Chapter Twenty-Seven
T wo days came and went with Keira showing no signs of waking up. Daniel withdrew more every day and refused to leave at all. Vicki and Conner came several times, bringing food and clothing for Daniel. On the fourth day, Conner tried once again to get Daniel to leave for a bit.
Daniel raised his bloodshot eyes. “Conner, I know you mean well, but I’m not leaving her.”
“Jesus, man. Have you looked in the mirror lately? You’re going to scare the hell out of her. You’ve taken one quick shower in her bathroom, but you haven’t shaved, and your complexion is so pale you look ready to pass out. Have you lain down at all and slept?”
“I’ve slept.”
“You can’t get any decent rest sitting up in a chair with your head on her mattress. You’re going to implode, man, if you don’t take care of yourself.”
“I will when she wakes up. I just don’t want her to be alone.”
“Listen. Why don’t you pull the cot they brought in for you right next to her bed? You’ll be able to hear any movement or sound that close.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“When does her sister get back?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Have you talked to her at all?” Conner asked.
“Yeah. I called her after they moved her to this room. Logan and Layla were going to book the first flight back, but because of the weather in Europe, it was delayed a day.”
“Layla must be going crazy.”
Daniel nodded. “I know I would be if I were her.”
“What have you told her?”
“Just that she was attacked and in the hospital. I told her she had some cuts and a concussion and hadn’t woken up yet. Every day she calls, I have to tell her she still isn’t awake and then listen to her sob.” Daniel raised Keira’s hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her bandaged palm.
“I’m going to head out. Can I get you anything before I go?”
“No. A nurse brought me a sandwich and juice earlier. Oh, wait. I would like you to go to my place for more clean clothes and my shaving kit.” He rubbed his hand over his chin. “I think I’ll take your advice and shave and shower. I can do that here, so I won’t be far from her.”
“You got it, man. I’ll see you later.”
Later that afternoon, Daniel was startled awake, his hand running through his disheveled hair as his head lay on the bed beside her hip. He stood and stared down at Keira, who lay with her eyes slightly open and a confused look on her face. “Oh, my God, Keira. Thank you, God.” He leaned over the bed and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, choking back the sob lodged in his throat.
“Daniel ... where am I?”
“You’re in the hospital.”
“Why?”
“You don’t remember?”
She started to shake her head but gasped, telling him her head still hurt. Her hand flew to her head, but when she caught sight of the bandages on her hand, she froze.
“What happened, Daniel?”
Daniel reached over her and pushed the “call” button.
A voice came over the intercom above Keira’s head. “Can I help you?”
“Yes. Can you please page the doctor? Keira is awake.”
“Yes. We’ll be right in.”
Daniel leaned on the side of the mattress and curved an arm around Keira’s head. He closed his eyes to hold back the tears that burned under his eyelids.
“Daniel? Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” she asked.
Daniel kissed her forehead, then her cheek, and placed a soft kiss on her lips. His fingers slid gently through the hair on top of her head. “I want the doctor to see you first.”
Keira closed her heavy eyes and sighed. They slid open a moment later when the door to her room opened, admitting two nurses and an older doctor.
“Well, there you are, young lady. I’m Dr. Paulson. A lot of people have been waiting to see those pretty eyes.”
Keira’s head turned a bit, and her eyes flew to Daniel’s when he took a step back from the bed to allow a nurse to check some tubes.
“No, don’t go,” he said.
Daniel stepped around the nurse and laid a hand gently on Keira’s arm. “I’m not going anywhere, Sweetheart.”
Keira visibly relaxed before turning her head back to the doctor. “Can you tell me what happened?”
The doctor’s gaze flew to Daniel and then back to hers. “You don’t remember?”
Keira started to shake her head. “No, I don’t.”
“Well, young lady, let’s just say you had an accident, and until you can remember on your own, I’d rather no one tell you. It’s better for you. I also suggest you don’t push it. It will come when it’s ready.”
Keira’s eyes slid closed for a brief moment. “What are my injuries?”
Daniel looked at the doctor, concerned about what he’d say and whether it would scare her. He watched as she fought against the need for sleep.
“You’ve got a concussion and a lot of cuts and bruises. Nothing that won’t heal one hundred percent.” The doctor’s words drew down to a whisper as he watched her slide into sleep.
Dr. Paulson looked up at Daniel. “She’s going to sleep for a while. You have plenty of time to run home, shower, and rest.”
Daniel moved the chair back against the bed and sat, never losing his grip on her arm. “No, Doc, I’ll be here for the duration.”
The doctor was looking down at the chart the nurse had handed him and scribbled a few things before closing it. “You must love her very much?”
“Doc, you have no idea.”
“It’s nice to see a couple this much in love.” The doctor looked at him worried. “I’ll check in on her later this evening. If she wakes up again, push the ‘call’ button and they’ll page me.”
Daniel kept his gaze on Keira. “Sure thing, Doc.” He didn’t even hear them leave, all his attention on his woman. Daniel lay his head on the bed and let the tears of relief free. “Thank you, God.”