Chapter 25
I woke up in a hospital bed, dark hair pooled around my thigh where Zoe's head rested. My right arm was in some kind of sling, but my left, closest to Zoe felt fine. I reached for her hair, my fingers brushing through it softly, stirring her awake. She sat slowly, a smile stretching across her face. “Hey Soldier.” She said, with love in her eyes. “You scared the shit out of me.” She teased, wiping a tear from her cheek. “I'll go grab the doctor.”
I watched as she left the room, wishing like hell that she didn't, and remembering my vow to Jake. She was safe now, and I needed to do my part, and break not only her heart, but mine. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes, searching for the words that I never wanted say. Before I had too much time to contemplate though, a doctor entered the room with a chart in her hand.
“How are you feeling Mr. Granger?” She asked, checking my vitals on the machine, and jotting them down.
“Like I just got shot.” I said, nodding my head towards my shoulder.
“You're lucky your friend was able to remove the bullet in the field. He tells me you're soldiers?”
I nodded. “Yes, Maa'm.”
“Do you know what day it is?” She asked.
It was Tuesday when Jake and I went to get Zoe, and looking out the window told me it was mid morning. “Wednesday?” I guessed.
“It's actually Friday. You were out for quite some time. When your friend removed the bullet, there was shrapnel in the wound. It's probably been there for years, but the gun shot shifted it. It knicked an artery, but we were able to repair it. You were also given blood to replace what you had lost. I'm going to have our physical therapist come by after you've eaten to discuss discharge. Do you have any questions?”
I shook my head no, and after checking my morphine drip, she left the room. I closed my eyes once again trying to remember the last two days, but it was no use. I had more questions than answers, and the only person who could help me was Jake, and he was already on his way. I needed to see him, find out how he'd managed to take out six armed guards by himself. Something just wasn't sitting right with me, and I couldn't explain it.
“I already know what you're going to say.” Zoe said, sitting on the bed beside me. “Jake told me.”
“Told you what?” I asked, reaching for her hand.
“That you plan on breaking up with me, to keep me safe.” She said quietly, her eyes downcast, as she ran her thumb over my hand.
“I lied.” I said, her head snapping up to look me in the eyes. “Loving you is like breathing Babydoll, how can I stop?”
Tears instantly pooled in her eyes, and I cocked my head to the side signaling for her to come closer. She tucked her tiny frame into my left side, and I held her tight against me until her tears stopped. “That's better.” I said kissing the top of her head, and making her smile.
“I found this in your wallet.” She said, reaching into her pocket. “I was looking for your insurance card, how long have you carried this?” She asked handing me the folded polaroid.
I laughed, looking at the two of us side by side. “Since the night the photographer took it. I remember looking at it, and thinking that we looked pretty damn good together. You smiled, after I kissed your forehead, so I did it again. I enjoyed that night more than I should have.” I admitted. “Although, I'm glad we aren't pretending anymore. The perks that come with the real thing are, how'd you say it? Pretty freaking awesome.” I laughed, giving her perfect ass a squeeze.
“Wes!” She squealed, falling into a fit of giggles. I smiled wide, watching her so carefree was one of my favorite things in the world.
A loud throat clearing seized all laughter, as Jake entered the room. Zoe stiffened beside me, slowing making to sit. “I'll uh- leave you two alone.” She said, leaning over to kiss me, before sliding from the bed, and past Jake out into the hallway.
“Glad to see you're feeling better.” Jake said, taking the empty chair beside my bed.
“Thanks to you brother. If you hadn't been there-”
“If you hadn't been there, my sister would be dead right now.” He interrupted me. “You threw your own god damned body down on top of hers and took the bullet meant for her head. Not a lot of people would do that.”
“I love her man. I do, and I know I promised I'd end things with her, but I can't. This isn't a game to me Jake. I get it. She's your sister, but she's also a woman. A very intelligent, beautiful woman, who is capable of making her own decisions, and I know you're probably here to make sure I do the right thing, but honestly I think this is it. Zoe and I, we are the right thing.”
“I know.”
“You.. what?” I asked, the confusion written all over my face.
“I see the way she looks at you, and you her. I'm not saying I'm one hundred percent ok with this, but I'm saying I'll try to be.”
“You giving me your blessing Dad?” I joked, with a shit eating grin on my face.
Jake's response was to stand and give me the finger, making us both chuckle. When the laughter died down, Jake took a purposeful step towards me, looking me directly in the eyes. Towering over me, while I was stuck in a hospital bed, his way of showing intimidation. “You don't just catch a girl like Zoe.” He said, as seriously as he could. “If you're lucky enough to have her, it's because she let you. Remember that.”
I nodded in understanding, reaching for his hand. He took it, and shaking hands, I agreed never to put anyone, or anything, above Zoe Cruz. Little did he know, I'd already made that vow to myself months ago.
“Well, this looks cozy.” Zoe said, re entering the room with three large coffee cups.
Reclaiming the seat, he'd just been in, Jake grabbed one of the cups and pressed it to his lips. “Where'd you get this sludge?” He asked, setting it down on the table beside him.
I laughed, but Zoe gave him the finger, clearly a trait in the Cruz family. “I couldn't leave the hospital. Had to stay close so you too wouldn't kill each other.” She said, gesturing between the two of us.
“No need.” I said, with a smile. “Jake and I have come to an agreement.”
“Oh yea?” She asked, raising her brows skeptically. “And what's that?”
“Basically, you and I can be together as long as I promise to never make you any other emotion other than happy.” I deadpanned.
“And keep taking bullets for her.” Jake chimed in, making me nod in agreement.
“I knew you'd come around Jakey.” She teased, leaning down and giving him a hug.
“Hey, what about me? I'm injured, and just endured a grueling conversation with your crazy over protective brother.” I pouted.
“Poor baby.” She said, coming to my side and kissing me on my cheek, then my nose, forehead, and finally my lips. I couldn't help but reach up and put my hand in her hair, bringing her closer to me. Deepening our kiss.
“Okay!” Jake said, making to stand. “I'm not ready for this bull shit yet.”
Zoe and I laughed, our teeth clanking together in the process. “I'm sorry.” She grinned, pulling away from me and turning to face her brother. “We'll stop torturing you now.”
“Good.” He said. “Because we have a lot to talk about.”