Page 138 of Ransom

And the way I feel about him? It's definitely not soft and innocent.

I glance at Ransom, who's leaning against the wall. He meets my gaze, and I quickly look away, heat rising to my cheeks.

I shift in my chair, trying not to think about this morning, but the memory floods back anyway. Waking up with my head on Ransom's chest, his arm wrapped around me. The steady rise and fall of his breathing. For a moment, I'd forgotten where I was, forgotten the years between us.

His t-shirt had ridden up in the night, exposing a strip of skin above his waistband. My fingers had itched to touch him there, to trace the lines of muscle I could see. But I'd stayed still, not wanting to break the spell. I didn’t want him to wake up, and pull away. Or to get all awkward. But like he felt me awake, he tightened his arm around my back.

"Morning," he'd mumbled, voice rough with sleep. His fingers had trailed up and down my arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

I'd wanted to bolt. To run and hide from the intensity of feeling his body against mine after so many years. But I'd also wanted to burrow closer, to breathe him in and never leave.

"Hi," I'd whispered back, my voice small in the quiet room.

We'd laid there for what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, neither of us willing to move first. The awkwardness had crept in slowly—where should I put my hands? Should I look at him? What were we supposed to say?

But underneath that awkwardness was something else. Something that felt like coming home after a long time away. Like finding a piece of yourself you didn't know was missing.

His thumb had brushed my shoulder, and I'd finally lifted my head to look at him. His hair was messed up, sticking out at odd angles. A light stubble covered his jaw. He'd looked younger somehow, softer.

"How's your head?" he'd asked with a grin.

"I'm totally fine. Why are there bells ringing?"

His lips twitched. "There's no bells, Baby. I don't think you're 'fine.'"

The tension had broken then, and we'd both laughed. Just like that, the awkwardness had dissolved into something comfortable and familiar.

I push the memory away, focusing back on Maggie's hospital room. But I can still feel the phantom warmth of his body next to mine, still smell his cologne on my skin.

"Blair?" Maggie's voice is weak but clear, snapping me back to the room. Her blue eyes are locked on mine as her hand drifts to the top of Max's head. She didn't look over, but she knows he's there. That's a super mom thing.

"I'm here." I lean forward, taking her hand. "How are you feeling?" She’s awake. Thank fuck. The tight band around my back gets a little bit looser.

"Like I got hit by a truck." She manages a small smile. "But better than yesterday."

Max stirs, blinking sleepily. "Mommy?"

"Hey, buddy." Maggie runs her fingers through his hair.

Evie checks another reading. "Your numbers are definitely improving. The new medication cocktail is doing its job."

"I'm sorry I scared you, Max." Maggie's voice cracks. "Mommy just got a little tired."

Max climbs onto his knees, careful not to jostle the bed. "You were on the floor. You fell down." His lower lip trembles.

"I know, baby. But look—I'm okay now." She tugs him closer, pressing a kiss to his forehead. Her eyes drift closed, but not before I see the pain and devastation in them.

Ransom clears his throat. "Maggie, I wanted to introduce you to my brother Colton and his wife Evie. She's one of the nurses here."

"Nice to meet you both." Maggie's smile is weak but genuine. Her eyes find mine, narrowing. "Blair McKenna, I told you not to bring me to the hospital."

I guess we’re doing this. I shove the sleeves of my t-shirt up and cross my arms. "Yeah? Well, next time, don't pass out on me."

"I would've been fine?—"

"You weren't fine." My voice comes out sharper than intended.

Evie breaks the tension, moving to Colton's side. Her hands pat down his pockets while he tries to squirm away.

---