Cross Your Mind, page 31
“Oh god.” Tracy covered her mouth.
“Does she require a specialist?” I asked, trying to hold onto the few remaining threads of my composure. “Whatever she needs, I’ll see to it.”
“I promise you she’s being well looked after. We have an excellent neurologist seeing to her, but with a severe head injury, the real test is time. We won’t know what we’re dealing with until she’s awake.”
“She’ll be okay,” I whispered. “Nancy’s a fighter.”
“She is,” Tracy croaked.
Winston took her hand. “She’s as tough as they come.”
“Nancy is young, healthy, and reached us quickly,” Rohan added. “What she needs now is time.”
“I want to see my little girl.” Tracy wiped the tears from her face.
“Of course, I’ll take you through.”
When Rohan led us to the ICU, my heart hollowed. Nancy was attached to an IV and various monitors. Her ankle was braced, and bandages covered the wounds on her arm and back. She looked ashen and lifeless, but when I touched her face, she felt warm. Her chest rose and fell with calm breaths, and her heart rate pinged rhythmically from the monitor. The thought of her alone, in a perpetual dream, was too much. All I wanted to do at that moment was climb inside her mind to reassure her.
Tracy took her daughter’s hand. “Please don’t leave, baby,” she whispered. “I need you.”
I sat beside her, keeping my hands on the rail to avoid disturbing the tubes and wires trailing off my girlfriend. “I’ll ensure she gets everything she needs.”
Tracy patted my hand.
51. NANCY
A THIN SHAFT OF LIGHT was the first thing I was aware of. My eyes were slits, gritty from sleep, but after a minute, I managed to open them wider. Daylight blurred across my vision from a broad window. Then, I became aware of colours. Pale green walls surrounded me, accentuated by vase upon vase of vibrant bouquets. My arms rested on crisp laundered sheets while I reclined on an electric bed.
Then, the smell hit me.
It was so similar to Alex’s cologne that my lips curled into a smile. I spotted the reed diffuser on the table beside me, next to several bright cards wishing me a speedy recovery. When I turned, I found Alex dozing next to me.
I shifted to touch him, but the movement of a tube stopped me. When I looked down, I saw a cannula taped to my hand. A shudder travelled through me. “Alex,” I said in a raspy voice I barely recognised. “Alex,” I managed a little louder.
Alex stirred, then his eyes slowly opened. He bolted upright. “You’re awake!”
“Where am I?”
“In the hospital. You had an accident.” He brushed my face like he was checking I was real.
“Have you been waiting here?”
“Yes, and Tracy too. How are you feeling?”
“I don’t know…hazy, stiff,” I said, trying to sit up.
Alex stopped me. “You need to stay still until the doctor checks you over. You have a bad concussion.” He raised his hand. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
“Um, I’m not sure…maybe six.”
The corner of his mouth rose, and he tapped my nose with a single digit. “You’re fine, thank goodness.”
I gave him a groggy grin, then my brow furrowed. “I was gonna see Mum.”
“That’s right. You were riding to World’s End.”
An image flashed: a chrome grille, a split-second reaction. “There was a car. It was coming at me.”
“It was Mimi. She tried to kill you. But you’re safe, she’s in custody.”
“What?” I said in disbelief. “She’s lost it.”
“I helped push her there, and you paid the price. Now, I’ll make sure she pays for what she did,” Alex said grimly.
I clocked his creased clothes, long stubble, and hollow jade eyes. “I’m so happy to wake up to you.” I took his hand, rubbing my thumb over his knuckles.
“That makes two of us, bella.” His expression soothed as he watched me, then he rose and poured a cup of water. “Only take little sips. It’s been some time since you last drank,” he instructed with his usual authority.
Smiling to myself, I sipped, feeling the pleasant coolness waking my throat. I looked about the sizable room. “This is pretty nice for a hospital.”
“I didn’t want you to wake in a ward smelling of antiseptic.”
“Mission accomplished, it smells like you in here. A girl could get used to it.”
