I probably should’ve eaten more than a bite of donut today.
As my vision tunnels, and the room fades away, Bridger lunges, shouting my name.
And then I’m on the floor.
Cradled by Bridger Adams.
The anonymous donor.
Chapter Two
Bridger
“Loren?”
I stroke her cheek, and she stirs. Then moans.
“Hey. Loren,” I repeat, more urgently. I may sound gruff, but she just scared the crap out of me. Also, she’s lying in my lap, so I need her to wake up. Preferably now.
“Come on, Lo.”
Her lids finally crack open, and she blinks up at me. “Hi?”
“Welcome back.” On the surface, I’m pretending to be calm. Inside, though, I’m in turmoil. It’s possible she won’t remember what I just told her about the money. I might be able to take this all back. A do-over, as the kids say.
Actually, I’m not sure that phrase still exists.
Man, I’m old.
“What happened?” she croaks.
“You passed out.”
“I—what?” Her head lolls against my shoulder, red hair slipping loose from her clip. “Oof. Dizzy.”
“It’s all right,” I murmur. “I’ve got you.”
And I do. Have her.
Loren, on the other hand, probably has dehydration. And hypoglycemia. Maybe a touch of orthostatic hypotension. As she pointed out, I teach AP Phys. And I’m reasonably sure she didn’t faintjustbecause I blurted out the one thing I thought I’d never admit.
To anyone.
She tries to sit up, glancing around, her eyes unfocused at first, then sharpening as she takes in the scene. Rose petals. Candles. My arms wrapped around her.
Uhhhhh, yeah. Awkward.
I’d let her go, but her face is still sheet white, and I’m not sure she’s steady enough to sit on her own. Before I can figure out how to proceed, noises come from the porch. Stomping footsteps. A fumble of keys. Giggles. Then someone kicks the door open.
What the?—
Dex appears in the entryway with Sayla draped in his arms. He’s expecting to carry his bride over the threshold, isn’t he? Damn. His gaze cuts to me, with Loren curled in my lap. His jaw drops.
Then Dex drops his wife.
“Ack!” Sayla tumbles to the floor, and he blurts out a mix of curses and apologies while simultaneously hauling her back to her feet. When they finally turn toward us, their eyes are wide with shock.
Yeah, guys. I know the feeling.