In Love With Him

Chapter 34

Kennedy’s POV

The first thing I became aware of was the warmth.

Not the sterile kind from the hospital’s heated blankets—but a comforting, steady kind. Like something—or someone—was near.

My eyes fluttered open slowly, the harsh fluorescent lights above me too bright. I squinted, blinking until my vision came into focus.

Then I saw him.

Dominic.

Asleep beside me, slumped forward in the uncomfortable hospital chair, his hand still wrapped around mine.

My breath caught in my throat.

His head was resting on the edge of the bed, one arm curled beneath it like a pillow, the other draped across my hand—like he refused to let go even in sleep. His face was relaxed, softer than usual. No sharp sarcasm in his smirk. No tension in his jaw. Just… peace.

And it hit me all over again—he stayed. He always stayed.

The nurse hadn’t been exaggerating.

He had been there, through everything.

I turned my head slightly, careful not to wince. The soreness in my stomach flared, reminding me why I was here. The ache was deep, but not unbearable. Still, the realization weighed heavier than the pain.

I could’ve died.

If he hadn’t brought me here… if he hadn’t of came into my room when he did… I might not be here right now.

My chest tightened as I stared at him.

He literally saved my life.

And just like that, everything I’d been trying to push down all week came rushing to the surface. The kiss. The feelings. The confusion.

Especially the kiss.

My lips tingled just thinking about it. His kiss wasn’t what I expected. It wasn’t rough or rushed or messy. It was warm. Soft. Slow. Even drunk, he handled me like I was something precious, something breakable. Like he wanted me—not just my body, but me.

Then there was Liam.

I bit my lip, remembering the way Liam had kissed me at the dance.

It should’ve been everything I dreamed of. He was the boy I’d crushed on since second grade. The boy everyone wanted. The perfect night. The perfect costume. The perfect moment.

But it wasn’t.

His kiss was… too wet. Too eager. Too much peppermint and not enough connection. It was clumsy, rushed—like he was kissing me just because he could. There was no electricity, no butterflies. It was just… disappointing.

I remember thinking, This is what I waited years for?

But Dominic’s kiss?

God.

Even now, it lingered on my lips like a phantom. The feel of his hand at my waist. The way he cupped my face. The soft press of his mouth as his tongue gently traced mine, like a question. Like he was asking if I wanted him, too.

And the worst—or maybe the best—part?

I did.

I let him in.

And even though I should’ve pushed him away, I didn’t. I couldn’t.

Now I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

About him.

I turned my head toward him again. My fingers shifted slightly, curling around his. He didn’t stir, but the gentle squeeze I gave him felt like an unspoken promise.

Dominic saved my life. He cared when no one else saw how much pain I was in. He stayed when he didn’t have to. He watched over me like I meant something—like I mattered.

And suddenly, I wasn’t confused anymore.

I knew exactly what I was feeling.

I was falling in love with him.

And not the shallow kind of love, either. Not the kind I’d imagined having with Liam. This wasn’t about popularity or butterflies or fairytales. This was deep, terrifying, real.

I didn’t know where it was going. I didn’t even know if he remembered the kiss the way I did.

But I did know this—I was glad he was my first real kiss. Not Liam.

Him.

It would always be him.

I exhaled shakily, eyes stinging with a mix of gratitude and overwhelming emotion. I squeezed his hand again—this time just to feel him.

“I’m glad it was you,” I whispered, barely above a breath.

Dominic stirred, but didn’t wake.

And for now… that was okay.

---

Dominic’s POV

I woke slowly, blinking the sleep from my eyes as a dull ache pulsed in my neck. My head had been resting on the edge of Kennedy’s hospital bed for hours. The muscles in my back protested as I sat up and stretched slightly, careful not to jostle the bed.

I turned my head and saw her watching me with soft, sleepy eyes. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

“Hey,” I murmured, rubbing my face with one hand. “How are you feeling?”

She hesitated for a second, then answered honestly, “Sore. Really sore. And kind of achey. But... better.”

