Page 9 of Crashing Into Me
“How are you feeling?” Lana asked and sat in the chair next to the bed. She grabbed Rachel’s hand and held it.
“I’m fine, honey, don’t you worry. The doctors patched me up and said I could go home in a few weeks,” she replied.
“That’s great! I’m so happy everything went OK. How’s your nurse? Has she been taking care of you?”
“Yes, yes. Everyone has been at my beck and call. It’s all thanks to Kayden. He got me this private room and paid all my medical bills. He’s been amazing.”
“That’s great to hear, but he’s also the reason you’re in here in the first place,” Lana replied, her tone tinged with anger.
“You know what, honey? I have been working on my feet for thirty-five years, and I’ve got to tell ya. I don’t like how ithappened, but I can finally take a vacation,” she said, smiling, “get off these old legs for a change.”
Lana smiled at her, and in the early morning light coming through the window, Rachel’s features were even more detailed. Without the ponytail lifting her eyes, Rachel was much older than she predicted. Maybe early sixties? Her blondish gray hair fell down her shoulders, still thick and healthy. You could tell she was a knockout when she was younger.
As she looked at the fragile, vulnerable woman before her, she became misty-eyed. Lana understood from experience that a severe injury like that at Rachel’s age could mean life and death, even if the surgery went well. Rachel frowned.
“What’s the matter, sugar?” she asked.
“It just upsets me that this happened to you,” Lana said as she removed her hand from Rachel’s and wiped her tears away.
“Well, aren’t you a nurse, uh... You know what, in all the commotion, I never got your name,” Rachel said, the toothy smile on her face, revealing teeth stained with coffee, most likely.
“Oh, it’s—,” she started.
“Lana,” Kayden finished. He walked into the room with a tray of food. Lana glared over her shoulder at him as he stood there dressed to the nines in a well-fitting cashmere sweater and slacks. He walked up to them and placed the tray down on Rachel’s overbed table.
“I’m back, beautiful,” he said to Rachel, “I see you’ve met the heroic nurse who helped you last night.”
He beamed a huge grin at Lana, and she rolled her eyes at the over-the-top performance he was putting on. She still didn’t completely trust his generosity, especially after finding that flask.
“Yes, she’s quite the lady. I was just talking to her about that,” Rachel replied.
Kayden raised the bed as Rachel prepared to eat breakfast. When she was set up, he turned to Lana, still beaming that smile, and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him again.
“I took the liberty of ordering you some breakfast as well. I figured you’d come for a visit, but I wasn’t sure since you went straight to bed last night.”
Seriously?
He winked at her, and Rachel glanced over at them both. Lana frowned, eyebrows furrowed at the way he just made that sound. She glared at him, then glanced sheepishly at Rachel, unsure of what to say. She started eating her oatmeal with a slight grin.
“Yeah, well, I didn’t feel like talking much. You could understand why,” Lana replied, “unwanted house guest and all.”
Kayden sat on the edge of Rachel’s bed and faced her.
“Yes, I understand, and regarding the accident, I’ve expressed my deepest apologies. All her hospital bills, time off from work, physical therapy, and anything else she needs will be provided for her by me,” he said, never taking his eyes off her.
How can he afford to do all of that,she thought.I know Paula’s family had money, but what did he do for a living?
“Yup, and once I’m back on my feet,” Rachel interjected, “I’m going on a real vacation for a change.”
“Really? That’s awesome,” Lana replied, breaking his intense gaze, “Where are you going?”
“Probably a cruise, or to New Orleans. I’ve always wanted to visit there, but Henry and I could never afford to go, God rest his soul,” she said, as she moved on to the eggs and bacon on her tray.
“Eat up, aren’t you hungry?” Kayden asked, nodding to Lana and the second tray of food.
He had that damned crooked smile on his face, and those eyes began sucking her in like an abyss. The cool, bluish-green color, like ocean spray, captivated her, and all she wanted to know was what secrets they kept.What has he seen and experienced? Who was Kayden Capshaw?He wasn’t married, she was sure, as there was no ring or outline of one recently removed. She noticed it last night as he held his drink in his left hand.
He couldn’t be much older than she was, no wrinkles in his face, no graying hair, skin smooth like butter. He was in a limited gene pool for sure. Suddenly, being so lost in thought, she felt a tapping on her shoulder. When she looked up, the doctor and six medical students were standing behind her, and the trance was broken. Shelby General was also a teaching hospital.
