Thanks for the strong response to the cliffhanger - the most dramatic one I've ever written :) The reward is a long (overdue and rating-changing) chapter...

Claire woke up in an unfamiliar bed. Her head hurt. She couldn't open her eyes. Her lids felt too heavy. There was something else. Swelling? She groaned. Her senses were slowly returning. She heard a steady beeping and felt warmth in her hand. Then, her senses overwhelmed her like a tsunami. She smelled Owen. Heard him saying her name. He sounded afraid. She felt him caressing her hand. Willing her awake? It was all so disorienting. Tears started leaking out of her eyes uncontrollably.

Owen was suddenly much closer and more afraid. "Claire, it's okay, I'm right here," he whispered as he stroked her hair and wiped away her tears.

"Where are we?" she asked hesitantly. As she regained her faculties, she was increasingly self-conscious and managed to stop crying.

"The infirmary. You were in a car accident. Can you open your eyes?"

"Do I want to?" she groaned. "Is it bad?"

"No," he chuckled lightly and kissed her cheek. "No broken bones. Just a concussion, bruises, and scrapes."

"How do you know..." Her voice trailed off as she opened her eyes. Owen looked terrible. It was similar to the concern etched into his features when he recognized her fear on the gondola lift. Only much deeper. He'd also been crying at some point. Claire's tears threatened to fall anew. "If I'm not in bad shape, why do you look like this?" She was half-teasing - to hold back both their tears and help him relax. Owen squeezed her hand and let out a long breath.

"You scared me, gorgeous." He finally flashed his twinkly-eyed smile, and she managed a grin herself. He could make her forget any horror with that smile.

"There you are," she sighed while squeezing his hand back. His body was so still, like a rock at her side. "How long have I been here?"

"A couple hours."

"How long have you been here?"

"I was already here when the medics wheeled you in," he answered quietly while avoiding her eyes. Claire didn't have time to process that statement or how it was delivered. The doctor suddenly appeared and was eager to speak with her. Owen sat back in a chair but didn't let go of her hand.

When Claire swerved, the driver's side of her car careened into the downed tree. Her side curtain airbag deployed but not the airbag inside the steering wheel. Dr. Adams believed she hit her head against the window, the steering wheel, or both as the car skidded. He confirmed what Owen said about no broken bones - her seatbelt and airbag saved her from significant injuries at the moment of impact with the tree. Claire could tell from Owen's face that he'd heard this explanation before. She was somewhat uncomfortable with his being privy to these details without her consent. She hoped he wasn't present when she was changed into the hospital gown she was currently wearing. She cringed at the thought of his watching while her urinary catheter was placed.

Dr. Adams wanted to keep her overnight for observation but anticipated that she could go home in the morning. Claire breathed a sigh of relief. He warned that she might develop one or two black eyes due to the effects of gravity on internal bleeding. A nurse would be bringing ice packs for her face now that she was awake. The doctor performed a quick exam then asked if she had any questions.

"Where's my phone?" she inquired. "I need to call my assistant."

"I already spoke to Zara," Owen interjected before pulling Claire's phone out of one of his vest pockets. "Here, you should let her know you're awake." She didn't know whether to be grateful or offended. She settled on grateful. She just wasn't used to this kind of attention. She broke her leg ten years ago in a skiing accident in Colorado, and not one person visited her at the hospital - let alone kept vigil. Owen stood and was wringing his hands as he looked out the window next to her bed. Dr. Adams excused himself from the room, and Owen almost jumped when Claire addressed him by name.

"Relax," she smirked. "I feel okay." She was actually in quite a bit of pain but didn't want to worry him further. "Why don't you get back to the paddock?" When he looked at her, his brow furrowed with concern once more. He was clearly torn. She hated feeling responsible for it. "Owen," she said with a warm smile, "kiss me goodbye before they cover me in ice packs."

He leaned down to kiss her lips, and it was the softest, most gentle touch he'd ever given her. Like he thought she'd break with anything stronger. He pulled back slightly to look into her eyes and whisper, "You don't have to pretend you're not in pain. I can tell." She swallowed hard and felt exposed. He gave her a knowing smile. "See you later, gorgeous." He nodded to the nurse as he walked out of the room. The nurse clearly mouthed, "You're welcome." Claire was momentarily unnerved but generally too self-conscious to focus on their exchange.

