Free Demanded by Him (Wanted Series #3) by Hazel Kelly Page B

foot of the bed and looking at her like a patient.
    I leaned forward and kissed her forehead for much longer than
she ever would’ve let me if she were awake. “Please make sure somebody is with
her at all times,” I said, straightening back up.
    Dr. Crawford nodded. “Unfortunately, Sophie’s condition demands
that she be constantly monitored so you have nothing to worry about.”
    “What do you mean unfortunately?”
    “I mean it would be better if her situation weren’t so
precarious. Then we could give you more privacy and allow you to spend more
time with her.” He clasped his hands in front of him. “But at this time, she
requires constant medical supervision.”
    I didn’t know if I should be happy or upset.
    So I looked at Sophie one more time, smiled at the doctor as
best I could, and walked away, trying to swallow the lump in my throat as I
made my way back to Addison in the waiting room. How long had I left her by
herself? I’m sure she was fine on her own, but I hoped she knew I wasn’t trying
to be rude. I shook my head as I pushed open the grey double doors.
    When I lifted my eyes, all I could see was family.
    Austin was the first out of his chair and his arms were around
me in a second, squeezing me so hard my eyes nearly popped out of my head.
    I slapped a flat palm on his back. “Thanks for coming,” I said,
looking over his shoulder.
    I could see Gigi, Karen, and both my parents sitting at the end
of the row of chairs. My mom was rubbing cream into her hands and my dad was
pouring eye drops all over his cheeks.
    “I told you not to tell them yet,” I said, taking a step back.
    Austin shrugged. “I was worried we wouldn’t get here fast enough,
and I didn’t want you to be alone.”
    Suddenly I was hugging Karen. “Thanks for coming,” I said. Then
I turned back to Austin. “I wasn’t alone. Addison’s here.” Was here? Where was
she?
    Karen returned to Gigi’s side as it was her turn in travel size Connect
Four.
    I looked around for Addison as my parents pulled me into a
double hug. My dad looked like he’d been crying for ages from his misfired eye
drops, which was nothing new.
    He always complained that his eyes were dry in crowded places. The
mall, the movie theater, anywhere that a lot of air seemed to be enclosed in a
large space was a potential dry eye danger zone. He stepped back after a single
pat on the back while my mom rubbed my back a bit longer.
    “So how is she?” Austin said, digging his hands into his
pockets.
    I shook my head. “She’s sort of sleeping.”
    Everyone raised their eyebrows, including Gigi who seemed
reluctant to peel her eyes off her game.
    “In a coma kind of way,” I said.
    “Jesus.” My mom covered her mouth with her thin skinned hands.
    “What’s the prognosis?” My dad said, blinking like some kind of
idiot.
    “They’re taking her upstairs to run some tests. They’re going to
keep me posted.” I pulled my shirt forward so the soft collar would cover the
back of my cold neck. “My understanding is that the sooner she wakes up the
better.”
    “Did you tell her I brought Connect Four?” Gigi asked.
    “No, I didn’t Gigi, but I’ll tell her as soon as I see her
again.”
    Gigi nodded once, approving of our arrangement.
    “Come on,” Austin said, putting a hand on my shoulder. “Let’s
get some fresh air.”
    My immediate panic at stepping out was instantly assuaged by
Karen, who gave me a look so knowing there was no doubt in my mind she would tackle
any nurse she suspected of harboring critical information.
    I nodded at Austin and headed down the hall. It felt good to
stretch my legs, to have a chance to prepare myself for a long afternoon with my
folks. “I hope it didn’t cost too much for you guys to get out here on such short
notice,” I said. “You know I’m happy to cover your costs-”
    “Don’t be silly,” Austin said. “If anything I should be kissing
you right now. Gigi got to do her last dance this