Page 105 of Her Maine Reaction

Ryan slips out of the bed and I press the button to raise it to a sitting position, leaning back against the pillows.

“What time is it?”

“Almost dawn.”

“I feel like the last twelve hours have been the longest of my life.”

“How does your head feel?”

“It hurts, but it’s better. You helped.”

“It’s my fault you’re in here,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wish I could take all of your pain away.”

“What do you mean it’s your fault? Ry, it’smyfault. I’m the idiot who thought it was a good idea to drive at night right after a blizzard.”

“Because of me.”

“Ryan, no.”

“Ash, there’s nothing you can say to make me think otherwise.” He tucks a loose curl behind my ear. “But I’m going to spend a very long time trying to make it up to you. Starting with taking you home and making you hot chocolate and s’mores.”

“And Jurassic Park?”

“Anything you want, sweetheart.” He smiles, leaning down to kiss me sweetly.

But I need more than just a sweet kiss. Grabbing his shirt, I pull him closer and press my lips harder against his, headache be damned.

God, I’ve missed kissing him. I know it’s only been a day, but that was before I thought I was never going to be able to do it again. I want to believe him when he says I’m more to him. I want to believe that this will work out between us. I want to trust him.

I just want him.

“Oh, excuse me. Sorry. I have your discharge papers.” I was too wrapped up in Ryan to hear the door opening. “How are you feeling?”

Tucking my face in Ryan’s neck, I smile against him, feeling his pulse beneath my lips. I peek over his shoulder and see nurse Emily smiling apologetically and holding a clipboard of papers.

“I feel better, thanks.” Pushing on Ryan’s chest, he steps back, a huge grin on his face.

Emily hands me the clipboard and shows me where to sign.

“Now, I already briefed the sheriff here on what to watch for in the next few days. And if you start feeling dizzy, or are vomiting, or your headaches get worse, then you need to come back immediately.”

“Okay.” I nod. “Thank you.” I sign all of the highlighted lines and hand her back the clipboard.

“Make sure to get a lot of rest in the next few days, and don’t do anything too strenuous.”

My eyes dart to Ryan and he winks. “Sure, of course. No activities, and rest.” Doing no activities with Ryan is going to be torture.

She walks out, leaving Ryan and I alone again, and I slide my legs over the edge of the bed.

“Let me help you,” he offers, coming around to support my weight as I stand.

“Thanks.”

“Aren’t they supposed to roll you out in a wheelchair?”

“I think that’s just in the movies.”

“But what if you get dizzy and fall? Are they sure you’re okay to leave?”

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