Page 6 of No Love Lost

Something tickled her brain, and she tried to blink herself into consciousness. The pressure on her chest was easing. Breath was coming without pain. The dibiki world, the dark world, generally kept her in its fog until her body and brain were ready to cope.

From a distance, she heard a voice that wasn’t Nina. She wanted to rush to the voice to check on Nina, but the process couldn’t be rushed.

It’s Lia.

Nimii.

Nina.

Safe.

The words that slid into her brain were soothing. Nina was safe. Nimii would make sure of that. And Addison herself was safe if Lia said so.

Another voice snuck into her brain. A voice so familiar. Welcome.

No. Not welcome. Not anymore.

I’m Heath. Heath Wilcox.

Addison’s eyes flew open, and she clawed her way to consciousness. Her heart raced, but she ignored it. Her hands moved to try to rip the mask off of her face, but soft hands held her down. Lia’s hands.

“Addison, it’s Lia. You’re safe. Nina’s safe. You’re here in my clinic. Breathe. Everyone’s okay. Keep that heart rate down. You know the routine. In and hold. Out and hold. Do it with me.”

She breathed with Lia and let her mind sort through the mess. Memory returned, but she kept her breathing constant. It would give her more time to form a plan. If Heath was here, it couldn’t possibly be good news.

But she would handle it. Like she’d handled everything else since the stick said pregnant. Despite all of her attempts at contact, he’d ignored her daughter until now. No court would give him custody based on that alone.

Unless his father was friends with the judge.

She wouldn’t allow that to happen. Her support system had grown since she’d been a foster kid. The people in Phail would support her and provide character witnesses. She wouldn’t let him take her daughter.

With determination buoying her, she managed to relax and regulate her breathing. She opened her eyes again to find Lia smiling down at her. “There you are. Take it easy. The wind chill must have surprised you. Your body’s had a bit of a shock, so let’s take it easy.”

A bit of shock. Lia had no idea.

Lia removed the mask, watched her carefully for a few moments, and then nodded. When Addison started to push to a sitting position, her friend moved to help her. And so did another set of hands. A familiar set of hands.

She took a slow breath and finally lifted her gaze to find Heath studying her warily.

Twelve years had changed him from a good-looking kid to a gorgeous man. His athletic body was thicker and stronger. His face was more mature and even better looking.

But it was his eyes that held her. Those eyes were full of emotion she couldn’t identify. Not anymore. This man had learned to hide his thoughts and his feelings.

She had to do the same.

Lia used her stethoscope to check her heart again and then smiled. “Good. Your levels are much better. If Heath hadn’t carried you in here, things could have been much worse. As is, you’re going to need to rest. Your lungs need that recovery time. Nimii is picking up Nina, so you don’t have to worry about her. I’m going to have you rest here for a bit, then we’ll see about getting you home.”

Because after an episode like this, she wouldn’t be driving for a day or two. Not until Lia decided she was ready again.

All of which made her look weak. Something she couldn’t afford in front of Heath.

Dragging her remaining dignity around her, she nodded at him. Lia appeared to pick up on the tension, and her gaze whipped between them. “Is everything okay, Addison?”

Was it? Probably not, but saying that wasn’t helpful. Instead, she nodded. “Heath and I used to know each other a long time ago.”

His face didn’t give anything away, but he nodded as well. A chime rang in the back of the clinic.

Lia frowned. “Are you good if I go check with my other appointment?”

---