The nurse nods, “Welcome back, Mr. Sanders.”
I point to her water on the table. “Please?”
Reaching over she grabs the small cup, and pours it slowly on my lips. I try to gulp more, desperate for the relief on my throat. “No. Small sips and only a few. At least until the doctor comes in. Jesus the last two days have been hell. You scared the shit out of me.”
“What happened?”
“You got cross-checked. Hard as fuck. Went down and slammed your head on the ice. You had swelling from the concussion and they put you in a coma for a couple days.” Thatexplains why my head hurts so bad. “Kayce is worried about you. But I told him to wait until you were awake before he stormed up here.”
The doctor comes in and she steps away from the bed. “Mr. Sanders. It’s good to see you awake. I’m Dr. Powell. You suffered a pretty bad concussion along with a moderate traumatic brain injury. The swelling was pretty significant and we had to put you in a medically induced coma to help your brain heal. I need to run some tests on your eyes if that’s alright with you.”
I nod before he flashes a bright ass light in my eyes. I squeeze my eyes shut tightly in response.
“I’m sorry. I know it’s bright. But if you could keep your eyes open for just a moment.”
I nod once again, opening my eyes wide, trying to ward off the pain slicing through my brain with the light.
He points the light down and back up again, moving my head as he shines it back.
“Good. Your eyes are reacting just how we’d like them to. You were intubated, so your throat may be sore. You can sip on small amounts of water for now, and I’ll be back in just a bit with some more information. But I want you to rest for now, okay?”
“I promise.” He leaves, turning the overhead light off once again.
Charley stands off to the side, not coming back to me.
“Come here, sweets.” I pat the spot next to me.
She obliges, joining me. “They called me because I’m your wife.”
“I’m glad you’re here.” I smile weakly.
“I’m not your wife. We haven’t spoken in months.” She laces her fingers in mine.
“Not my choice. I’ve tried. I called you each time you sent me those damn papers.” She’s sent me divorce papers at least sixtimes. And I refuse to sign them each time. She doesn’t believe me that I’m not divorcing her stubborn ass.
“Sanders…” She sighs.
“What happened to the asshole who cross-checked me?” I change the topic. My head hurts too much, I don’t need to get my heart stomped on today too.
“He actually got arrested. It was on purpose. He’s out on bail now, but there’s charges pending.” I pull her down next to me and she lays her head on my chest.
She fights being loved so much, but no one deserves it more than she does.
“I didn’t like getting that call, stud.”
I push her hair off her cheek. “I didn’t leave you, sweets. I’m right here. I came back for you. I heard you begging for me to come back.”
The lone tear that was threatening to break free slides down her cheek as she giggles, swatting at my stomach. “Would it kill you to not be so cocky?”
“It just might.” I lean down kissing the top of her head, but wince when I do. The pressure of moving feels like my brain is going to burst through my eyeball.
Resting my head back on the pillow, she sits up. “Are you okay? I’m going to get the nurse.”
Before I can respond she’s off and running to fix me. I wish she’d see herself how I do. She’s the most caring woman I know, but she masks it with crude humor, and sex. Not that I complain about the sex part, I just make sure she knows she’s more than sex. She had hooked me from the minute I found out she tricked me into calling Coach every night at eight to saygoodnight.I only found out after he reamed me up one side and down the other for interrupting his nights. Charley gave me the blow job of my life to make up for it, but I was a goner even before that.The day I convinced her to go on an actual date with me she threatened to take my balls if I told anyone.
Looking back, I must be crazy, but that only drew me in closer to her.
“Hey there, heard you’re experiencing some pain?” The nurse puts on gloves that are housed by the door.
