Chapter 59
Annie stumbled into the hallway, her mind buzzing with activity but unable to focus on anything. People walked by talking, but she was numb. She couldn't believe she'd made such a fool of herself.
I'd practically thrown myself at him and he has a girlfriend, Annie thought as she leaned against the wall. Or was that his wife? she wondered with a sharp intake of breath.
"Annie."
Her head snapped around at the sound of Michael's voice only a few feet from her. His tan muscular legs were a stark contrast to the white hospital gown as he staggered against the wall, dragging his IV pole behind him.
Her mind told her to run but her body wouldn't cooperate as Annie watched him stumble down the tile floor towards her. As Michael's legs gave out, she instinctively reach out to stop his fall.
"Annie, will you let me explain?" Michael pleaded, gasping for breath as the pain from his injuries started to get the better of him.
"Michael, I don't want to hear it. Just go back to your girlfriend," Annie groaned, seeing the leggy brunette standing in the doorway of the hospital room watching them.
"Girlfriend?" Michael questioned looking over his shoulder. "You mean Brenda?" he turned back to her confusion as he held on to her, trying to regain his balance.
"I don't care what her name is," Annie cried, trying to pull away from him. "She looks more than capable to take care of you."
"Annie, I don't want her to take care of me," Michael grabbed her around the waist tugging her to his chest. "I want you to take care of me. And she's not my girlfriend, she's my cousin."
"Cousin?" Annie stammered, looking up at him, her eyes wide.
"Yes," Michael smiled softly as he motioned her forward. "Annie Wilson, I'd like you to meet my cousin, Brenda Pennington. She's five years older so she tends to baby me, but she means well," he teased, never taking his eyes off the tall blonde in front of him.
"Nice to meet you, Annie," Brenda grinned obviously aware that neither of them even noticed that she was there. "Ah, think we should get you back to bed, cowboy?" she asked, her eyes darting back and forth between the two.
"Just a minute, Bren," Michael said distractedly, taking Annie's hands in his. "Annie, I know this hasn't been a very traditional way of meeting someone, but we've gone through so much more than any two people ever could in a lifetime," he told her quietly. "While we still have a lot to learn about each other, one thing I don't want you to ever doubt is my feelings for you," he whispered, lifting his hand to brush the tears from her cheeks.
"Michael," Annie murmured barely realizing Brenda had backed away from the duo.
"I know it's only been a few short days that I've known you, Annie Lauren Wilson, but I've fallen head over heels in love with you," Michael proclaimed. "You are the most dynamic, vivacious, free-spirited woman I've ever met, and I know my life wouldn't be the same if I had never met you," he stated, running his hand delicately through her hair.
"Oh," Annie mumbled as her hands snaked their way up his muscular back.
"I don't know if we can make it past what has happened, but I hope that you will give me a chance to show you how much you mean to me," Michael muttered softly. "Please Annie, my love, will you give us a chance?"