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Aflood of emotion surged throughSpenceas he watchedKimsleep.She’dfinally closed her eyes after struggling to talk with him, the combination of exhaustion and whatever meds flowed through theIVwinning over self-will.Hewinced as his eyes scanned the bruised skin on her forehead, the obvious lump, and the gauze covering the small skin tear.Soready for the games today, and her enthusiasm motivated the entire team.Allthe workKimdid to help make the tournament successful—and raise more money than we dreamed.Insteadof celebrating, my girl’s stuck in the hospital with a head injury that frustrates and frightens her.Shetried to stay awake because she didn’t want to risk repeating the earlier brain confusion.I’llstay here until she awakens… or tells me to get out.
Spencewatched her sleep, leaning against the edge of the bed, her fingers still intertwined with his.Thesound of the curtain opening startled him—when had he fallen asleep?Herubbed his eyes and nodded in greeting when he sawDaveMartin.
“She’sdoing okay?”
“Yeah, she fell asleep…”Helooked at his watch. “…almost a couple of hours ago.”
“Tomsaid she’ll sleep off and on through the night.Atleast the best she can with the periodic checks.”Davemotioned toward the area outside the room.SpencereleasedKim’shand and watched her for a long moment before he followedDaveto a location outside the unit.
“Didyou get something to eat?”Davefrowned whenSpenceshook his head. “Sorry,Ishould have brought you food.”
“I’mokay.Don’tworry about it.”
“TomsaidKimmistook you for her ex.Whatcan you tell me about him?”Dave’seyes reflected concern and controlled anger.
“Notmuch.Webelieve he returned toVancouverafter that campus visit.”Spencementioned the letter postmarked fromVancouverthat arrived before the tournament.
Spencerecounted the sequence of the day’s events. “Kimthought she heard his voice, but now she wonders if she imagined it.”Heshrugged. “Whenshe woke up earlier, she was confused—agitated, frightened, demandedIleave, then told securityIwasFuckleberry.”
Davesnorted a laugh at the name. “Tomtold me.I’msorry that security grabbed you, butI’mrelieved itwasyou.”Davemet his eyes. “I’mgoing to find thatSOBtomorrow.Shouldbe easy if he’s here or inVancouver.HasKimtold you anythingIcan use to locate him?”
“Ithink his father owns car dealerships inVancouver.Luxurycars?”Spencewatched asDavetyped on his phone.
“Yeah, you’re right.Iknow one of the dealerships—Jakebought a car from them.I’llcall in the morning and see whatIcan find out.”Davelooked atSpence. “I’mconsidering hiring an investigator.”
“For…?”
“Backgroundcheck.Locatehim.Tailhim.Idon’t want him anywhere near my sister.”
Spencenodded. “Agree.Shesays she’s not afraid of him physically hurting her… it’s more psychological…”
Dave’slaugh was frigid. “Oneway or the other, he’ll get the message.”Heplaced his hand onSpence’sshoulder. “Thanksfor staying with her.Youcan head back to campus, get something to eat, and rest.”
“IpromisedKimI’dstay.Idon’t mind.”
“Okay… then get something to eat,”Davesuggested. “I’llbe here, andTomshould stop by soon.”
Sometimebefore dawn,Spencestepped outside to get some fresh air, clear his mind, and perhaps shake off the nervous energy bottled inside.Kimslept through the hours, just asTomhad predicted, barely rousing when staff checked herIV, blood pressure, and pulse.Davesplit time withSpencein the room, andDavewas absorbed in an extended text conversation withJake.
Saidthey discussed strategies to locateHendricksand deliver a clear message to stay away fromKim.Davementioned restraining orders in bothVancouverandTampa… but a bodyguard?Kimwon’t agree to that.Shelikes the anonymity on campus.Prettysure no one connects theSuns’ participation in the tournament withKim—or even realizesDave’sher brother.
Spencewalked through the parking lot and grabbed his team hoody from his car.Hehadn’t noticed how chilly it was inside the hospital until the pre-dawn air felt warm in comparison.Hegrabbed a handful of protein bars from his bag, shoved them into his pocket, and opened a water bottle.Hewandered toward the green space, filling his lungs with fresh air.
SpencehopedDave’splan worked and removedHendricksfromKim’slife.Thoughthat would free us from this “fake dating.”Notsure ifKimwould consider a real relationship with me.BeforeHendrick’sarrival on campus,Spencerhad resigned himself to the idea thatKimdidn’t view him as anything other than a friend.Butthe past few weeks had been different; he andKimseemed closer... at least in his mind.
Whenthey kissed,Spencefelt more than just a physical connection; something more profound—an emotion that made his heart swell with...affection?More?Kimseemed just as invested.Heremembered the hope and anticipation in her eyes…Wasshe trying to convey how she felt?
Withoutsaying a word, their friendship jumped to a new level of intimacy.Ormaybe his imagination saw what he wanted to believe?ButwithHendricksout of the equation, would they part ways and return to the “just friends” status?Hewanted to push forward but knew he had to move slowly to avoid scaringKimaway or ruining their friendship.UntilIknow she reciprocates my feelings.
“Dave, why can’tIgo back to campus?”Kimknew she sounded unreasonable, but the thought of not seeingSpencemade her anxious.Shefelt safe with him.
“Kim, you have a bedroom in our house where you can rest, recover, and not worry about a thing.YouheardTom.Youcan’t stay alone, and it’s not fair to askSpenceto miss classes, practice, or games.”
Kimnodded, tears of frustration filling her eyes. “Ihate this concussion.”Davesat beside her and squeezed her hand.
“You’llfeel like yourself soon,Kimmy.Justtake it day by day.You’llfeel better,Ipromise.Letus spoil you for now.”
Sheleaned against him, andDavewrapped his arm around her. “Canwe go by my dorm to get my things?”Kimswiped at the tears on her cheeks.
