Since Chris had walked back into her life, her whole world had become nothing but confusion. Her thoughts and feelings were all over the place. The levelheadedness was gone.
He came back minutes later looking pretty happy with himself. “They’re going to wrap our food up. I’ve gone for a couple of burgers instead of the steak.”
“How are you going to drive?” she asked, seeing his hand wrapped in the towel.
“No worries. It only hurts a little. I’m still good to drive.”
“What if they give you drugs or something to help with the pain?”
Chris reached over, touching her hand. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ve got this.”
She didn’t bother to question him. The waiter came out with their order wrapped in some fancy tubs. Erica carried them out to the car while he fired everything up. His hand looked fine. There was no blood seeping out of the towel.
“Are you sure you’re not going to pass out on me?”
“Have a little faith. I’m only doing this as a precaution for your sake. Strap in.” She buckled her seat belt before he pulled out of the restaurant. This time she kept her focus on him instead of looking out of the car window.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
“Chris, you don’t have to say stuff like that to me.”
“I want to. You look amazing, and thank you for agreeing to go out with me tonight. I know it took a lot from you, and I appreciate it.”
What could she say to that?
“The way you asked didn’t leave me much choice.”
She heard him sigh. “This thing with Ben, do you think you’ll marry him?” Erica tucked her hair behind her ear. She would do anything to stop herself from answering his question.
“I should accept. He’s a great guy. He’s sweet, caring, and everything—”
“That I’m not,” he said, interrupting her.
Erica heard the sadness in his voice, and she couldn’t allow him to go on thinking that he meant nothing to her. “And he is everything you’re not.”
She felt his eyes on her body in the quiet assessment he had always used to make to her. She rubbed her hands over her dress, which lay along her thighs. He would be looking straight ahead, watching the road. When she thought it was safe enough to look at him, she did. His jaw was clenched. She saw the way he kept his gaze on the road rather than look at her.
For the rest of the journey, Erica kept her mouth shut. She didn’t want to cause any other problems.
Chris parked close to the entrance to the emergency department. She followed him inside. He talked to the nurse on the desk and filled out some forms before they both took a seat waiting for a doctor. She clutched her hands in her lap, as hospitals always made her nervous. The number of people who entered and didn’t come back out again scared her. He grabbed her hand, interlocking their fingers. She knew he was offering her his strength. Erica gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Their silent communication meant more to her than any words that could be spoken.
The doctor came out, and Chris pulled her into the waiting room.
“Sorry for the delay. We’ve had a lot of accidents today,” the doctor said.
“No problem. I just wanted to get this checked out to ease my lady’s mind.” Erica scowled at him. She stayed out of the way of the doctor. Chris gave her a wink, which made her smile even though she tried not to.
He explained what happened to the doctor, who then removed the towel. She saw there were a few cuts but nothing else. She’d been worrying for nothing.
The doctor cleaned up the cuts to make sure there was no glass. He advised for Chris not to shatter any more in his hand and handed over some papers before leaving them.
“See, I’m okay. A fuss for nothing,” he said.
“All right, but I’m still glad we made sure. I would have been worrying for the rest of the night.”
He took her hand once again, leading her out to the car.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“We’ve still got to eat. I’m taking you some place. Buckle up and relax.” He closed the door, going round the car to his own side. The excitement of the surprise made her giggle when he started the car. She hadn’t felt so carefree in a long time. “I missed that sound.”
He put the car into gear, and they were off, the town and the beach far behind them.
****
Chris knew a quaint little place with a water fountain and the most amazing view of the city. With it being a Friday, everywhere was busy, but he knew the fountain wouldn’t be. There were not many bars, clubs, or restaurant in the area for people to sit and eat. He found a parking lot with plenty of spaces. While Erica got out, he grabbed their food, taking her hand in the process, and he walked her to his destination.