His mum stood and beamed at Mel. “Thank you for being here for Maddy. I was a mess, and it was so reassuring to know that Ben’s friends were all here to help.”
All except one. Ben didn’t allow the thought to get him down, because that was changing. Today. Well, as soon as they let him out of this place. He was going to fix things between him and Spence once and for all. He’d been so stupid to let things get this far, and it was time for him to face his fear.
“Visiting hours are nearly over,” his mum said, fussing over his sheet and straightening the top where it folded over the blanket. “We need to leave soon, but Maddy and I will come back to pick you up in the morning. We’ll tidy up your bedroom tonight and put on fresh sheets, so it’ll be all ready for you tomorrow.”
“Huh? There’s no need. I only just changed the bed.”
His mum clucked her tongue. “Your old room, darling. Back at home.”
Obviously, he should have known his mum would want to take him home and look after him. “Mum, I’m not going to stay with you. I’m going back to my own place.”
Maddy grinned at him and raised her brows. She gave him a look that saidgood luck winning Mum over on this one.
Yep, he was going to be in for a hard battle if he was going to get his way.
* * *
Spence wrinkledhis nose as it was assaulted by that particular smell that all hospitals have, that blend of something ugly masked with the scent of antiseptic. The air conditioning recycled the cool, slightly sickly smell throughout the building, and his stomach churned.God, I feel sick.The smell, combined with the bland colouring from floor to walls, gave the whole place a sterile feel. Spence briefly took it all in as he paused to inquire at the reception desk before heading to the second floor.
Anxious to reach Ben, he avoided the elevator and took the stairs, bounding up two stairs at a time until he exited into the long, stark corridor.
He’d worked himself up into quite a state during the couple of hours he’d been in the car. The only thing on his mind had been getting himself to the hospital in one piece so that he could see Ben and see for himself that he was okay. He still had no idea of his true condition, but if he was already in a room, then Spence assumed that was a good sign. He didn’t know if he would have been able to handle finding out Ben was still being treated, or worse still, undergoing some sort of operation. He didn’t even allow himself to think of the ultimate horrendous possibility.Mum said Ben’s going to be fine.
He paused before a closed door of the room near the end of the corridor, taking a minute to catch his breath and settle his nerves.
Jesus Christ.He’d never felt so frightened in all his life, and he didn’t want to freak Ben out. He needed to steel himself in case seeing Ben would be a shock.What if his injuries are worse than Mum and the other messages let on? What if—?He shook his head and took a deep breath. He wanted to be strong for Ben, to be able to do whatever was necessary to support him through his recovery.
An orderly moved briskly along the hall, pushing a trolley of dirty linens, and a family exited the room opposite, the children giggling. The chatter of people breaking the quietness of the corridor lifted some of the weight from Spence’s shoulders. Feeling somewhat better and a lot calmer, Spence proceeded to the open door of Ben’s room. He stood quietly, observing the activity for a moment, and finally relaxed.
Ben was sitting up in bed. Sure, he had tubes pumping something into the back of his hand, and his arm was wrapped in bandages from shoulder to elbow, plus he had other bruises and scrapes, but he was sitting up and he was talking, and that was all that mattered to Spence. Tears welled beneath his eyelids as he let the scene before him sink in.
“Ben Cooper, you listen to me.” Peggy Cooper had her hands on her hips as she addressed Ben. “I am your mother, and if I say you are coming home with me, then that’s exactly what will happen.”
She was really putting her foot down. Spence smiled. Ben’s mum was a force to be reckoned with when it came to her children.
“No, Mum. You listen to me.” Ben’s voice was strong, another sign that reassured Spence. “I need to be in myownbed at myownapartment.”
“You need someone to look after you, Ben. With your arm injured and bandaged, you won’t be able to take care of yourself. The doctor said you need to keep it immobilised and get complete rest.” She glanced at Maddy, then back to Ben. “Perhaps Maddy and I can come stay at yours for a while. If I made up the sofa bed—”
“Mum!”
“I’ll do it, Mrs C,” offered Cameron. “I’ll stay with Ben for a while. I can help him get dressed and get around.”
Not on my watch!
Before either Ben or Mrs Cooper could reply, Spence stepped into the room.
“No.” His voice even shocked him with its firmness. “I’lltake care of Ben.”
They all turned to look at Spence, but he only had eyes for one person. Ben’s face reflected a myriad of emotions. His eyes were wide, mouth open, but soon the surprised look changed to delight as a smile lit his face. Then Spence’s heart plummeted as Ben crumbled and broke down with a sob. Jesus, he looked so broken in that bed. Spence rushed to Ben’s side and wrapped him in his arms. Ben buried his face into Spence’s neck, his big body heaving with each sob.
He was warm, his breath ghosting over Spence’s skin, his muscles moving under Spence’s touch.Alive. Although he hated seeing Ben so upset, he couldn’t keep his happiness at bay—Ben was okay, and importantly, was in his arms. They were together.
Gradually, the crying subsided.
“You arsehole.” Ben’s voice hitched as he thumped Spence’s arm. For a second, Spence tensed, but then Ben pulled him in tighter. “I’m so glad you’re here,” he whispered, his words mumbled against Spence’s throat. “Don’t leave again.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Not ever again.”