He looked longingly at me. “God, I’ve missed you.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look kinda rough. I’m not complaining. There has to be a first time for everything.” I imagined what I looked like and felt grateful that no mirrors were positioned nearby.
“I haven’t slept much, but I will now I know you’re okay.” He traced my lips with the pad of his thumb. “I hope you realise I’m never letting you out of my sight.”
“What if I need to pee?”
Alex rested back beside me. “I think you have a catheter for that.”
“You always tell me the sweetest things, boo,” I laughed hoarsely. My bright expression brought tears to his eyes. Reaching over, I stroked the rough stubble on his cheek. “It’s okay, Alex. I’m safe.”
“Yes, you are.” He tried to compose himself. “I’ve been a fool about everything, and you’re the one who’s paid the price. But I promise you, things will be different. Better.
“We both walked into this blind, but that’s probably the most normal thing about us.”
A tear trailed down Alex’s cheek, and I wiped it away with my thumb. “I can’t believe I almost lost the most beautiful person I’ve ever met—inside and out.”
I laughed. “It’s been a long wait if you find me hot in a lilac hospital gown.”
“I would find you delectable in a clown suit, and they scare the shit out of me.”
I burst out with a raspy laugh, and Alex moved in, brushing my lips. As always, I was a feast to his famine.
52. NANCY
I RECOVERED WELL OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS. Mum stayed with me through the day while Alex went to the office to tide things over before returning to spend each night beside me. I slept soundly, nuzzling into his neck, Alex tucked in on the opposite side of my injuries.
Each day, my broken rib felt a little better, but I was told my ankle, which had required a plate to be fitted, would take longer to heal. Alex had already arranged for a physiotherapist to work with me at his home gym.
When Rohan came by on his rounds, he seemed happy with my progress. He said I’d need to make a few lifestyle changes to live well without a spleen, but many people did so without an issue. I couldn’t thank him enough for saving my life, and I suspected he’d helped Alex pull the right strings to organise the private room with limitless visiting hours. I made a mental note to ask Ayesha what he liked to show our appreciation properly.
Ayesha and David visited over the weekend, sharing updates and relaying the latest office gossip. I was gutted I’d miss a month of the audit, but David reassured me everything was in hand and I’d be welcomed back as soon as I was ready.
Kim came by most days after work, often accompanied by William. We played cards while the brothers showed us the best counting methods for Blackjack. To our amusement, Kim took notes.
It was over a week before Jemima and AJ visited. They put on a good front, but I could tell things were strained. I knew I couldn’t put off discussing what had happened at the garden party forever, but I didn’t bring it up. I needed all my strength for that ‘chat’. I only hoped we could return to how we were, though my gut told me otherwise.
Evan was the last to visit. He fumbled with his words and looked more uncomfortable than I’d ever seen him. I smiled and took his hand. “You’re my guardian angel, you know.”
“No, Ms Cooper, just a man in the right place at the right time,” Evan said humbly as the edge of his lips rose into a smile.
I cosied up with Alex to watch Quantum of Solace the evening before I was discharged, but while I was engrossed in the twisting plot and spicy chemistry between 007 and Agent Camille, Alex seemed distant. “You okay? You’re very quiet.”
When he looked over, I could see something was on his mind. He took the remote from my hand, paused the movie, and stood. “Nancy, I’ve been meaning to… That is to say…” He ran his hands through his hair and began to pace.
His unease made my stomach churn. “What’s going on?”
He swallowed, then his face was resolved. Coming to my side, he took my hand. “I want to take care of you.”
“You have already.” I smiled gratefully.
“No, I mean I want to be the one who cares for you. I want you to live with me.”
I considered for all of a moment, but that was all it took to know it was exactly what I wanted too. “That’s a big step, but it doesn’t frighten me.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” Alex said softly. “Because I have something else I want to ask you.” He lowered onto one knee and removed a heart box from his pocket.
“Alex?” I trembled.
He smiled reassuringly and opened the lid. Inside was the enormous emerald engagement ring he’d shown me all those weeks ago as he pleaded his case.
