Chapter 16

Greg decided he couldn't wait any longer. He'd visited her every day while she was in the coma, but now that she had come out, he hadn't seen her in two days. And it was killing him.

On his way to the hospital, he picked up some fresh flowers—red and white roses. He vaguely remembered her mentioning that these were her favorites. Although she's probably got a ton of flowers, he thought as he bought them.

When he got to the hospital, Greg checked in with the guard outside her room. He paused for a moment, wiped the sweat off of his hands, and took a deep breath. He put the flowers behind his back and then entered.

Her face lit up when she saw him. She was very happy he'd come by. She wasn't sure if he was going to. "Hey Greg!" she greeted him.

"Alex," he replied, smiling. "How're you feeling today?" He presented her with the flowers.

"Those are beautiful!" she gasped. "Well, I was going to say crappy, but I'm much better now!"

Greg's smile widened. "I'm glad you like them."

"I'm glad you came by," she said, motioning for him to sit on the bed next to her.

"I am too," he responded, as he obliged her request. As he sat, he placed the flowers on the bedside stand. "But you know," he titled his head to the side, and playfully wagged his finger at her. "I was here every day while you were…were…" he couldn't bring himself to say the words.

"I didn't know," she said, touched that he had come by before. She placed her casted hand on his. "Thank you," she could barely get it out. Her emotions had been on overdrive since she awakened and clearly, today was going to be no exception.

"Alex," Greg started looking deep into her green eyes. "Since we ran into each other a week ago you've been on my mind constantly. And after you were abducted, all that I could think about was how I might not get the chance to ever tell you how much I care about you."

Alex could feel her cheeks getting flush. "Greg," she sighed.

"I'm sorry about the way things ended before, I just felt—"

Alex cut him off. "I know you were trying to give Gil and me time to get to know one another. And I greatly appreciate it." She smiled again and patted his hand.

"After nearly losing a close friend, and then nearly losing you," he stroked her face, lightly tracing the cut on her check. "I realized that I needed time with you too and a little selfishness might not be so bad. That is, if you still want to spend time with me."

Tears started to well up in her eyes, which, she noted, was becoming a common occurrence. She grabbed his arm and pulled him close. It was her turn to initiate a kiss.

Greg had hoped for a positive response, but he never imagined this. The kiss was soft, but passionate. It was all that he had remembered from before, but better.

He sat back and smiled. "I'll take that as a yes."

She nodded. Greg leaned back in and kissed her again. He didn't want to waste any opportunity.

Outside of the room, Nick had just reached the guard. He recognized Nick, as he had visited often, and just waved him by. Nick got to the threshold of the door and stopped.

The sight of Alex and Greg kissing took him aback. He had known they went out literally once, but didn't know they had reconnected. He was disappointed, but at the same time, happy for Greg.

Nick turned around, trying to be quiet and unseen. They looked happy and he didn't want to disturb them. I guess I'll come back later, he thought as he walked away.

Back inside the room, Alex and Greg picked things up right where they had left them four months ago. They both knew they had a connection and they both knew they couldn't deny it any longer.