Page 41 of Hit the Ground
My memory was patchy, but I was certain James hadn’t gotten me out of that parking lot. Someone had come in time. Someone had stopped him from doing what he’d intended. He’d hurt me, but not as badly as he could have—as hewantedto.
“There’s not a single thing stupid about you,” Caleb said. “Nothing about this is your fault.”
I shook my head. “You don’t know what happened.”
“Don’t have to, Allie. I know you didn’t ask to be hurt. I know you were careful and smart. That’s who you are.”
“I don’t feel very smart right now.” I blew out a long breath, moving the topic away from last night. “I think I should explain my behavior at the hospital.”
“You don’t need to explain anything. I saw how scared you were, and I see you’re better now.” He leaned toward me, his brow rising. “Aren’t you?”
“Yes.” I gave him a wobbly smile. “So much better. Your house is so cozy. You didn’t have to bring me here, but…thank you. I like being here.”
His shoulders relaxed, just barely. “Good. Jesse is with his mother this week, so I want you to stay here. Let me see to you.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know. I want to. Your doctor said you’d need a friend, and I’m going to be that.”
“Okay. I don’t really have the energy to fight you on it.” I tucked my feet up under me, feeling the pull of my sore muscles, and rested my cheek against the back of the couch. “I don’t like hospitals.”
Caleb frowned, a little crease forming between his brows. “I saw that.”
My fingers worried the edge of a throw pillow seam. “I spent a lot of time in hospitals when I was younger. More than anyone ever should. I can’t stand to be in them now. Even the smell makes me feel like I can’t breathe.”
I felt his gaze on me, like a hand pressed between my shoulder blades. I didn’t look up, just kept tracing the frayed threads.
There was a long pause. I could tell he wanted to ask. What happened to you? Why so many hospitals? But he didn’t. Calebwas many things—blunt, gruff, a little intimidating—but he wasn’t intrusive. He only reached for what I was ready to give.
“Then I’m glad I could get you out of there. Hope you can breathe better here.”
A thick knot formed in my throat, and I swallowed against it. “Thank you,” I whispered. “I can breathe perfectly.”
Before he could reply, a firm knock rattled the front door. Caleb’s head snapped up, his body tensing. He rose in one fluid, powerful motion, and for a moment, stood there, shoulders squared, jaw ticcing, as if ready to throw himself between me and whoever was on the other side.
Then he exhaled and walked to the door.
When he opened it, two uniformed officers stood on the porch—a man and a woman.
“Good morning, Caleb,” the man greeted. “Sorry to be out here on official business. We’re here to speak with Ms. Clark about last night. Her doctor said she’s here.”
Caleb glanced at me, his eyes dark with worry and something fiercer I couldn’t name. I nodded, telling him without words I was ready.
“Come in,” he said quietly, stepping aside.
I pulled my knees tighter to my chest as the officers approached, bracing myself for what came next.
Caleb stayed the entire time. He sat beside me while the officers questioned me and I told them every detail I remembered. I winced when I recounted drinking my Coke after I returned from the restroom. They all tried to convince me I wasn’t stupid, but I didn’t agree. I went to college. I knew better than to leavemy drink unattended. That kind of thing was drilled into girls’ heads from an early age.
Yet…
My desire not to make a scene had overridden my common sense.
There was no way I would forgive myself for making that decision. No one could ever get me to believe anything different.
Once I’d given the officers every detail I could remember, they filled in the blanks.
The bartender had noticed something off when James had walked me out. She’d grabbed a couple regulars and followed us into the parking lot. When they got there, I was unconscious and bleeding, and James was half dragging me toward his truck.
