Scoring Position Strike Zone Series Book 3

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Molly

      Walking away from Reese is the absolute worst thing ever. I hate saying goodbye to him, but I don't see a choice. He made the decision to leave, he took my voice away from me. Now I'm afraid he's going to die. The doctor isn't giving him very good odds of waking up. I have to move on. Swiping harshly at my tears, and whispering a final goodbye to Reese, I get to my feet. As my head drops, I take one last look at his face.

     He looks so peaceful laying here in bed. Minus the tubes and machines. Maybe he is at peace. Turning away, I walk to the door and the hair on the back of my neck rises. Goosebumps cover my skin, and a tingle works its way up my spine. That heavy pressure in my chest squeezes my heart. Stopping at the door, I take a ragged breath.

     Can I really look at him one more time and still leave here?

     I need to. I need to see his face just once more before I go for good. Slowly, I look over my shoulder and freeze. His arm is outstretched, reaching for me. His eyes, just barely open, are staring at me, desperately trying to tell me to come back. My breath hitches, lodging in my throat on a whimper as a sob breaks through and without a thought, I rush back to Reese's side.

      "Oh God! Oh God! Reese! You're awake!" I sit back into the chair I'd just vacated, and take his hand. His hand is limp, weak in mine, but he shakily lifts his palm to my cheek and with a feather-like touch, brushes his hand against my skin. Struggling to make a sound, he groans softly, not able to get a word out with the breathing tube down his throat.  He can't get anything out but tries again with a frustrating grunt.

"Don't talk. It's okay, just let me get the doctor. Just don't close your eyes, Reese. Stay awake."

     I give his palm a kiss and a gentle squeeze before jumping back up, and rushing to the door. I yell to the nurses station, letting them know he's awake. They move fast, calling the doctor and hurrying past me into the room. I stay right inside the door watching as they take his vitals, check his eyes and monitor him until the doctor can get here.

     Again, Reese grunts and points past the nurses toward me. "I think he wants you. It's okay, come sit next to him. We're trying to reach your family now. Just keep him calm." She tells me quietly as I walk over to the foot of the bed.

     Sitting down gingerly, I take the hand he reaches out to me and nod. "You're going to be okay, Reese. You just need to take it easy."

      He nods slowly and pulls my hand over his chest. Pressing my palm down onto his hard chest, his hand on top of my own. I can feel his heart pounding, a quick rhythm in time with the beeping of the machine behind me. I lean forward brushing his dark, straight hair away from his face and study the glassy look of his eyes.

      Dark chocolate pools stare up at me. I've wanted to sink into them as far back as I can remember. Soft, easy eyes most of the time, that can always bring a low simmering heat deep inside my body. My heart aches over what's become of us. His eyes search mine for a clue about what's happened to him. I doubt he remembers any more than Dillon did when he woke.

     "Let Mom and Dad get here. Don't try to talk, you can't until they take out the tube. You scared us, Reese. God, we were so worried." I whisper and rest my forehead to his arm. "I thought you were dying."

     He cups my cheek and I see a tear roll down his face into his hair. With tremendous effort he shakes his head slowly. He doesn't have the strength to talk. Hearing the ruckus in the hallway, I look over and see our family. Getting up, I go over and hug my mom while Nate and Dad push in to see Reese. Dad takes my seat and Nate stands at the foot of the bed.