Surviving the CEO

Chapter 23: Blonde Whirlwind

**ARIA'S POV**

Morning comes faster than I had expected based on the fact that I was wrapped up in Xavier's arms. The sun is just barely over the buildings and the clock on the wall reads 9:17. I slowly pull myself out of his embrace after a few minutes of struggling. The slow, steady beep from the heart monitor is the only sound in the room. After using the bathroom and making myself look semi-decent, despite the fact that I'm wearing clothes that are too big, I make my way out of the room.

A nurse at the nursing station sees me and smiles.

"Good morning, I'm Laura. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Yes, um... I was wondering if you happen to have an idea as to what time businesses open around here?" I keep my voice hushed, not wanting to wake anyone.

"I want to say around 8-8:30."

"Thank you Laura. I'm Aria." I smile.

"No problem."

I make my way back into the room and grab everything I brought with me. I plan on running home so I can get some of my own clothes.

Stepping outside the city sounds make their way into my ears. My feet carry me down the cracked and faded sidewalk, in between bustling people. A small coffee shop catches my attention and I mentally note to pick up some coffee when I return. The once full parking lot now only holds a few cars including mine.

The thirty five minute drive to my apartment gave me time to think about Xavier. About his condition. His past. Valentina. Sighing, I turn off my car and head into the complex.

I check my mail then begin the elevator ride to my floor. Unlocking my door, I step in and drop everything on the table beside me. I set down the mail on the dining room table and make my way to my room.

I pick out a pair of black leggings, a white t-shirt and my grey Nike sneakers. I brush my hair and pull it back into a messy bun, hoping it doesn't look like a birds nest. The shower will have to wait until later today as much as I dislike it. I need to get back to the hospital as soon as possible before Xavier has an aneurysm looking for me.

I take a seat on my couch and go through the mail. Nothing screams out at me so I toss it on the coffee table. My thoughts go wild again as I think about Valentina.

What was their past? Why didn't Mason tell me when her name came up in conversation? Is she back in his life?

I know we haven't been dating for that long but this is not how I want to start our relationship. I don't want to spend it thinking about Xavier's ex, about if she's going to come wiggling back in his life. I don't want to be thinking about the 'what ifs'.

I grab my keys, wallet and make my way out of my apartment. Hopping into my car I drive to Coffee Magic. I grab a coffee for myself, a coffee for Xavier along with two breakfast sandwiches. On the way to the hospital, it starts to rain and a weird feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. Stepping on the gas a little I pull into the hospital parking garage. I take a deep breath before exiting the car. I grab the bags and make a beeline to the doors, the rain cooling my flushed skin.

Speed walking into the elevator, I press the button to  Xavier's floor. The ride seems to take forever making me even more anxious. My foot starts to incessantly tap the floor as I try to remain calm. When I finally hear the familiar ping of the elevator, I launch myself out the doors and toward Xavier's hospital room. As I step through the doorway my left shoulder rams into a whirlwind of blonde.

"I'm so sorry!" I turn with my eyes wide but the blonde whirlwind is just barreling her way to the elevator, not even bothering to take my apology.