VERSUS (Second Chances 2)

Squinting, she studies my face. “Are you eighteen-year-old Dylan? You look just like him.”

I rub a hand over my jaw and the light five o’clock shadow that’s settled there. “You like him.”

Her grip on my face tightens. “Kiss me.”

I do it. Softly and tenderly, being mindful of the crack on her swollen lip.

Her eyes find mine. Panic washes over her expression. “Is he okay?”

From my understanding, she was alone in her car, and it was a single vehicle accident.

“Who?”

Her gaze searches my face. “There was a deer on the road. I tried so hard not to hit it. Please tell me he’s okay.”

I have no idea if the deer survived, so I offer what I can. “I’m going to get the doctor. She’ll come check on you, and I’ll check on the deer.”

She swallows again. “You’ll come right back?”

I slide the piece of sea glass from my hand into hers. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Her fingers play over the smooth surface. A tear slides down her cheek. “Do you promise?”

I chase the tear away with a brush of my thumb over her skin. “I promise.”

Chapter 48

Eden

Dylan and I haven’t been alone since last night.

After I woke up, two doctors rushed in. They ran me through a battery of tests, asking if I knew my name, and where it hurts.

It hurts everywhere.

I drifted back to sleep after that, and when I woke up this morning, Noelle was by my side.

Dylan was still in the room, standing at the foot of the hospital bed with his hands in the pockets of his pants.

The pieces of what happened are starting to fall into place.

After all the flights to New York City were canceled because of the bad weather, I decided to drive so I’d make it to court in time.

I packed a few things into my car and set off.

The next thing I remember is a deer on the road, and then waking up here.

The doctor told me that a state trooper found me and that the deer must have ran off. I have no idea how long I was unconscious.

“I’m going back to Manhattan.” Noelle moves to give me a side hug being mindful of the sling on my left arm. “It’s best if you don’t travel for a couple of days. Promise me that you’ll go back and see Dr. Yelena tomorrow.”

I nod. “I promise.”

Dylan’s been almost silent since we got to my condo. He held my hand in the Uber on the way here. He carried me up the stairs against my protests.

I didn’t have to ask him to stay in Buffalo with me.

He bought a few changes of clothes and a new charger for his phone.