"Hello, boss," the nurse addressed her in a friendly but respectful tone. She was carrying ice packs in one hand and a small plastic cup in the other. Claire recognized the mid-forties, blonde woman from her double-duty as the island's CPR instructor.

"Hi, Bonnie."

"You look like you could use a Percocet," Bonnie teased.

Claire groaned then pouted, "I was told it wasn't so bad."

"It could've been a lot worse." The nurse chuckled as she watched her patient take the pain medicine. Claire fidgeted in the hospital bed. "I bet you also want that catheter out."

"You read my mind!"

A few minutes later, Claire was feeling much more comfortable despite catching a glimpse of herself in the bathroom mirror. Her face was puffy and starting to bruise. The skin of her neck and arms marked up superficially. Hair matted like a rats' nest. She mused that Owen might've called her "gorgeous" ironically. She dreaded the thought of anyone - especially subordinates - seeing her in such a state.

"Anything else you need before I leave you to your spa mask?" asked Bonnie, grinning and pointing to the ice packs.

"Yes," Claire started hesitantly then took a deep breath. "No visitors tonight." Bonnie looked stunned. "I don't want to be disturbed." The other woman nodded, seemingly reluctantly, before stepping out. Prior to putting on her ice packs, Claire called Zara, who sounded very relieved. Zara reassured her that everything was under control and encouraged Claire to rest and take whatever time she needed away from the office.

"I'll do anything you need me to do, Claire."

"Thanks. Can you pick me up in the morning and take me home?" There was an awkward silence. Claire would've thought the call cut out if not for Zara's breathing.

"Me?"

"Of course you. You're my assistant. You can update me on park matters then, too." Silence again. Claire's anxiety spiked. "Why would you even ask that?"

"Well," Zara stammered, "I just thought you'd have Owen take you home."

Claire answered fast and defensively, "I don't want to trouble him further." She was taken aback. She and Owen had only reconciled the night before. Their link was still tenuous. He was coincidentally in the right place at the right time today. There was no need to rely on him. Claire scoffed audibly. She needed to focus on getting well and back to work. Besides, daydreaming about him caused her enough grief today.

Claire spent the remainder of the day and night in a fluctuating state of consciousness. At times, her mind was alert but her body was lifeless. Post-concussive symptoms mixed with the effects of opioids. She knew the infirmary staff changed at some point and recognized that the night shift workers were less friendly on rounds. When she heard the young nurse, Darlene, and a nurse's aide enter her room in in the middle of the night, Claire pretended to be asleep. She also didn't have the energy to put up a facade.

Darlene spoke in a hushed but dismissive tone, "I never thought I'd see the day when Owen Grady was sweet on someone, especially not a frosty bitch who refuses to see him."

"Shhh, you'll wake her," the aide whispered nervously.

"I don't care," Darlene snorted. "Serves her right. I would let that man do anything to me, anytime."

Claire felt jolted to full awareness but couldn't find the strength to roll over and glare at them. She wondered if Owen had just been there or if it had been some time ago. She didn't think he was going to come back tonight. Or did she? Was the visitation restriction directed at him? Her head hurt. She didn't want to think about it now.

The next morning, Bonnie came into her room with discharge instructions and more pain medication. She seemed on edge. Claire herself was anxious to get home.

"I hope I didn't make a mistake yesterday," Bonnie eventually stuttered. Claire looked at her quizzically. Everyone was either catching her off guard or walking on eggshells around her. "I mean...with regard to Mr. Grady."

"Huh?" Claire hummed in surprise.

"When they brought you in yesterday, I thought you were the luckiest woman on the island, surviving the accident relatively unscathed and having him to watch over you."

Claire almost scoffed as Darlene's words echoed in her head. "I know," she muttered in annoyance and rolled her eyes. "He's quite the desired bachelor around here." Bonnie's countenance shifted to one of confusion mixed with offense.

"That's not what I meant, Claire." Bonnie sighed. "He looked so distraught. Dr. Adams didn't want to let him in your room because he wasn't listed as family or an emergency contact. I figured you just hadn't updated your records. I assumed it would be okay for him to..." Her voice trailed off. Claire felt a pang of guilt and sympathetically touched the nurse's shoulder. "I didn't let him in here until all your tests were done and you were tucked into the bed."

