Chapter 45

The distant mumbling slowly became clearer as the dark haze gradually receded from around her. Annie cringed, bringing her hand to her head and moaning softly as the voices suddenly seemed so loud.

"Was she shot?"

"I don't see any blood."

"Is she going to be okay?"

Annie vaguely recognized the voices, but it hurt too much when she tried to think who they were. Who are they talking about? she wondered. What happened?

"Look, she's waking up."

"Thank goodness."

Whoever they are, I really wish they'd quiet down? They're giving me a headache, Annie groaned turning her head away, only to have pain explode inside her skull with the movement.

"Shhh," someone whispered quietly, stroking her hair softly. "It's okay, Annie," the honey rich baritone soothing as she slowly felt herself begin to relax. The pain gradually subsided to a dull ache was she listened to the comforting voice.

"Just lay still, sweetheart," the voice continued as the hand moved to caress her cheek. "Can you open your eyes and look at me, love? Come on and show me those beautiful eyes of yours."

While the mystery voice sounded familiar, Annie found herself drawn to him, wanting to do what he asked without really knowing why. Struggling, she forced her eyes open, and then immediately wanted to close them again as the bright sunlight seared her eyes.

"That's it, baby, open your eyes and look at me," he pleaded gently. "I really need you to just look at me, Annie."

Her stubborn determination made her want to try again. Annie couldn't figure out why she wanted to please him, but she just had to. Using all the willpower she could muster, she forced her eyes open again meeting a set of deep green eyes that took her breath away.

"Michael?" Annie whispered hoarsely when her eyes finally focused.

"There you are, beautiful," he smiled, the relief in his face evident to everyone watching. "Now I need to you to stay awake and tell me where you hurt? Can you do that?"

Annie frowned as she thought, mentally taking inventory and finding her head was all that hurt. "My head?" she told him feeling him take her hand in his.

"You sure?" he questioned again. "Nothing else hurts?" he stroked her cheek again, causing her to gasp slightly as she felt the electricity in his touch.

Michael shifted slightly where Annie could see the crowd of people assembled behind him. Growing embarrassed at being the center of attention, she stubbornly pushed herself up to a seated position. I've got to get out of here, she thought self-conscious at everyone watching her as well as the feelings she was feeling at Michael's touch.

Immediately, Annie regretted her foolishness as a wave of dizziness washed over her. She felt Michael's arms wrap around her as she slumped against him, closing her eyes against the lightheadedness.

"Easy, take it easy," Michael whispered softly in her ear as he gently stroked her hair. "It's okay, I've got you," he assured her as she laid her head against his shoulder.

"Paramedics are on their way," Annie heard someone.

"No, no!" Annie struggled weakly in his arms. "I don't want to go to the hospital," she begged.

"Okay, sweetheart, okay. I won't let them take you to the hospital," Michael reassured her calmly. "Let's just let them check you out and I'll take you back home," he comforted as she stopped fighting him.

"Promise?" Annie asked, laying fatigued in his arms as she gazed up at him. She could feel her pulse quicken as they looked into each other's eyes.

"I promise," Michael vowed softly smiling down at her. "Have I ever lied to you?" he teased, causing her to chuckle slightly as she subconsciously snuggled closer to his warmth.

"Maybe we should get her out of the road," Danni touched Michael's shoulder, Craig standing behind her. Annie blushed as she remembered the others witnessed what happened.

"What if the shooters come back?" Mrs. Kersting asked nervously, causing Annie's head to snap in her direction.

How could I forget we were shot at? Annie wondered. We've got to get out of here.

"Liz and Amber went after them. If anyone can catch them it will be those two," Michael maintained, frowning slightly at the worry on Annie's face. "But maybe it would be a good idea to move inside until they get back," he suggested, tightening his muscular arms around Annie when she tried to pull away.

Annie looked up at him when he wouldn't let her go. Her heart skipped a beat seeing the look in his eyes.

"Where do you think you're going? Just relax, love, and I'll get you inside," Michael smiled down at her. Michael shifted slightly, keeping one arm behind her back as he slipped his other hand under her knees. Lifting her into his arms, he easily stood, bringing her with him as her arms wrapped around his neck.

"You're just using this as an excuse to get me into your arms," Annie flirted shyly, relaxing against his broad chest.

"Hey, a man's got to do what a man's got to do," Michael smiled down at her with a wink. Annie felt her chest tighten at the look he gave her.

I must have hit my head harder than I thought, Annie surmised, biting her bottom lip uncertainly as they crossed the short distance to the theater. Things have got to get back to normal soon, or I think I might lose my mind, she breathed, glancing up as his strong jaw. But what a way to go!