Page 136 of Lucas

“What?” Logan straightens, his eyes narrowing. “Who?”

“I don’t know who. They came up behind me. I thought they were going to pass me. I was riding on the shoulder like always, and the car just slammed into me. Sent me flying into the ditch. I didn’t see the driver, and I don’t remember anything after the impact.”

“Someone ran you down?” Ava’s fingers clench around mine, her face paling.

I swallow hard. “Yes.”

“And they just left you there?” Cora looks aghast, her hand flying to her mouth. “Who does that? You could have died out there if we hadn’t found you in time!”

“Why were you even out riding at that hour?” Dad interjects, his brow furrowed.

“I thought Ava had left me. I wanted to find her.” The words rasp in my dry throat.

“You thought I left? On a bike?” Ava’s eyes narrow, a flicker of hurt in their green depths. “Why? That doesn’t make sense.”

“Because your bike was gone, and after what happened...” My voice trails off. I thought she was leaving me. Maybe she still plans to and is just waiting because I’m in the hospital. God, I hope not. I hope she’ll give me a chance to explain.

“I didn’t take my bike.” She shakes her head, confusion creasing her brow.

I stare at her, my addled brain struggling to process. “I was so sure your bike wasn’t there.” Almost sure. Maybe I missed it?

“I tried to call you.” I blow out a breath as the memory returns. How scared I was when she didn’t pick up.

Fuck. I glance at Ava, then at the others.

“My battery was dead. When I got home, you weren’t there…”

The nurse comes in then, smiling at me. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I got hit by a car,” I deadpan.

“I can increase your pain meds,” she offers, already reaching for the IV.

I shake my head, then wince at the sharp stab of agony. “No. I want to stay lucid.”

“Alright. Everyone out, please. I need to check on the patient.” She makes a shooing motion with her hands.

They all grumble but comply, chairs scraping as they file out. Then blissful quiet.

“What’s the damage?” I ask once we’re alone.

“Broken ribs and some nasty road rash. Your helmet saved you. You’re very lucky there was no internal damage.” She checks my vitals with brisk efficiency.

“When can I go home?” I ask, impatient to be out of this sterile room, this narrow bed. I need to talk to Ava, need to make this right.

“Home?” She looks surprised. “You just woke up after being unconscious for hours. We need to complete your scans and?—”

“I’m fine. I want to go home,” I say, struggling to sit up straighter.

She nods, pursing her lips. “I’ll see what I can do to expedite the results. We may release you in a few days if everything checks out.”

She finishes her exam and leaves, letting the others back in.

“Can I have a minute alone with my wife?” I request, my eyes locking on Ava’s. It looks like she’s been crying, her lashes spiky and damp.

Dad shoots me a displeased look, but I don’t care. I don’t care about anything except fixing this with Ava. I need to explain what happened. I need to know she’s not planning to leave me.

I wait until they close the door, the latch clicking with finality.