"I think everything happens for a reason," I reply.

"Do you think we met that night for a reason?"

I arch a brow. I slowly move to rest my chin on his shoulder, staring into his eyes. Our lips were mere inches from one another. If I moved just a bit closer, I could finally feel how his lips felt like, but I stopped myself.

Our time would come.

"I was having a bad day and you helped me. So, yeah. I think we met that night for a reason," I respond.

I hadn't thought about it until now. Ever since he came into my life, I realized I was more relaxed. Even my best friend noticed.

"I think so too. I am so glad I went to the supermarket. I mean, who else would have helped you pick up your ice cream?" Denny teases.

I shake my head, resting my cheek back against him. "Well, I am capable. I've got two hands."

He shakes his head. "Nope. I had to be your knight in shining armor. You were the damsel in distress and I saved the day."

I arch my brow, laughing quietly. He was funny and cute and charming and… I think I'm falling in love with him.

"You're a real dork, did you know that?"

"It's all part of my charm, Jess."

I surprise him with a gentle kiss on his cheek, lying back down to rest against his chest. I could hear his heart beating and it sounded very irregular and weak, but despite the abnormality of it, I smile.

He was alive. He was still here.

"Do you want to get some sleep, Denny?" I ask him, reaching down to bring the hospital blanket to drape over our lower halves.

"As long as I wake up and you'll still be here, yeah…"

It was his turn to surprise me. Denny kisses my cheek, lingering for a moment as he pulls away. I let a blush appear at my cheeks. He was so sweet.

"I'll be here. Your nurses will have to drag me kicking and screaming if they kick me out," I reply.

"All right. Good night, Jess."

I smile.

"Good night, Denny."

Once his eyes had fallen shut, I couldn't help but watch him sleep. He looked so peaceful.

God. I was falling in love with this man.