Page 32 of Grayson's Angel

“He looks so weak,” Kara whispered.

Noah let out a laugh. “Don’t let him hear you calling him weak. Grayson will pull through this.”

“He’s lying there because of me.”

Noah pushed his glasses up his nose. “Grayson wouldn’t want it any other way. In every conversation my brother and I have had this week, he talked about this wonderful woman he’d met. Grayson would have done anything to protect you.”

The next few hours moved slowly. The night nurse came in every half hour to check his vitals. Kara took time to go over his chart and see what they had him on. She knew from her years of working in the hospital that it would take time for him to wake up.

Hank had brought food for them. He wanted to stay in the waiting room until Grayson woke up, but Noah and Kara talked him into going home, saying they would notify him if anything changed. It took some convincing before he finally left. Every hour, he sent a text asking for an update.

Midnight had come and gone. Noah was snoring softly in the chair next to Grayson’s bed. Kara couldn’t fall asleep. She was worried she would miss something or Grayson would wake up and she wouldn’t know it. She wanted to be the first thing he saw when his eyes opened.

“Come on, Grayson. Wake up.”

She felt his fingers squeeze her hand. “I’m awake, Angel.” His voice was scratchy from the breathing tube.

“Let me go get the nurse.” When Kara tried to pull her hand away, Grayson increased his grip.

“No. I just need you.”

The talking made Noah stir in the chair next to the bed. “About time you woke up.” Noah was trying to make a joke, but Kara could hear the worry in his voice.

Grayson rubbed his eyes before answering Noah. “How long have I been out?”

“About eight hours,” Kara answered.

Noah stood up and stretched. “I’m going to go get a cup of coffee.”

Grayson let out a chuckle. “You don’t drink coffee. I’m glad you’re here, brother.”

“There is no place I would rather be. I’ll let Hank, Blake, and Devin know you’re okay.” Noah turned and left the room.

“Come here, Angel.” Grayson patted the side of the bed.

She knew the nurse would get mad at her. Kara had yelled at visitors in the past for doing exactly what she was about to do. She had never understood why they needed to be so close to the person they were visiting. But this time, she understood, and she didn’t care what the nurse or doctor said.

Kara carefully climbed into the bed, trying not to bump Grayson’s IV.

“I was so worried.”

“I’m not going to be killed by some low-life. I’m sorry they took you.” He leaned over to kiss the top of her head.

Kara couldn’t believe Grayson. He was lying in a hospital bed because he had come to protect her, and he was sorry she was taken. She was the one who was sorry for bringing the drama from her past into his life.

Grayson pulled her to his side. She felt as though she were home with his arms wrapped around her body.

“I love you, Angel,” he whispered before falling asleep.

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