Page 25 of Collide

He carried me. In his arms.Those arms. My heart thumps against my chest.

I assumed he would’ve called an ambulance, but he scooped me up like a sack of potatoes and went on his merry way.

Of course, I couldn’t complain—I was unconscious. The shame.

“My hero.” I cough, trying to clear my throat, and Alex chuckles, a smile spreading across his face. Oh, dear God, it’s enough to make me lose any composure I have left.

“Food,” he says, pulling his phone out of his pocket like he just remembered.

Stop staring at him like that.

I tell myself it’s just the drugs. Yes, that’s it—the drugs. That’s why I’m acting like this. That’s why I’m ogling him likehe’sthe one good enough to eat.

While Alex orders, I watch him through my lashes, lips slightly parted, my heart skipping a beat.

He looks up and catches my gaze. I flush and quickly look away, focusing on my hands as they clutch the hospital wristbands.

“Food will be here soon,” he announces, his voice smooth.

“Thank you,” I mumble, barely able to meet his eyes.

“You’re very welcome.” That heart-stopping smile.

I gulp hard, trying to stay composed.

“So, how exactly did we…collide?” I ask, trying to change the subject.

“Ah, well, you were at the back section in the store,” he starts, his voice smooth and casual. “I was looking for a book. I noticed you were standing there under your hat, and the book was above your head.” He smiles slyly.

Okay, I get it, I’m short. Well, compared to him, I am.

“You turned and ran straight into me, and before I could grab you to stop you from falling, you lost your footing, stumbled back, and went down.” He finishes with a nervous laugh. “You hit your head on a nearby table, and well, now you’re here.”

He recaps it like a news reporter. It’s the most he’s spoken since I woke up, and I notice the vague accent. I wonder from what magical dimension he comes from. He can’t possibly be real.

“Yep, here.” I sigh dramatically, trying to make light of it.

In this hospital. With him.

I don’t know whether to die of embarrassment or thank the gods for this chance encounter.

“You should see the table,” he adds, cocking his head to the side.

I giggle. He’s handsome and funny—so unfair.

Before I can say anything else, a small man and a different nurse poke their heads through the door, knocking before entering. The man hands Alex a paper bag, and Alex gives him some cash.

The scent coming from the bag engulfs the room, and despite my hunger, Alex looks even more tempting. A thought that catches me off guard.

“How are you feeling?” the nurse asks, interrupting my train of thought.

“I’m okay. Justhungry,” I admit, a little embarrassed at how crude that sounds in my head. I blush, hoping she doesn’t notice.

Alex seems to catch on, and I notice a cheeky glint in his eyes.

Oh, God, I’m mortified.

The nurse nods, unfazed. “Take these after you’ve had something to eat.” She hands me a plastic cup with two white oval tablets in it, then places the chart back at the end of the bed before leaving the room.