* * * *
I woke several more times, only drinking a bit of water before passing out again. Each time the pain in my head decreased a little until, finally, I woke with more clarity.
“Water,” I whispered into the darkness.
Again, an arm snaked under me and lifted me for a cool drink. I drained the cup. The arm lowered me, and I settled back onto the pillow. My ears rang in the silence.
“How long have I been sleeping?” I asked just to hear something.
“I really hope you’re Clay,” I whispered breathlessly.
His gruff laugh wrapped around me, just as comforting as his hug.
“Can we turn on a light?”
He moved away from me, and I took the opportunity to sit up a bit and lean against the headboard. My legs still felt shaky.
Blinking several times, I finally focused on Clay. He was dressed in the same clothes he’d worn outside. Maybe I hadn’t been out that long after all. He stood near the bed and watched me with a tender, relieved expression.
“Clay, I think I know what’s going on. Can you help me up? I really need a shower.” And a toothbrush.
He shook his head.
“Clay, now’s not the time to put your foot down. This is really important.” I tried to sit all the way up, but couldn’t. My head started to throb again. “Okay. Maybe you’re right,” I mumbled as I rubbed my forehead. “Can you get me something for my head, please? It feels like it going to explode all over the walls.”
I waited until I heard the outside door close, then I struggled up again. My comment about my head was absolutely true. Therefore, I stayed in a sitting position for a minute before attempting to swing my legs off the bed. But headache or not, I needed to speak to Luke.
Reaching for my bag, I smiled again at Clay’s packing. Flannel pants and a t-shirt were perfect, after all.