Page 13 of Brodie

“We’ll see,” I mutter, watching her try to keep her eyesopen, which is probably difficult with the pill she took. One of the sideeffects was making you tired. “Try to sleep. You’ll be on solid ground soon.”

With a nod, she pulls the towel I gave her up and over hershoulder, then curls into a ball, tucking her knees into her stomach. I try toresist touching her, but it’s difficult not to. It’s also impossible not tostare at her. She fascinates me. I don’t think any woman has ever fascinated mebefore.

When the boat finally reaches the dock and the bridge is inplace, I attempt to wake Reese. But she’s so out of it she says something Ican’t understand, and her lashes barely flutter open. With no choice, I standand lift her into my arms, carrying her off the boat, down the dock, and to mytruck that we came in together this morning. It’s a feat getting her inside,and I have to admit that when I try to wake her once more and she doesn’tbudge, I’m a little concerned. I debate taking her to the hospital but decideto call my sister-in-law Maci, who is a nurse, instead.

“Brodie?” Maci answers on the second ring. “Everythingokay?”

“I just have a quick question about Dramamine.”

“What about it?”

“If someone took it, is it normal for them not to wake up?”

“Define not waking up,” she says, sounding concerned. “Arethey breathing?”

“Yes, she’s breathing, just completely passed out.”

“Some people have a more extreme reaction todiphenhydramine. Do you know if she is on any type of allergy medication?”

“I have no idea.”

“When did she take the Dramamine?”

“A little over an hour ago.”

“Give her a couple more hours. I’m sure she’s fine.”

“All right. Thanks, Maci.”

“Anytime.” We hang up after saying goodbye.

I glance over at Reese and then put my truck in reverse,heading toward our building. When we arrive, she is still totally out, so Icarry her inside and ignore the strange looks I get from everyone I pass. Notknowing where she lives since we met in the lobby this morning, I have nochoice but to take her up to my apartment. As soon as I get us inside, my GreatDane Jeb is there to greet us. Always curious, he refuses to give me an inch ofspace as I take her to the couch and put a blanket over her.

“Come on, bud, you’ll meet her when she wakes up.” I orderhim to follow me to the kitchen and then give him one of his chew bones thatwill hopefully keep him distracted for a while. If it fails, I have no doubthe’ll be on the couch with her, and she’ll wake up with seventy pounds ofslobbering dog on her chest. Once I have him settled, I turn on the TV andplant myself on the sectional across from Reese, waiting for her to wake up.

* * * *

“Hey,” I hear through my subconscious. Blinking my eyesopen, my gaze connects with Reese’s. She’s leaning over me and still lookssleepy but also alert, and the color is back in her cheeks.

“You’re awake.” I sit up.

“Yeah.” She laughs, looking at Jeb next to her. “Your friendwoke me.”

“Shit, sorry about that.”

“It’s okay. Can I use your restroom?”

“Of course. It’s right around the corner on the left.” Ijerk my chin in the direction of the hall.

“Thanks.” She gives me a smile and then turns on her heels.When Jeb starts to follow, I call him back. He has no regard for personal spaceand will follow her in there if she lets him.

Getting up, I walk to the kitchen and glance at the clock onthe microwave. It’s a little after one. When I pass the window that looks outat the ocean, I can see that the beach below is filled with people.

I grab the jug of water from the fridge and two glasses fromthe cabinet. When Reese walks around the corner into the living room a fewminutes later, Jeb trots her way with his tail wagging.

“Hey, new friend.” She pets his head when he shoves it intoher stomach.

“That’s Jeb.”

---