Page 36 of Burn for Me
On a roll now, she spoke right over him.
“Or would you rather I tell you about the agony of waiting on the phone with Kyle as they broke through the rubble, about to find out if you were still alive or if you were dead? Knowing the chances of life were slim, but praying with everything in me that you would be alive?” Breathing hard now, she stopped.
Gray gave no answer. But his gaze never wavered from hers.
“Well?”
Looking at him, Kitty felt her anger fade away as quickly as it had appeared as she took in the stricken expression on Gray’s face. A sick feeling of shame took its place. Reaching for his hands, she held them to her as she looked into his eyes. But she couldn’t hold his gaze as she saw the pain her thoughtless words had caused him.
“I’m sorry, Gray,” she whispered. “That was thoughtless and uncalled for.”
Finally, he spoke. “It’s okay, honey. I shouldn’t have pushed.” He squeezed her hands gently.
“No, it’s not okay. You were only expressing your concern, and I behaved like a spoilt child with a broken toy. I really am sorry.”
One of the nurses came bustling in, a clipboard under her arm, a smile on her face.
“Mr James, lovely to see you’re back with us. How are you feeling?”
Seeing an opportunity to escape for a short while, Kitty said, “I’m going to get some coffee at the shop downstairs. Can I get you anything?”
Shaking his head, Gray never said anything. But his eyes remained on her. It felt as if they were burning a hole in her skin. Sheknewhe wantedto say more. She could see it on his face. But he wouldn’t in front of the nurse. Making good her escape while she could, Kitty placed a gentle kiss on his forehead saying, “I’ll be back in a few.”
Walking toward the lifts, she chided herself for her poor behaviour. Worry and lack of sleep had her temper frayed, but that was no excuse for the way she’d laid into Gray. He didn’t deserve it. He’d been more concerned about her than himself, and she’d thrown it back in his face.
If anything, she should have been the one to ask him how he was doing. Should have been the one to offer emotional support to him. Not the other way around. She needed to figure out a way to make it up to him.
She needed coffee, tons of coffee. And a good night’s sleep – something she hadn’t had in three nights. Since this whole ordeal had started.
The cheerful coffee and gift shop in the hospital foyer gave Kitty’s spirits a little lift as she entered the brightly lit space. Looking around, one wouldn’t think it was housed in a hospital at all. A balm to her rather tattered emotions. She walked over to the counter to order her coffee, waiting her turn in the short queue.
“Good morning, ma’am. What can I get for you?” A lovely smile accompanied the words.
“Good morning. I’d like a large latte to go, please.” She couldn’t help but smile back at the young man behind the counter.
“A large latte, to go,” he repeated her order. “Will that be all, ma’am?”
“Yes, thanks. That’s all.”
She handed him the money, looking around the space as she waited for him to complete the transaction.
“There we are. Thank you.” He handed her the change. “Your coffee will be but a moment. You’re welcome to take a seat while you wait.”
Smiling her thanks, Kitty wandered over to a display of bright flower arrangements. A young woman was taking some off a trolley to add to the display, filling in the gaps. Kitty smiled at her before turning to take a seat while waiting for her coffee.
“Excuse me?”
Kitty turned. The young woman held a beautiful, bright pink Gerbera daisy out toward her.
“Such a pretty lady shouldn’t look so sad. This is for you.” She gestured to the flower in her hand. “I hope it will cheer you up.”
Feeling the burn of tears, Kitty blinked. “Thank you. It’s beautiful. You’re very kind.”
“I hope it brightens your day.”
She went back to packing flowers on the display shelf. Kitty dashed the lone tear that escaped away.
“Ma’am, your coffee is ready,”the cashier called out.
