“I know you’re in there. Scarlett’s convinced you want to talk and something’s preventing you. In the meantime, can you shake your head or nod? I don’t want to upset you or do something you’re not ready for. Can we make a deal?”
Hannah gazed at him. He saw the pain and raw emotion, breaking his heart.
“When I first came to see you, you didn’t move. Now, you’re petting Nine like a champ. Nodding or shaking your head only means you’re moving other body parts. There’s no commitment or obligation. It’s you and me finding a way to communicate. I know I’d like that more than anything,” he assured her.
Hannah blinked, and her head moved slightly, nodding.
He grinned. “See. One step at a time, Hannah.”
Hannah nodded again. The movement seemed slight, and the average person might’ve missed it, but he saw it. He noticed her.
“Do you not like the food here? Did Scarlett tell you her husband’s a chef? Man, he can cook like no tomorrow. Ty’s known for his steaks at the restaurant. Brody, on the other hand, loves hamburgers. Me, I’m more of a meat and potatoes guy. My mom makes the best meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Are you one of those ladies who enjoys those foo-foo drinks?” Cole regarded her when she didn’t move. “Nah. I picture you more of a wine girl.”
This time her head shook back and forth.
“No? Hmmm. I definitely don’t see you as a beer woman,” he surmised.
She slightly nodded.
“Really? Holy cow, you’re full of surprises. Anything else I should know?” he asked, excitedly. She responded to his questions cautiously, but he saw the delight in her eyes as he teased her.
“Hmmm. What about food? Please tell me you aren’t a salad girl,” he pleaded exaggeratedly.
He waited and was rewarded by a slight upward turn of her lips, not quite a smile, but still a prize for his effort.
“Thank goodness. Nothing drives me crazier than a girl who counts every single calorie. Back to the food, what about steak?” he asked.
She nodded slightly.
Brody wagged his tail as if he realized they made progress with Hannah.
“You like it, but it’s not your favorite. Hmmm…” he said, tapping his finger to his chin, trying to guess correctly.
“What about hot dogs? Ya gotta like those when ya watch a game. Oops, wait a minute. Do you hate baseball and football?” he asked.
She slowly shook her head. Brody barked, waking the young pup in her arms. She jumped down and Brody nosed her, playing.
Hannah watched the scene while Cole regarded her. Light shone where darkness previously lived.
“Hi Hannah,” a nurse entered the room. “It’s time for your medication,” she announced.
The sparkle diminished in a heartbeat. Cole knew she retreated into herself. He rose and smiled. “I’d better get going,” he said, attaching the leash to the younger dog and signaling for Brody to follow. “Goodnight, Hannah.”
He paused as he saw the brief flash of terror in her eyes. What caused it? “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he assured her before leaving.
CHAPTER 14
Cole finishedwith his workout at the facility. Brody disappeared while he showered and changed. He took the stairs two at a time, searching for the troublemaker.
“Where’s the bacon?” Knight asked.
“It’s on the counter,” Patch replied as he set the table.
“Try again, genius,” Knight said as he checked again.
“Who pissed in your cereal this morning?” Patch asked. “Last time I checked Sparky’s the only blind one here.”
“Yeah, the rest of you are dumb,” Sparky replied.