“Nancy Cooper, you’re the most brilliant, gorgeous, and authentic woman I’ve ever met. My heart his yours, always. Now I’m asking if you’ll have my hand?”
53. ALEX
NANCY GAZED, WIDE-EYED AND OPEN MOUTHED, at the ring I’d been carrying around for the past two weeks, unable to find the right moment to propose. The scenario was about as far removed from romantic as I could have wished, but still, here we were, bound to one another—heart and soul. I knew I couldn’t wait a moment longer to make it official.
Tears ran down her cheeks, then her eyes met mine, and she broke into a huge grin. “Yes, you soppy fool, I’ll marry you!”
“Thank you, bella donna.” I framed her face in wonder and drew her in for a reverent kiss. When I moved back, I caught her provocative expression.
“I asked the nurse when it would be okay for us to—”
“And?” My eyes grew keen.
“As soon as I’m discharged, provided we’re not too reckless.”
“Good to know, I have some fun and games planned for us.”
She pulled back with a confounded laugh. “Like what?”
“Patience, darling. A little delayed gratification never hurt anyone, and making love with my wife will make it all the more satisfying.”
“I know our track record, but I hope we’re planning a longer engagement than one day.”
“We could always elope. You, me, and a golden beach somewhere far away. You can wear your scandalous bikini.”
“Sounds heavenly,” she laughed and grazed against my lips. “But Mum would kill me. In fact, she may keel over when I tell her we’re engaged.”
“She already knows.” I smiled at her shocked expression. “I sought her permission. I am a stuffy traditionalist, after all.”
“You think of everything, don’t you?”
“I do my best,” I said as I removed the ring and slid it onto her finger. It fit perfectly, having already been resized. “Every generation of Tovertons has proposed with this ring, and now it’s my turn.”
“And what about your family?” she said uncertainly.
“Our marriage will work because we love each other. That’s all that matters.” I took her hands. “And, when the day comes, you will be a duchess.”
“But I don’t know the first thing about being a duchess.”
“You’ll be perfect just as you are.”
Nancy smiled softly, trying to keep her composure. “How do you always know the right thing to say?”
“Just wise for my age.” I winked.
END OF PART ONE
I hope you enjoyed reading Cross Your Mind. If you have a moment to leave a review, it would mean a lot to me as an indie author.
Find out what happens next for Nancy and Alex in book two of the Little x Trilogy. Coming Summer 2026:
CROSS
YOUR HEART
To keep updated, sign up for Natalie Morgan’s newsletter and receive a free London Loves novella.
Acknowledgments
I’m hugely appreciative of my editors, who have taken the raw concept of Cross Your Mind and helped me bring it into the world as a debut author. Nicky, thanks for your developmental prowess and supportive energy. Eanna of Kilmari Publishing, your linguistic talents and eye for detail are superb. And Grace, thank you for your last-minute proofread.
Aubrey, your beautiful cover design and illustrations have brought Nancy and Alex from the page into the world. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Massive thanks to Tasha, CA, Jess, Kaylia, and Louise for reading the novel in its early (very rough!) stages and giving me the confidence and direction to keep building Nancy and Alex’s love story.
To the many people who shared their personal lived experiences and professional stories with me, this novel would be a shadow of what it is without your honesty and generosity.
Chris, thank you for always being my champion and helping fight off that little devil called impostor syndrome.
And last, but certainly not least, thank you to Rape Crisis England & Wales for always fighting for sexual abuse survivors through your lobbying, advocacy, and support services.
About The Author
Natalie Morgan writes swoon-worthy class gap love stories full of heart, humour, and spice, set in the kaleidoscope of London. Enjoying a healthy diet of BBC period dramas, Jane Austen, and Mills and Boon, Natalie’s love affair with romance started early and has never stopped. She blends this classic feel into a gritty cityscape where her protagonists overcome dark times together. Expect charismatic, cinnamon roll heroes, obstinate, headstrong heroines, and lots of steamy chemistry!