I sat up straighter, brushing the hair from her forehead. “Do you want me to flag down the nurse for some pain meds?”

Kennedy shook her head gently. “No, I don’t want them. I hate how they make me feel.”

I frowned. “Ken...”

“I’ll be fine,” she insisted, voice soft but firm. “I can handle it.”

Before I could argue, a knock came at the door and the doctor stepped in, clipboard in hand. “Good morning,” he greeted, walking to the foot of her bed. “How’s our patient?”

Kennedy gave a tight smile and repeated, “Sore.”

He nodded, then did a quick once-over—checking her vitals, asking a few basic questions. “Everything looks good,” he finally said. “You’re cleared to go home. The nurse will bring your discharge papers and help you get dressed.”

He then turned to me. “Mr. Marsh? Can I speak with you outside for a moment?”

I gave Kennedy’s hand a reassuring squeeze, then followed the doctor into the hallway.

He glanced around before leaning in slightly. “She’s stable, but I want someone keeping a close eye on her—especially the first 48 hours. Watch for high fevers, vomiting, dizziness, or sharp increases in pain. If that happens, bring her back immediately, got it?”

I nodded firmly. “Yeah. I will.”

He hesitated, then added, “She’s refusing the painkillers. I strongly recommend them. She just had abdominal surgery—it’s going to hurt. See if you can talk her into taking them. And if not... sneak it in her water if you have to.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“I’m serious,” he said. “She’ll suffer more than she needs to.”

I gave another nod and thanked him. “I’ll handle it.”

Fifteen minutes later, I pulled the car around and parked right in front of the hospital entrance—handicap spot be damned. I didn’t care. I just wanted her home. A nurse helped me guide her out in slow, painful steps, and I held her gently as I helped her into the car.

Every bump on the road made her flinch, and every wince punched a hole in my chest. I reached over and laid my hand gently on her leg.

“It’s okay,” I murmured. “We’re almost home.”

She gave a tight-lipped smile but said nothing. I knew she was in pain. She was just trying to be strong.

When we got to the house, I parked and jumped out, rushing to her side. I opened the door and helped her out as carefully as I could, one hand on her lower back, the other steadying her under the arm.

As soon as we walked inside, Max came running like a tornado. “KENNEDY!”

He lunged forward like a puppy who hadn’t seen her in weeks. Instinct kicked in and I stepped between them, holding my hand out. “Gentle, buddy.”

Max stopped on a dime and nodded solemnly before stepping forward and hugging her slowly, his arms wrapping around her waist with the gentlest touch. “I missed you, Enny,” he said softly, using the nickname he used when he was little.

Kennedy melted at that. She gave him a weak but loving smile and kissed the top of his head. “I missed you too, Maxie.”

I helped her upstairs one slow step at a time, arm firmly around her. I held her steady, guiding her every movement as if she was made of glass. She moved like each motion hurt—which it probably did—but she never once complained.

“Where’s my dad and Helen?” she asked between breaths.

“They went shopping,” I said. “Getting your meds, some soft food, whatever else you’ll need. They’ll be back in a bit.”

She nodded slowly.

When we reached her room, I pushed the door open with my foot and guided her in. I helped her into bed, adjusting the pillows and making sure she was propped up comfortably.

I stood, unsure of what to do next. I didn’t want to hover... but I didn’t want to leave either.

I started to step back when her voice stopped me.

“Wait,” she said quietly. “Can you... stay with me? Just for a little while?”

Her voice was so small, so shy—and it cracked something in my chest.

I swallowed hard and nodded. “Anything you want, princess.”

I carefully kicked off my shoes and laid down beside her, staying on my back to avoid jostling the bed. She hesitated for a moment, then gently nestled herself into my side, resting her head on my chest with the softest sigh.

Her body relaxed, her breathing deepened, and before long, she was asleep.

And I just lay there—my arm around her, fingers brushing softly against her back, trying not to fall in love any more than I already was.

But it was too late.