Claire smiled, "Thanks, Bonnie. You didn't make a mistake. I liked waking up to him." The other woman relaxed and breathed out.

"He wasn't going to leave until you woke up anyway," Bonnie replied with a smirk. "Did the night nurse tell you he came by while you were asleep?"

"I overheard," Claire grumbled with obvious disdain in her voice.

"We don't usually let folks visit after patients have gone to sleep, but she mentioned your specific restriction on visitors regardless." Claire guessed that Darlene told him out of spite and jealousy. Bonnie winced, "He was...upset and almost punched a hole in the wall."

"What?" exclaimed Claire.

"Yup," Bonnie replied. "You'll notice his 'impression' on your way out the door." They laughed together. Before leaving, the older woman added, "Take care of yourself, boss, and Mr. Grady, too."

Claire thought about Owen all day. Conjured his distraught face in her head. Pictured the dent he left in the infirmary wall. She also ruminated on everyone else's behaviors with regard to him. Zara didn't mention him once on the ride home, but he was the unspoken thing hanging in the air. Claire wanted to see him. Thank him. Let him know she was okay. But she was afraid he'd be upset with her. She was being stubborn, too. Every time her finger moved to call his number, she reminded herself that she was the one injured. He should be checking on her. He only tried once, and she was asleep anyway.

At seven PM, there was a knock on her door. Claire practically leapt over her sofa to open it. Her eager expression morphed into one of disappointment when she discovered Zara on the other side.

"Not who you wanted to see?" Zara asked sarcastically with a laugh. She sighed and passed Claire a manila envelope. "He came to the office a bit ago, looking flummoxed. I think he half-expected to find you there. When I told him it was early for paperwork from Research, he said it was 'personal.'" Zara surprised Claire by pulling her into an tentative hug. "Call him, for God's sake." The blessing of an assistant who knew her ins and outs was boundless. She was only beginning to appreciate the blessing that was Owen Grady.

"I know," Claire whispered with a sniffle. She suddenly found herself on the brink of hysterical crying. She couldn't continue to let her vanity and pride get the best of her.

As soon as Zara left, Claire tore into the envelope. It contained a letter size white envelope stamped with "Confidential patient information." Owen had affixed a post-it note to the back that read: "This is why I was at the infirmary." She almost seized with the deep understanding that clenched her insides. He was there to get tested. For her. He ended up staying. For her. He thought he might lose her. She judged herself for living up to Darlene's "frosty bitch" moniker. Claire worried she might lose him.

When she pulled out her phone this time, she didn't hesitate. Owen picked up after two rings. He sounded exhausted.

"Hi, Claire. Are you o-"

"I want you to come over," she interrupted emphatically.

"Oh, suddenly you want to see me?" he snipped petulantly. "Visitors are allowed now?" His voice betrayed a deeper hurt and bitterness.

"So help me God, Owen, if you don't come over here, I will drive to you." She heard his sharp intake of breath and smiled smugly. She spooked him good.

"No." He sounded panicky. "Stay where you are. I'll be right there." Claire laughed to herself after he abruptly ended the call. She was relieved that he didn't call her bluff. She still wasn't ready to drive and didn't even have a car.

Claire paced her apartment while she waited. It seemed to take him an eternity. She grew impatient. When you want to tell someone something very important, you want to tell them right away. She just didn't want to have the conversation over the phone. She wanted and needed him there with her. When he finally arrived, she jumped at his familiar knock and almost dropped the unopened envelope that remained in her hand. No sooner than she had flung open the door did she throw her arms around him. She ignored his tense stance and stoney expression. He returned her embrace without hesitation and melted into her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, "for pushing you away." Tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she gazed up at him. "Owen, I-" He stopped her with a tender kiss that was only slightly less gentle than the parting one he gave her at the infirmary. It warmed her heart that he was still worried about breaking her.

"Let's sit down, Claire." He took her free hand and led them to her sofa. After they were sitting, he marveled at her for a long moment. "You're healing well," he eventually said with a lopsided grin. She blushed at the thought of her slight black eye on one side. When he reached out to caress her cheek, she gasped at his touch. He immediately pulled back with a fearful expression.

"No, Owen," she said reassuringly. "I want you to touch me." She never wanted him as much as she did in that moment. She smoldered, ready to lunge for him. He sighed and fingered the envelope jutting out of her hand.

