She jerked her head off Nic’s hospital bed and froze. Despite the haggardness of his features and the paleness of his cheeks, his glorious smile brought tears to her eyes. Swallowing to ease the tightness in her throat, she smiled tremulously. “You’re awake. Thank God.” “How…” He cleared his throat and tried to speak again. “Water…” he managed to rasp. She poured him a glass of water from the pitcher on the bedside table and brought the straw to his mouth. He took a sip. “How long was I out?” Although his voice was still rough, it was the most beautiful sound Lauren had ever heard. The tears she’d been holding back spilled out. Without saying a word, he slowly opened his arms. Careful not to disturb the IV, she embraced him. As his warmth enveloped her, her tears turned to sobs. “Ça va, chérie,” he whispered in her ear as he held her tight and ran a hand through her hair. “I’m okay.” Oh God.
