Page 17 of In Dangerous Water

Still, I deserved to feel every bit of their pain. Because this was all my fault.

The depressing vibes of the hospital waiting room were weighing down on me as well, and I considered stepping outside for a few moments if only to get some relief. Then I glanced over at Angela’s sisters, and one look at their concerned faces had me staying put. The least I could do was to wait with them.

It seemed like forever before Angela walked into the waiting room with an update.

Shrugging off the blanket, I jumped to my feet. “How is he?” I asked her, while everyone else around me asked the same.

Angela smiled. “He’s going to be okay. He got some stitches in the back of his head, and between the near-drowning and the concussion, the doctor wants to keep him overnight for observation.”

Gerard reached for Angela’s hand. “Knowing my brother as I do, I bet that news went over well.”

Angela smiled in agreement and rolled her eyes. “He’s back there complaining about everyone making a fuss, insisting he’s fine and is good to go home.”

While Angela’s sisters gathered around her for hugs and support, I eased back farther away from her family. As soon as I was clear I walked to the nearest exit. I made it outside with no one being the wiser and hurried down the sidewalk.

Now that I was outdoors, I could breathe again. There weren’t so many emotions crushing down on me. Pulling in a second deep breath, I tried to figure out what to do next. It was then I realized that my swim bag was still at the aquatic center. I didn’t have my phone, or any money on me. I also had no way home.

“Damn it,” I muttered, and then almost jumped out of my crocs when a hand dropped lightly on my shoulder.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Rafe Tremaine, Arianna’s husband, asked.

“Rafe.” My breath exploded out. “You startled me.”

“You shouldn’t be out here alone,” he said.

“It’s probably best if I leave.”

The side of Rafe’s mouth kicked up in a crooked smile. “You gonna swim home mermaid, or do you have a car stashed here at the hospital?”

“I was going to call a cab,” I said lamely.

“How ‘bout I give you a ride home in my truck instead,” Rafe offered gently.

From behind Rafe, I watched Arianna walk up to join her husband. “We’d be happy to give you a ride, Cordelia.”

She smiled, and I had a moment to think I’d never seen a woman as beautiful as Arianna Beaumont-Tremaine. I estimated her as being about six months pregnant, and she seemed to be glowing with it.

“I’d get your truck seat all wet,” I said, searching for a polite excuse.

Arianna slipped an arm around my shoulder. “It’ll be fine. Come with us.”

“That’s okay.” I ducked away from her touch. “Maybe you two should stay with your family.”

“The family wanted to make sure you were all right,” Arianna said patiently. “Especially Angela. She said Ryder was asking about you.”

I cringed. “They both must hate me.”

“No.” Arianna’s voice was calm. “Why would you think that?”

“Because this is my fault,” I said.

“Bullshit,” Rafe said firmly.

“Would you like me to call Tim for you?” Arianna asked next.

“No!” I practically shouted, and then checked myself. “Don’t call Tim. He broke up with me and—”

Rafe’s eyebrows lowered. “Maybe we should call her sisters,” he said to Arianna.

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