“Dylan, my son, is dating Lizzie,” explained the doctor.
“Ah, I see. I think Lizzie is the attraction at our house for Dylan,” said Tasha diplomatically.
“I think there’s more than one attraction for a teenage boy there.” Stan grinned while Jim muttered something to himself.
“Can I get rid of some of these things?” Tasha gestured to the machines and equipment at the other end of the wires and leads that were attached to her.
“Soon. I'll run the tests and if they come back clear we can lose most of them,” said the doctor as he turned to leave. “Oh, and don't let him up on the furniture.” He laughed, pointing to Jim.
“He seems nice,” said Tasha as Stan left.
“Mmm, if you say so, but he is a very good doctor. Your grandparents are on their way over,” he suddenly announced.
“From London? They didn't have to do that.” Smiled Tasha, hoping against all hopes that her family would not overreact or make a fuss.
“No, not London, from our house. They're staying there, have been since they got here the day after your accident. Dan and Pippa too, but Ryan and Lucy had to go back earlier in the week. Everyone has been so worried about you.”
“Are they all okay?” She reached up to stroke his face that felt like sandpaper courtesy of not shaving for what she guessed was several days.
“I think they're all fine. Sandra and Mike are taking care of them,” he reassured her.
“And you?” She looked worried for and about him.
“I can look after myself so long as I have you. Mike brings your family in and he brings me a change of clothes and food parcels from Sandra, so I am fine.”
“When did you last go home and sleep?” Tasha yawned again, absolutely exhausted once more which was ridiculous considering the short amount of time she’d been awake.
“I haven't been home since you got here, baby. I’ve slept here with you.”
Tasha felt tearful again at his show of love and devotion to her. She could only imagine how difficult the days following her crash had proved to be for her crazy control freak fiancé, when the truth was he would have had no control over anything, least of all her.
“You are so much more than I deserve.” Tears escaped and ran down her face again.
“Hey, I'm the one who doesn't deserve you, but I’m not letting you go so we're stuck with each other.” He landed a single, delicate kiss to the end of her nose.
Chloe, the nurse, appeared in the doorway. “Tasha, I need to take some bloods, check your vitals again and give you a shot.” She smiled and gestured for Jim to leave.
He stood firm and as the two of them locked their sights on each other Tasha laughed a little.
“There's someone you may want to speak to waiting outside,” Chloe said to Jim with an air of mystery.
“I'm staying here,” he said stubbornly.
“Detective Masterson is outside waiting to speak with Tasha.”
“The hell he is! Not today. Stay here with Tasha while I go and tell Masterson where to go.” He stormed out leaving a confused Tasha looking at Chloe as she drew some blood.
“Is he always so bossy?” Chloe smiled, probably not needing that question answering or suspicion confirming.
“He hasn't even got out of neutral yet.” Laughed Tasha, attempting to do so without it hurting. “I should point out that I usually bring out the worst in him where the bossy, control freak is concerned.”
“He has barely left this room since you got here. He has security here too and he checks your visitors in and out, he times them and rotates them then sends them all home and sleeps here, over there in that chair, although I don't think he sleeps all that much because he watches you for any movement or sign of change. He loves you and I hope one day I’ll find a guy that loves me half as much as he does you.” She smiled, readjusting the sheets as Tasha rolled over slowly and cautiously for her shot.
Tasha smiled up at the nurse as she covered andtidiedher and decided that the pretty, young blonde nurse with pale blue, almost grey eyes was about twenty-five and quite petite at probably only five feet and one hundred and ten pounds, but happy to stand toe to toe with Jim if need be and looked as though she’d be quite fearsome.
The door flew open, startling Tasha momentarily until she realised it was Pippa running towards her.
“Tash, you're awake. You're okay,” she cried as she threw herself across Tasha's chest winding her slightly, but she seemed not to notice, unlike Chloe.