Keep in touch at:
nataliemorganauthor.com
Facebook
Instagram
goodreads
Natalie Morgan, Cross Your Mind
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“Does she require a specialist?” I asked, trying to hold onto the few remaining threads of my composure. “Whatever she needs, I’ll see to it.”
“I promise you she’s being well looked after. We have an excellent neurologist seeing to her, but with a severe head injury, the real test is time. We won’t know what we’re dealing with until she’s awake.”
“She’ll be okay,” I whispered. “Nancy’s a fighter.”
“She is,” Tracy croaked.
Winston took her hand. “She’s as tough as they come.”
“Nancy is young, healthy, and reached us quickly,” Rohan added. “What she needs now is time.”
“I want to see my little girl.” Tracy wiped the tears from her face.
“Of course, I’ll take you through.”
When Rohan led us to the ICU, my heart hollowed. Nancy was attached to an IV and various monitors. Her ankle was braced, and bandages covered the wounds on her arm and back. She looked ashen and lifeless, but when I touched her face, she felt warm. Her chest rose and fell with calm breaths, and her heart rate pinged rhythmically from the monitor. The thought of her alone, in a perpetual dream, was too much. All I wanted to do at that moment was climb inside her mind to reassure her.
Tracy took her daughter’s hand. “Please don’t leave, baby,” she whispered. “I need you.”
I sat beside her, keeping my hands on the rail to avoid disturbing the tubes and wires trailing off my girlfriend. “I’ll ensure she gets everything she needs.”
Tracy patted my hand.
51. NANCY
A THIN SHAFT OF LIGHT was the first thing I was aware of. My eyes were slits, gritty from sleep, but after a minute, I managed to open them wider. Daylight blurred across my vision from a broad window. Then, I became aware of colours. Pale green walls surrounded me, accentuated by vase upon vase of vibrant bouquets. My arms rested on crisp laundered sheets while I reclined on an electric bed.
Then, the smell hit me.
It was so similar to Alex’s cologne that my lips curled into a smile. I spotted the reed diffuser on the table beside me, next to several bright cards wishing me a speedy recovery. When I turned, I found Alex dozing next to me.
I shifted to touch him, but the movement of a tube stopped me. When I looked down, I saw a cannula taped to my hand. A shudder travelled through me. “Alex,” I said in a raspy voice I barely recognised. “Alex,” I managed a little louder.
Alex stirred, then his eyes slowly opened. He bolted upright. “You’re awake!”
“Where am I?”
“In the hospital. You had an accident.” He brushed my face like he was checking I was real.
“Have you been waiting here?”
“Yes, and Tracy too. How are you feeling?”
“I don’t know…hazy, stiff,” I said, trying to sit up.
Alex stopped me. “You need to stay still until the doctor checks you over. You have a bad concussion.” He raised his hand. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
“Um, I’m not sure…maybe six.”
The corner of his mouth rose, and he tapped my nose with a single digit. “You’re fine, thank goodness.”
I gave him a groggy grin, then my brow furrowed. “I was gonna see Mum.”
“That’s right. You were riding to World’s End.”
An image flashed: a chrome grille, a split-second reaction. “There was a car. It was coming at me.”
“It was Mimi. She tried to kill you. But you’re safe, she’s in custody.”
“What?” I said in disbelief. “She’s lost it.”
“I helped push her there, and you paid the price. Now, I’ll make sure she pays for what she did,” Alex said grimly.
I clocked his creased clothes, long stubble, and hollow jade eyes. “I’m so happy to wake up to you.” I took his hand, rubbing my thumb over his knuckles.
“That makes two of us, bella.” His expression soothed as he watched me, then he rose and poured a cup of water. “Only take little sips. It’s been some time since you last drank,” he instructed with his usual authority.
Smiling to myself, I sipped, feeling the pleasant coolness waking my throat. I looked about the sizable room. “This is pretty nice for a hospital.”
“I didn’t want you to wake in a ward smelling of antiseptic.”
“Mission accomplished, it smells like you in here. A girl could get used to it.”
