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her. “Hey there, hot stuff.”
     
    “I knew you’d find me, pretty girl.” He managed a small smile.
     
    “Miss, you’re going to have to step back and let me check him out.” The cop was young and looked a little nervous.
     
    Sandy stepped back and tried not to let fear eat her alive. He was so pale, and there was blood all over the back of his head. The bike was in pieces several feet away, the back wheel completely demolished. The young cop had pulled on gloves and was gently inspecting Christian’s head wound, checking his pulse and asking him what had happened all at the same time. His replies were so quiet that she couldn’t make out what he said.
     
    The ambulance came around the curve and pulled off the road near her bike. She waved her arms, knowing they’d already seen them but needing to feel like she was doing something, anything.
     
    It was a blur after that. They worked on him for a few minutes before putting a collar on him and lifting him onto the gurney. He looked so helpless strapped down, head immobilized. One of the EMT’s motioned her over and she ran to his side. “We’re going to St. Mark’s. We can’t let you in the ambulance, but you’re welcome to follow.”
     
    Sandy nodded and squeezed Christian’s hand, leaning over so she could see into his eyes. “I’m right behind you. Just have to straighten up a thing with the police, then I’ll be there. Promise.”
     
    He couldn’t nod, but he gave her that cocky smile and squeezed her hand back. They loaded him in the ambulance and she turned away, tears already starting to gather in her eyes. The young policeman was waiting, so she rubbed her eyes clear and walked to him, ready to get the cuffs slapped on. She’d have to call her Daddy to come get her out of jail, but it didn’t matter. Christian was going to be okay. He had to be okay.
     
    *****
     
    To her surprise, the young officer hadn’t arrested her. Hadn’t even given her a ticket. He’d escorted her to the hospital, told her he hoped Christian was okay, and would send someone by later to take a statement from him so they could investigate the accident. She’d been so overwhelmed and grateful that she’d hugged him, making him blush dark red around his neck.
     
    The escort had been unnecessary, because they wouldn’t let her back to see Christian. She wasn’t family. She didn’t even know if he had any family that she should be calling. She knew next to nothing about his life aside from general knowledge and what he’d told her that day in her shop.
     
    The plastic chairs in the waiting area were amazingly uncomfortable, and the TV was tuned to some annoying reality show with loud-mouthed women fighting over a disturbingly orange colored man. She thought about stepping out to call Mariah, but what if Christian needed her?
     
    Unable to just sit there, Sandy got up and paced the small room. He’d been here almost two hours now, and there’d been no news. At least, nothing they’d tell her. All she ever got was they were taking care of him and that he was in stable condition. Good thing she wasn’t more like her Daddy, or that nice officer would be back to put her in handcuffs for sure.
     
    “Miss Rivers?” A petite nurse with jet black hair came around the corner and Sandy practically ran to her. “Mr. Belz is asking for you. He’s been given some pretty heavy pain medication, so you won’t be able to stay long.”
     
    Sandy nodded, suddenly nervous. She followed the petite nurse down the hall and around the corner. “He’s down in room 311, on the left.”
     
    She didn’t know what she’d expected, but Christian with his head shaved and bandaged wasn’t it. He was still so pale, and his eyes had dark rings around them. “Well, aren’t you a sight?”
     
    “Downright gorgeous.” He reached out a hand, wanting her closer.
     
    She didn’t hesitate, pulling a chair close to his bed and taking his hand. “I hear you’re on some good