Lex gives me his hand as he drives and instructs me to squeeze and count each of his fingers out loud while he drives us to the ER. I giggle, but he gives me a look that says I should listen to him and I do.
Once at the ER, he insists on carrying me in. I'm feeling better than when we left and the bleeding has started slowing. It was likely the adrenaline rush that made me feel like I was going to pass out.
As we wait, Lex looks over at me and jokes. "You know if you wanted to get out of talking to me, you could have just excused yourself."
"Yes because I remote-engineered this entire fiasco." We laugh and he reaches out to check the bleeding. I wince because the cut hurts, but enjoy the feel of his hands on me nonetheless.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I should leave this to the medical personnel." Lex says quietly.
"I don't think I'll like them touching me nearly as much." I mutter. Our eyes lock and his hand cups my cheek. I think he's going to kiss me when a nurse comes out and calls my name.
"I'm here." I whisper, lost in Lex's eyes. The nurse calls my name again. I say louder. "I'm here."
"Do you want me to come along?" He offers.
"Yes please. I may be a badass on the surface, but I hate needles." I admit, an involuntary shiver running through me. He stands and offers me his hand. I sheepishly take it.
Once inside a tiny curtained area the nurse asks questions and takes notes. She inspects my wound and starts to clean off the dried blood so she can more clearly inspect the wound. Lex silently holds my hand, stroking his thumb over my wrist as I try to fight back the tears.
"So Kinsey, did you play any sports?" He asks in an obvious attempt to distract me.
"I was a dancer." I reply.
"Pretty little ballerina?" He guesses with a smile.
"Actually ballroom." I respond.
"No shit." His voice is tinged with amusement. I lock eyes with him.
"What? You sound surprised. I was good. I used to compete." I always get defensive when I talk about this part of my past. It was such a large part of my identity.
"You'll have to prove it to me sometime." He says. He doesn't mean anything by it.
I drop my eyes. I quit dancing because it became too much. I was obsessed and it cost me my childhood and my health. I have avoided it since I quit because it scared me that I could become that person.
"Uh yeah maybe...ouch!" I hiss from the pain. The nurse apologizes and says the doctor will be in soon. I need stitches. She leaves and it's just Lex and I again. He is still holding my hand.
"Why did you stop?" He asks.
"What?" I act like I don't know what he means, stalling.
"Dancing. Did you have an injury?" He clarifies his question.
"Oh um...sort of." I respond, signaling I really don't want to discuss it.
"I'm sorry." He apologizes.
I smirk. "You're apologizing an awful lot tonight."
He stretches his fingers over my hand and intertwines his with mine. I wave of heat runs through me as he speaks. "Because I don't want to risk my babbling chasing you away."
"Well if it isn't my favorite tiny dancer! You've managed to stay out of my ER for nearly 10 years. What brings you in now?" A familiar face enters the room.
YOU ARE READING
Technically Speaking
Romance*** COMPLETED STORY *** With a rough past that sent her life down an undesired path, Kinsey has made it work. She's in a job she mostly likes and excels in. She's a bit aimless in love, but who doesn't go through a time like that in their lifetime? ...
