Chapter 2: The Girl is Now a Woman

A weird tingle in her chest snapped the nurse back to reality. When she saw Benjamin's hand on her chest, her face went beet red.

"You good?" Benjamin asked, all chill, not even thinking about moving his hand.

The nurse quickly got her bearings and yanked herself away from Benjamin, still blushing like crazy. "Yeah, I'm good, thanks!"

That's when Benjamin finally got a good look at her. She looked about twenty-five or twenty-six, with that grown-woman vibe. She had this rosy glow, perfectly arched brows, and big, bright eyes. Her lips were all red and kissable. And those full, firm breasts under her nurse's outfit? Yeah, his mind went there.

A few other nurses finally rushed over. The head nurse, still freaked out, asked, "Ava Williams, you alright?"

"Head nurse, I'm fine!"

So her name was Ava. Beautiful name for a beautiful woman, Benjamin thought.

"Quick, get security! We don't need him waking up and causing more drama!" one of the nurses said, eyeing the knocked-out middle-aged dude on the floor.

The hallway was buzzing with chatter, and some on-duty docs came out to see what was up. Taking advantage of the chaos, Benjamin slipped into the elevator and headed downstairs.

After ditching the hospital, Benjamin whipped out his phone and dialed up Emma. She picked up in no time. "Emma, it's Benjamin!"

"Benjamin? No way! When did you get back to the States? Why didn't you give me a heads-up? Where are you? I'll come get you."

Her rapid-fire questions made Benjamin feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

"Emma, chill. No need to go out of your way. Just drop me your address, and I'll head over."

Emma was tight with Daniel back in the day. Benjamin always thought highly of her—not just because she was a knockout, but she had a heart of gold too. He even considered playing matchmaker with Daniel, but then he found out she was already hitched, so he let it go.

Emma rattled off her address, and after some more chit-chat, they hung up. Benjamin made a beeline for Maplewood Community. As he strolled into the neighborhood, he couldn't help but notice how swanky it was—lush trees, super clean, and those high-rise buildings were no joke. Bet the property prices here were through the roof, he mused.

He found Emma's building and shot up to the eighteenth floor. Double-checking the apartment number, he rang the doorbell.

The door swung open, and Emma, beaming with joy, exclaimed, "Benjamin, you've shot up like a weed! I almost didn't recognize you. Come on in!"

Yeah, Benjamin had been just a scrawny fourteen or fifteen-year-old when he used to hang around the hospital. Now, at twenty-two, it would've been weird if he hadn't sprouted up.

Checking out Emma, Benjamin thought she hadn't aged a day. He grinned and said, "Emma, it's been forever, but you still look as young and gorgeous as ever. Even your figure's still on point!"

Emma was three years younger than Benjamin's dad, making her forty-two now. But she had kept herself in great shape—her chest was still perky, and her skin was smooth as ever. She looked like she was in her early thirties.

Inside, Emma handed Benjamin a pair of slippers, smiling as she said, "I've aged a ton! But you were always a smooth talker. Got a girlfriend yet?"

Benjamin gave a sheepish grin. "Not yet! Maybe you could hook me up with one of those nurses."

"Quit playing! You don't need me to set you up with anyone."

Emma clearly wasn't buying it. With his looks and height, Benjamin was definitely in the same league as those celebrity heartthrobs. If he didn't have a girlfriend, that'd be a shocker.

Benjamin didn't bother to explain. He thought to himself, not only do I not have a girlfriend, but I'm also still a virgin!

"Here, have some water," Emma said, handing a glass to Benjamin, who was lounging on the couch.

"Thanks!" Benjamin took a sip and got straight to the point. "Emma, I'm here to ask about Daniel. Do you know how he fell?"

Emma sighed, looking troubled. "I don't know much about what happened to Daniel. I only found out afterward. But he left something with me, saying that if you ever came back, I should give it to you. Let me go grab it; maybe it'll give you some answers."

Emma headed to her bedroom.

Just then, Benjamin noticed a door that had been closed was now open. Inside, a woman in her early twenties was nursing a baby. Her full, white breast was completely exposed, and Benjamin couldn't help but stare.

Sophia Brown hadn't expected a guest and turned red with embarrassment. She was about to snap but then realized this handsome guy looked familiar. After a moment, it clicked. "Are you Benjamin?"

"Sophia, don't you recognize me?" Benjamin's eyes were glued to Sophia's chest as he swallowed hard. "I can't believe you have a kid already!"

"Where are you looking?" Sophia blushed, noticing Benjamin's stare. "You haven't changed a bit; still such a perv!"

But Sophia didn't bother to cover up.