Chapter 51
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
Lexi
“Follow the light,” a man in a lab coat asks me as he drags a tiny light over my left eye then my right. “We’re gonna need a head CT.”
Several people move around the room, but with my head in a neck brace it’s difficult to see most everything.
I continue to feel hands touching me, accessing my injuries I am sure.
Honestly the only things that hurt are my shoulder and my hip. The burn on my shoulder from the seat belt and the banging around as I rolled, my hip smacking hard against the center console. The entire thing felt as if it was in slow motion. It’s like it’s playing again and again in my head.
I wince when someone touches my left arm and again when they press my side.
“We need an ultrasound of the abdomen to rule out any internal bleeding,” someone directs and with each announced possibility my heart rate spikes. All I keep thinking is I feel fine. Achy yes, beat up a bit, of course, I mean my car rolled over.
“Hey you.” I feel someone grip my hand and look over to find Adley at my side. “If you wanted to come see me at work you could have stopped in for coffee. There really was no need for this grand entrance.” She forces a smile and I notice the unshed tears in her eyes.
“I’m fine,” I assure her and notice how her eyes shift up to look at the monitor above my head.
“Of course you’re fine,” she adds, still offering that most fake smile I’ve ever witnessed Adley possess. “But just to be sure we are going to run tests and clear you from head to toe.”
I roll my eyes and she laughs.
“I should also tell you that Bennett is on his way here and he’s gonna want to come back here.” I nod. “Good. Because I already told them when your husband gets here to call me.”
I furrow my brows.
“They will make him wait in the lobby otherwise,” she offers in explanation and I then understand.
I’m quickly shifted around from one place to another, getting test after test. They give me something for the pain that makes me drowsy and when I am settled into a room, I start to doze off.
I wake to the feeling of something lightly rubbing my hand and open my eyes to find Bennett sitting at my side.
“Hi,” I say and notice how hoarse my voice feels. My throat is scratchy which leads to a coughing fit. I’m wincing grabbing my side and rolling over trying my best to gain some control.
Bennett is up, grabbing the small glass of water and holding the straw in front of my mouth.
“Here,” he insists and I take a small sip.
I close my eyes, lay my head back against my pillow and focus on my breathing. Once I’m calm, I again peek over at him and find him watching me with concern. His eyes are narrowed and the frown lines on his forward are so definite as he leans closer.
Gently cupping my face, he begins to scan over me from head to toe and back again.
“I’m okay,” I tell him and he doesn’t seem to buy it at all.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, look at me.” I sense his worry. “Bennett, hey.” His attention once again lands on me. “Look at me.”
When I know I have his complete focus I assure him once more. “I’m okay.”
Standing up, he leans over and carefully presses a soft kiss to my lips. Resting his forehead to mine, he remains there, breathing me in.
“I swear to you I think I’ve been holding my breath since Sutton took that phone call.” Bennett looks completely lost, the light in his eyes dimmed as concern and maybe fear cloud them. “Damn it Lex, I was terrified,” he adds and it’s then I feel his turmoil.
“But I’m okay.”
“I’m never letting you out of my sight again.” He shows not even one ounce of humor.
“You are insane,” I tell him with a smile.
“No, I just can’t lose you.” He continues to slowly breathe me in, hugging me a little too tightly. “I can’t lose you,” he repeats and I give him the time he needs.
“I’m right here,” I assure him once more.
“I know,” he whispers, lifting his head to press his lips to mine again. “Tonight, I am staying at your place.” It wasn’t a question. “You, me, and Cam are camping out in the living room, so I can make sure that you both are safe.”
“Bennett, I—”
“Give me this, Lex,” he interrupts me. “Please, just give me this.”
I don’t argue, instead I give him exactly what he is needing. Because to be honest I think I need it just as much.