Page 88 of Let Me Show You

His words make me smile, but I also know we can’t control every situation. “I was scared. The blood and the way your truck looked. I-I thought the worst.”

Sucking in a deep breath, he turns his body toward me, and I stand to help adjust his pillow.

“It happened so fast,” he says.

I can't even imagine what it was like. “They said the truck hit you off-center, and if it would've been two feet to the right, you probably wouldn't have walked away.”

He tries to suck in a deep breath but winces instead. I give him all the time he needs, and before I say another word, my phone dings. Pulling it from my purse, I unlock it and see a text from Gemma.

Gemma

Belinda just met us for lunch and said Brittany showed up for her shift today and acted like nothing happened. No comment about yesterday. Do you think she knows about Noah's accident?

Katie

If he was going to pick her up and never showed, wouldn't she question it? All of this is strange AF.

Gemma

Yeah, I agree. Belinda did mention she was driving a rental car and had her SUV towed.

I narrow my eyes and reread the message.

Katie

If you wanted your story to be believable, wouldn’t you tow it somewhere too? I’m not buying this, but I'll figure it out. Also, your brother's awake now.

Gemma

I agree. Something weird’s going on, and I'll tell Dad about Noah. Yay! Please tell him I love him and I’ll see him soon. I'm sure we'll be back after we eat. We're just down the street at a cafe grabbing a sandwich.

Noah clears his throat. “Who's that?”

I give him a smile and lock my phone. “Gemma. Just letting her know you're awake. They're eating, then they'll be back. She said she loves you.”

“Tell her I said it back, please,” he says and sucks in a ragged breath. “Were they worried?”

“Yes, we all were. You had a room full last night. Even Owen was stressed,” I say.

Sadness meets his eyes. “I'm sorry. I hate that I’ve put y’all through this.”

“You're alive, and that's all that matters. It was a wake-up call, I think. A reminder that life is short, and we don't always get second chances. Not that I ever have, but I promise I won't take a moment with you for granted, Noah. I just kept thinking…what if I lost you?”

“Might be broken and bruised, but I'm here, baby.”

I lean over and press my lips against his, and the emotion pours through me. When I move back to my chair, I meet his eyes again. The nurse enters, and she's pleasantly surprised to find Noah awake.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Reid,” she tells him. “I'm Tracy, your nurse. How's your pain level today?”

“I'm okay,” he tells her. “Could use some water.”

She nods. “I'll bring some. Anything else?”

“I don't think so, thanks.”

Tracy leaves and eventually returns with a small pitcher of water and some ice chips. “Press your call button if you need anything.”

“Thanks,” he says, and she leaves. I pour a glass of water as he tries to sit on the edge of the bed and put his feet on the floor. “I feel like I got my ass beat.”