Exes and Oh's: Part 17

MARLEY

Since the moment I had heard about Freddy's accident, I had thought about what to say to him. A million different words crossed my mind but none of them would hide the fact that I was still in love with him. He would know. The second he opened his eyes and saw me here, sitting at his bedside, holding his good hand, he would know just how much I still cared. I had a whole life planned without him in it, and now after almost losing him for good, he made me realize how complicated that was going to be.

I couldn't stay long, for work related reasons and for emotional ones as well. Michael had promised to update me if anything new happened. Still, it was hard seeing such a heroic and pigheaded man in this condition. Yes, his stubborn streak was worse than mine, and I couldn't knock him for saving people's lives. But I just wished he'd be more careful.

"I can see why he never got over you." The statement came from none other than Freddy's gorgeous ex-fiance, who's name was Kristen according to Danny. Her shoulder leaned against the opened doorway as her defeated blue gaze held mine.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be here." I excused myself and began to stand up from my seat, but she hurried to place her hand on my shoulder, encouraging me to stay.

"If anyone should be here, it's you. I just wanted to see how he was doing." Kristen stated reassuringly as she walked towards a sleeping Freddy, and began to fix his messy hair. She obviously still cared for him, which made me wonder why she called off the engagement. "He's a good man. Deserved way more than what I could ever give him," she added, answering my silent question, and leaned in to kiss his forehead. I swallowed hard, pushing back the bitter taste of jealousy I tasted and looked away.

"He's been waiting a long time for this," Kristen continued, amusement filling her gaze and I raised an eyebrow at her words.

"For what?"

"For you to be ready," she answered cryptically and gave me a short nod before she exited the hospital room, leaving me to contemplate her message. The next sound I heard was a small grunt, and my heart skipped a beat when Freddy began to stir from his sleep. He coughed for a moment before he slowly turned to face me, his eyes squinting, his tongue darting out to lick his dry lips.

"Kristen? Did you get hotter?" he mumbled and I glared at him the second he began to laugh. I hit his arm lightly and he groaned, using his good hand to point towards the ice chips near his bed. I quickly picked up a few and dropped them into his mouth.

"Idiot," I replied and he gave me a small smile as he swallowed and reached to touch my face. I leaned into his palm and sighed in relief when I felt his pulse race. He was alive, and safe and I couldn't be more happy about it.

"Chaparra, you know I hate seeing you cry," Freddy mentioned softly as he wiped the streaming tears away with his thumb and I kissed his hand in return.

"Don't scare me like that again."

"Well, maybe I should run into burning buildings more often if it'll make you be this nice to me," he teased and I frowned, making him laugh once again.

"That's not funny! You could've died, Freddy." I reminded him and he sighed, swallowing as he lowered his gaze and blinked away his own tears.

"How long do I have to spend doing physical therapy?" he asked, changing the subject. Michael had mentioned a few months of physical therapy would get him on the quickest road to recovery.

"A few months. Freddy, no short cuts. You have to do this," I warned him and he removed his hand away from mine as he cleared his throat.

"I'll figure something out," he countered, and this time I hit his thigh before I picked up my purse from my seat and headed towards the doorway.

"You're lucky I can't move. Otherwise I'd teach you how to really spank someone," Freddy teased, making my cheeks burn with the memories of all the incredible sex we used to have.

"Goodbye, Freddy!" I exclaimed, walking out of his room as I heard him begin to laugh again. The man had no shame!

"Hey, doll face. Heading off to work?" Michael greeted me near the exit of the burn unit, his body covered in his light blue hospital uniform. He looked professional, and exhausted and I couldn't be more proud of him. He'd had a tough time in highschool before he found his calling and I was excited to see him thriving when he officially became a doctor.

"Freddy is awake by the way and yes. Are you working tonight?" I asked him as he kissed my cheek and walked me towards the elevator doors.

"That's good news. I knew he would and I can take the night off. I'm over my weekly limit anyway. Why? You want me to come over?" Michael asked as he escorted me into the elevator and pinned me up against the wall the second the elevator doors closed. I moaned into his mouth and chuckled when he kissed down my neck and his hand squeezed at my backside right before the doors opened and let a few people inside. The boy couldn't keep his hands off me and I was having a hard time thinking straight as I pictured just how talented those hands could get.

"I wanted to talk to you about a few things," I answered his question and his eyebrows furrowed as he read my face and took my hand in his to kiss it.

"No need. Freddy's going to need help recovering and there's no one in the world he'd rather have at his side than you," Michael concluded and while I wasn't surprised at how cavalier he was being about all this, I couldn't help but wonder if someone else had caught his attention.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" I asked him as we finally arrived the hospital lobby and he escorted me towards the parking lot, where my car was conveniently parked not too far from the entrance.

"No. But I always knew it was a battle I couldn't win. I just want you to be happy," he said as he pushed my hair behind my ear and kissed my forehead.

"Whoever she is, she's a lucky girl," I told him and watched him try not to blush as he laughed and turned away.

"I'll see you around, doll face."