He looked longingly at me. “God, I’ve missed you.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look kinda rough. I’m not complaining. There has to be a first time for everything.” I imagined what I looked like and felt grateful that no mirrors were positioned nearby.
“I haven’t slept much, but I will now I know you’re okay.” He traced my lips with the pad of his thumb. “I hope you realise I’m never letting you out of my sight.”
“What if I need to pee?”
Alex rested back beside me. “I think you have a catheter for that.”
“You always tell me the sweetest things, boo,” I laughed hoarsely. My bright expression brought tears to his eyes. Reaching over, I stroked the rough stubble on his cheek. “It’s okay, Alex. I’m safe.”
“Yes, you are.” He tried to compose himself. “I’ve been a fool about everything, and you’re the one who’s paid the price. But I promise you, things will be different. Better.
“We both walked into this blind, but that’s probably the most normal thing about us.”
A tear trailed down Alex’s cheek, and I wiped it away with my thumb. “I can’t believe I almost lost the most beautiful person I’ve ever met—inside and out.”
I laughed. “It’s been a long wait if you find me hot in a lilac hospital gown.”
“I would find you delectable in a clown suit, and they scare the shit out of me.”
I burst out with a raspy laugh, and Alex moved in, brushing my lips. As always, I was a feast to his famine.
52. NANCY
I RECOVERED WELL OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS. Mum stayed with me through the day while Alex went to the office to tide things over before returning to spend each night beside me. I slept soundly, nuzzling into his neck, Alex tucked in on the opposite side of my injuries.
Each day, my broken rib felt a little better, but I was told my ankle, which had required a plate to be fitted, would take longer to heal. Alex had already arranged for a physiotherapist to work with me at his home gym.
When Rohan came by on his rounds, he seemed happy with my progress. He said I’d need to make a few lifestyle changes to live well without a spleen, but many people did so without an issue. I couldn’t thank him enough for saving my life, and I suspected he’d helped Alex pull the right strings to organise the private room with limitless visiting hours. I made a mental note to ask Ayesha what he liked to show our appreciation properly.
Ayesha and David visited over the weekend, sharing updates and relaying the latest office gossip. I was gutted I’d miss a month of the audit, but David reassured me everything was in hand and I’d be welcomed back as soon as I was ready.
Kim came by most days after work, often accompanied by William. We played cards while the brothers showed us the best counting methods for Blackjack. To our amusement, Kim took notes.
It was over a week before Jemima and AJ visited. They put on a good front, but I could tell things were strained. I knew I couldn’t put off discussing what had happened at the garden party forever, but I didn’t bring it up. I needed all my strength for that ‘chat’. I only hoped we could return to how we were, though my gut told me otherwise.
Evan was the last to visit. He fumbled with his words and looked more uncomfortable than I’d ever seen him. I smiled and took his hand. “You’re my guardian angel, you know.”
“No, Ms Cooper, just a man in the right place at the right time,” Evan said humbly as the edge of his lips rose into a smile.
I cosied up with Alex to watch Quantum of Solace the evening before I was discharged, but while I was engrossed in the twisting plot and spicy chemistry between 007 and Agent Camille, Alex seemed distant. “You okay? You’re very quiet.”
When he looked over, I could see something was on his mind. He took the remote from my hand, paused the movie, and stood. “Nancy, I’ve been meaning to… That is to say…” He ran his hands through his hair and began to pace.
His unease made my stomach churn. “What’s going on?”
He swallowed, then his face was resolved. Coming to my side, he took my hand. “I want to take care of you.”
“You have already.” I smiled gratefully.
“No, I mean I want to be the one who cares for you. I want you to live with me.”
I considered for all of a moment, but that was all it took to know it was exactly what I wanted too. “That’s a big step, but it doesn’t frighten me.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” Alex said softly. “Because I have something else I want to ask you.” He lowered onto one knee and removed a heart box from his pocket.
“Alex?” I trembled.
He smiled reassuringly and opened the lid. Inside was the enormous emerald engagement ring he’d shown me all those weeks ago as he pleaded his case.
