Page 73 of Chasing Honor

I tried, but they felt heavy and gritty, like someone had thrown sand in them. I finally got one cracked open a sliver and decided against it when the light felt like it was piercing my skull.

“Can’t. What happened?”

“You were in a car accident.”

A car accident? That wasn’t right. I was at home making tacos with Carson.

Tortillas.

Carson.

No!

My eyes flew open, and I fought against the nausea that roiled in my stomach.

“Carson. Where is she? Is she okay?”

“Slow down. She’s fine. Everyone’s fine.”

Slow down.

I hated those two words. My brain slowly engaged, and I remembered.

“Why are you here?”

His face was still a little fuzzy but not so much I couldn’t make out the worry.

“Why wouldn’t I be here. You’re here. Where you are, I am.”

What? Was he drunk? He hadn’t wanted to be anywhere near me.

“You shouldn’t be here. Where’s Carson?” I asked him.

Ethan brought my hand to his lips and kissed it, then he peeled my fingers open and kissed my palm, placing my open hand on his cheek.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, ignoring my question.

“My head hurts,” I complained.

“Let me get the doctor. And I need to tell everyone you’re awake. They’re in the waiting room.”

“Why is everyone here?”

“Smalls, we almost lost you. Where else would they be?”

Lost me?

“What happened?”

“I promise I’ll tell you everything. But please let me have the doctor check you out first.”

“Okay.” With my head pounding, I easily gave in.

“I won’t leave your side, promise.”

Ethan pushed the call button next to the bed and moments later a woman in scrubs walked through the door.

“Don’t make me promises you can’t keep.” I tried to pull my hand free, but he held it firm on his cheek.