Ria turned away from the desk, walking toward the door with her head down to avoid anyone seeing how upset she was.
When she bumped into someone, she looked up and gasped. “Nicholas, what are you doing here?”
“Melanie was in a minor traffic accident. Another car ran a red light and plowed into her car.”
“Is she all right?”
“She’s fine. The doctors have signed her release. Her and Zane are just waiting for the paperwork.”
“I’m glad she wasn’t hurt.”
Nick nodded his head while his eyes searched hers. “I see you started your new job.”
She nodded, raising her hand to her temple.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. I’m just getting a headache.” Ria moved away, going through the sliding doors.
“Where’s your car?”
“It’s at work. I’m going to call Lacey and catch a ride with her.” She grimaced in pain.
“I’ll drive you. I was leaving anyway.”
Ria started to refuse, but her head was killing her, and she was upset about Carrie.
“Come on, Ria. Let me help.”
The pain forced her to give in. “All right.” She thought she was going to humiliate herself and vomit.
“Stay here. I’ll be right back.”
It didn’t take long before he was helping her inside his car. The cool interior provided some relief. She closed her eyes, leaning her head back against the headrest.
“You’re too sick to drive; I can take you home.”
Ria hated to admit it, but her head was hurting too badly for driving. So she relented, and just gave him the address to her new home.
“I know where you live. I’ve driven by a couple of times. I never could work my courage up to actually knocking on your door, though.”
That didn’t sound like him. Nicholas was never uncertain of himself. He was always cocky and self-assured.
Despite the pain, she turned her head to look at him. He had changed, seeming more settled, peaceful, as if his demons weren’t driving him anymore.
When they reached her apartment, he got out, opening her door and taking her arm. She let him.
“Can I come in? I’ll leave when you want me to.”
Ria couldn’t resist. Hating herself, she nodded, opening her door. Inside, she sank down weakly onto her couch.
“I’ll get you something to drink? Got any painkillers?”
“Medicine cabinet in my bedroom.”
She was in too much pain to be embarrassed about him seeing her personal items.
When he handed her a glass of ice water and the tablets, she took them, hoping she would be able to keep them down. A tear slid down her cheek. She didn’t know what was worse: the pain in her head or the one in her heart at being near him again.
She opened her eyes when he lifted her into his arms, carrying her to the bedroom where he laid her down gently on the bed. Then he took off his shoes and shirt and climbed into the bed with her. She didn’t protest as he turned her until she was facing away from him. He pulled her back toward his warm chest and wrapped his arm around her stomach. His head rested on top of hers and he slowly started running his fingers along her body. His hands were soothing, and she felt the tension start to drain from her body. Once the tension loosened, however, the tears started flowing. He didn’t say anything or ask any questions; he simply let her cry as he continued to stroke her body with his hand.
She felt like she must have cried for at least half an hour, and Nicholas never said a word. It was as if he knew she was fighting her own demons, and he wasn’t putting any pressure on her to talk. He was merely there for her. He became her rock, and his presence finally eased that ache inside of her since she had walked away from him.
After a few final shudders from her crying episode, she started breathing normally. She scooted back, trying to get closer, and he wrapped his arm around her tighter, giving her the closeness she was craving.
“Better?” he asked gently.
Ria nodded her head and squeezed his arm. “Thank you,” she whispered.
They lay there for a while longer, neither one feeling any need to say anything, afraid to break the moment. As exhausted as she was, she couldn’t fall asleep. She knew Nicholas was awake, as well.
“We tried to save a young girl yesterday. She was out with friends on a boat. She slipped, hit her head, and fell in the water.” Ria finally felt like talking.
“She didn’t survive?” Nicholas asked softly.
“We were able to resuscitate her, but she was unresponsive. They rushed her in with the doctor. When we got to the ER today, I found out she died.” Ria heard her voice breaking up again.
“I’m sorry. That had to be difficult when you’d worked hard to save her.”