“Nancy Cooper, you’re the most brilliant, gorgeous, and authentic woman I’ve ever met. My heart his yours, always. Now I’m asking if you’ll have my hand?”
53. ALEX
NANCY GAZED, WIDE-EYED AND OPEN MOUTHED, at the ring I’d been carrying around for the past two weeks, unable to find the right moment to propose. The scenario was about as far removed from romantic as I could have wished, but still, here we were, bound to one another—heart and soul. I knew I couldn’t wait a moment longer to make it official.
Tears ran down her cheeks, then her eyes met mine, and she broke into a huge grin. “Yes, you soppy fool, I’ll marry you!”
“Thank you, bella donna.” I framed her face in wonder and drew her in for a reverent kiss. When I moved back, I caught her provocative expression.
“I asked the nurse when it would be okay for us to—”
“And?” My eyes grew keen.
“As soon as I’m discharged, provided we’re not too reckless.”
“Good to know, I have some fun and games planned for us.”
She pulled back with a confounded laugh. “Like what?”
“Patience, darling. A little delayed gratification never hurt anyone, and making love with my wife will make it all the more satisfying.”
“I know our track record, but I hope we’re planning a longer engagement than one day.”
“We could always elope. You, me, and a golden beach somewhere far away. You can wear your scandalous bikini.”
“Sounds heavenly,” she laughed and grazed against my lips. “But Mum would kill me. In fact, she may keel over when I tell her we’re engaged.”
“She already knows.” I smiled at her shocked expression. “I sought her permission. I am a stuffy traditionalist, after all.”
“You think of everything, don’t you?”
“I do my best,” I said as I removed the ring and slid it onto her finger. It fit perfectly, having already been resized. “Every generation of Tovertons has proposed with this ring, and now it’s my turn.”
“And what about your family?” she said uncertainly.
“Our marriage will work because we love each other. That’s all that matters.” I took her hands. “And, when the day comes, you will be a duchess.”
“But I don’t know the first thing about being a duchess.”
“You’ll be perfect just as you are.”
Nancy smiled softly, trying to keep her composure. “How do you always know the right thing to say?”
“Just wise for my age.” I winked.
END OF PART ONE
I hope you enjoyed reading Cross Your Mind. If you have a moment to leave a review, it would mean a lot to me as an indie author.
Find out what happens next for Nancy and Alex in book two of the Little x Trilogy. Coming Summer 2026:
CROSS
YOUR HEART
To keep updated, sign up for Natalie Morgan’s newsletter and receive a free London Loves novella.
Acknowledgments
I’m hugely appreciative of my editors, who have taken the raw concept of Cross Your Mind and helped me bring it into the world as a debut author. Nicky, thanks for your developmental prowess and supportive energy. Eanna of Kilmari Publishing, your linguistic talents and eye for detail are superb. And Grace, thank you for your last-minute proofread.
Aubrey, your beautiful cover design and illustrations have brought Nancy and Alex from the page into the world. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Massive thanks to Tasha, CA, Jess, Kaylia, and Louise for reading the novel in its early (very rough!) stages and giving me the confidence and direction to keep building Nancy and Alex’s love story.
To the many people who shared their personal lived experiences and professional stories with me, this novel would be a shadow of what it is without your honesty and generosity.
Chris, thank you for always being my champion and helping fight off that little devil called impostor syndrome.
And last, but certainly not least, thank you to Rape Crisis England & Wales for always fighting for sexual abuse survivors through your lobbying, advocacy, and support services.
About The Author
Natalie Morgan writes swoon-worthy class gap love stories full of heart, humour, and spice, set in the kaleidoscope of London. Enjoying a healthy diet of BBC period dramas, Jane Austen, and Mills and Boon, Natalie’s love affair with romance started early and has never stopped. She blends this classic feel into a gritty cityscape where her protagonists overcome dark times together. Expect charismatic, cinnamon roll heroes, obstinate, headstrong heroines, and lots of steamy chemistry!
Keep in touch at:
nataliemorganauthor.com
goodreads
Natalie Morgan, Cross Your Mind
