Chapter 9 - Lexi

 

 

I woke up in the hospital, my head pounding. A short round nurse was taking my vitals.

“Where am I? How did I get here?”

“You, young lady, are at St. Martin’s Hospital. Please take a deep breath for me.” She had her stethoscope pressed tightly up against my chest.

“You have a severe concussion, a laceration to your ear that we stitched up nicely. You won’t even see it once it’s healed. And you’ve got some major bumps and bruises.” She had a grandmotherly feel to her. Her voice was warm and caring.

I sat up quickly, but the room started to spin. “I need to get out of here,” I choked, throat raw with dehydration.

“Not so fast, Ms. Lowell. You need to stay here a little while longer. We’d like to monitor your concussion and make sure that the swelling goes down. I need to get a few more vitals on you.” She placed the blood pressure cuff on my arm.

“You have your own private room here, Ms. Lowell, with many accommodations. Look around, you even have a view. And it has been paid for in full. You’re in good hands,” she chirped.

“Paid for in full? By who?” I hoped it was Hudson, but I didn’t even know if he was alive. Maybe the murderers had taken me here to kill me. Maybe it wasn’t even a hospital. Although I could see doctors and nurses passing outside in the hallway, I could feel my blood pressure rise.

“He left a note and flowers and said he’d be back.” She pointed to the stand beside me. “Pretty aren’t they?”

I picked up the card and opened it.

 

Dear Lexi,

We made it, beautiful girl. Please don’t worry, everything is under control. And you’re going to be okay. That’s the most important part of this for me. I was so scared that I was going to lose you.

Once the truck crashed, I thought we were goners. I really didn’t think there was much hope for us at that point. I tried to pry the door open, hoping to escape, but to no avail. Within seconds I heard sirens and then more sirens. Police, fire trucks, and ambulances were all on the scene.

The police broke the lock and we were able to get you into the ambulance within minutes. I was so frightened because I didn’t know why you lost consciousness. Seeing them take you in the ambulance nearly broke my heart, Lexi.

I was able to explain everything to the police, and they knew exactly who I was talking about. They’ve got both guys in custody already.

Try to relax. I talked to the doctors and you’re going to be just fine. Although I don’t like hospitals, you can be sure that I’ll be back for you soon.

All my love,

Hudson

“Are you thirsty? Can I get you anything before I leave?” Miss short round nurse asked, scribbling something on her clipboard.

I bit my lower lip, a flood of relief washing through me. “Grape juice please, with ice.”

“Coming right up. Feel free to get up, but slowly. Take your time and hold on to the railings, that are throughout the room, if you need to. A shower might make you feel better, too. Your private bathroom is right through that door behind you.”

I sat up and wiped my face. Surprisingly, I felt pretty good. Besides a slight headache on the side of my head, and a bit of soreness throughout my body, I was okay. I was ecstatic and relieved. Thank God this nightmare was over.

I eased myself off the bed, feeling the cold tile underneath my feet. A shower might be just what the doctor ordered. The warm water would feel good and hopefully loosen up my sore muscles.

I took small steps toward the door behind me. The private bath was spacious and modern with natural sunlight shining in through the high beveled windows. There was an oversized waterfall shower with several jets coming out of the marble tiled walls and ceiling. I turned the water on and let the cold water run until it was warm on my fingertips. I untied the hospital gown and let it drop to the floor before stepping into the shower. The hot water felt good flowing down over my messy hair and aching body. I stood there for a long while trying to grasp all that had happened and the fact that Hudson Randle had come back into my life.

As I lathered my hair, an apple and vanilla scent wafted in the steamy air and I inhaled deeply.

I heard the bathroom door close.

“Hello? Is someone there?”

“Need help washing up, beautiful girl?” Hudson peeked into the shower as he pulled his shirt off over his head. “Can I help you wash your hair like I did when we were young? Remember when we’d go camping?” He stepped out of his pants, eyes still on me.

“Yes, please, and yes, I remember.” I grabbed for him and pulled him in close. “It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you.”

“It’s only been a few hours, Lex.”

“I know,” I squeaked. I couldn’t hold back the tears. They were falling now almost as hard as the waterfall shower. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I thought you might be dead. I thought I might never see you again.” I hugged him like I might never get the opportunity again.

He nuzzled his nose against my hairline, lips pressed against my forehead. “Don’t you worry your pretty little head. I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere. When I saw you unconscious, everything became crystal clear for me. I want you in my life. For good. There’s no one better suited for me. You fit me like a glove, Lexi Lowell.”

He parted my lips softly with his own, our kiss deep and gentle all at once.

“Let’s wash you up, and get out of here,” he murmured against my lips. “I’d like to take you to my cottage in the country. It’s private and safe. How does that sound?”

“That sounds nice”—I ran my hands through his now wet hair—“really nice.”

“I’m looking forward to a life with you again, Lexi.”

“Me, too. I can’t wait to see your cottage. And after, we should make a trip home. I can’t wait to bring you home and show you off. And I can’t wait to see Lynn’s reaction when I walk in with you on my arm.”

He lifted me up in his arms and kissed me. “Let’s do it, beautiful girl.”