“You’re real,” I whisper.
Ryder’s eyes are bloodshot, jawline shadowed with stubble, and his dark hair is messier than usual, like he’s been running his hands through it.
His brow furrows. “Of course I’m real.”
“I’ll give you two some time,” Sasha says, rising from her chair. “I need to find the doctor anyway and let her know you’re awake.”
Once she’s gone, he sits on the edge of the bed, careful not to jostle me. “You scared the hell out of me, kitten.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Hey, don’t. It’s okay.” His grip on my hand tightens. “It’s just... I thought I was going to lose you.”
Fear and exhaustion are etched into every line of his face, raw emotion filling his stormy, gray eyes.
“I could hear you,” I say softly. “When I was unconscious. I heard your voice.”
A tear slips down his cheek. “Other than sleep and bathroom breaks, I haven’t left your side. Not for a second.”
“You told me stories about our adventures and said that you loved me.”
He nods, bringing my hand to his lips. “I do. I love you, Noia. And I’m so sorry it took almost losing you for me to realize that.”
“What about needing space? Figuring things out?”
“I had it figured out the morning of the accident, and when I saw you across the street...” His voice cracks. “I’m so sorry. All I know is that I love you, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”
Tears sting my eyes. “I love you too.”
He leans forward, carefully pressing his lips to mine.
“Don’t ever scare me like that again,” he murmurs against my mouth.
“I’ll try not to make a habit of getting hit by cars,” I promise, managing a weak smile.
We break apart when a nurse bustles in. “Good to see you’re awake, Ms. Wilde. How are you feeling?”
“Like I got hit by a car,” I reply, wincing as I try to adjust my position.
Ryder fusses, helping me adjust my pillow while she checks my vitals and makes notes. “The doctor will be in shortly to go over everything with you. You’re a very lucky woman.”
“I know.” I look at Ryder, who’s gone back to holding my hand.
After she leaves, he brushes a strand of hair from my face. “Did Sasha tell you? Your mom called. She’s catching the first flight out tomorrow morning.”
I suddenly remember Tish has been away on vacation in Europe.
“Great,” I groan. “Just what I need.”
He narrows his eyes at me with a smirk. “She was worried.”
“You talked to her?”
“I did. She was surprised when I told her who I was. You didn’t tell her about us?”
“She had her suspicions, but I didn’t clarify anything. If I had, she would’ve never stopped hounding me.” I squeeze his hand. “Thanks for being here.”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” His eyes grow serious as they fill with heat. “Actually, that’s not true. I’d rather be with you at home in bed. I’m moving back in as soon as you’re discharged. If that’s okay with you.”