"Is this why, Claire?" He looked and sounded wounded. "You finally got what you needed?" He looked away from her. "Would you have called me if Zara hadn't brought it to you?"

"I didn't even open it," she answered firmly. "The literal results aren't what I needed. This just got you there. What I needed, all along, was you." He locked eyes with her. "You concerned about me. Caring about me. It was so strong on your face that it reflected in everyone else's." His features were now etched with mixed emotions. Claire's heart pounded. She wanted to make him happy. Not twist him into knots as well.

"Then why did you freeze me out?"

"It was overwhelming...and frightening to me. I don't think I deserve that." The frustrated look on Owen's face told her that he didn't agree with her statement. "I don't need that either," she added with a huff. Claire surmised that Owen already knew this about her. It was likely one of the things that drew him to her. He finally flashed his twinkly-eyed smile. Her heart skipped a beat. She may not have needed it, but it sure was wonderful. He pulled her into his lap and held her against his chest. She thrilled at being sheltered in his arms. She relaxed but had to further explain herself. Claire didn't want anything hanging over her when she slept with him. "I also blamed you for my accident."

"What?" He sounded genuinely alarmed and hugged her tighter.

"I wasn't paying attention to the road. I was lost in my thoughts about you." She groaned and started to ramble. "This is why I avoid relationships. It's my issue, and I..." Her voice trailed off when she felt his chest vibrating with laughter.

"I get it, Claire." He gently pushed against her shoulders to look her in the eye. "I avoid relationships for similar reasons. It's messy to have other people in your life." He ran his fingers through her hair. "It almost killed me worrying about you yesterday, but - like the black belt - you're worth it." He started kissing her neck, and his hot breath there gave her chills - the good kind. "You're deserving of my worry." He moved to pull the envelope out of her grip.

She cleared her throat as they played tug of war. "So," she said in a sultry tone, "nothing to worry about?" He finally wrested it from her hand and tossed it on the coffee table.

"Just syphilis and crabs," he teased.

"Oh, good. Gonorrhea was the dealbreaker." They shared a brief chuckle before Owen gazed at her with complete seriousness. His hands stilled.

"Are you sure you're up for it? So soon after the accident?" His willingness to hold back aroused Claire even further. She was straddling him just as she had on the gondola lift and tensed her thighs. She leaned forward to kiss him soundly on the lips.

"I can't wait, Owen." Another kiss. "You'll just have to be gentle." And another. "I'll have to be on top." He growled and ran his hands underneath her shirt. As his touch sent shockwaves through her skin, her kisses became sloppier. He managed to unhook her bra and slip both hands beneath the cups. She almost collapsed forward as his thumbs kneaded her nipples. The pace was good. She could savor it. This is what she wanted for their first time. They could do it fast and rough later.

Owen pulled away slightly to look her in the eye. Her black eye. He looked pained. "I need to see all your injuries, Claire. I can't hurt you further."

"You just want a striptease," she taunted. He didn't need to answer. She felt his response between his legs. Heard his grunt. The idea excited her, too. He groaned when she pulled out of his lap. She took his hand and led him to the bedroom. It was almost surreal to her. She'd fantasized about it for so long.

He flipped on the light switch and dropped her hand. He motioned for her to disrobe. It was slightly awkward with her bra already undone, but Claire managed to make a show of it - one piece at a time. His breathing became more ragged with each article of clothing dropping to the floor. When she was fully naked, she twirled very slowly. By the time she was facing him once again, he had traversed the space between them. The flecks of green and gold in his eyes radiated with passion. She almost lost her breath and fell backwards onto the bed. Almost but no. It was his turn. She found the strength to nod her head and quirk a single brow. He understood.

Owen stepped back to remove his shirt. Claire took the opportunity to sit on the edge of her mattress and crawl slowly backward. Teasing him as she took in his display. It might have been unromantic with the light on, but it was incredibly erotic to watch him slowly removing his clothes. She couldn't wait to get her hands on him. She found herself holding her breath after he kicked off his jeans and moved his hands to the waistband of his black boxer briefs. She whimpered when he paused. She looked up at the cocky grin plastered across his face.

"Who's the tease, now?" said Claire, catching her breath. She lost it again with his next fluid motion. If her jaw could've dropped to the floor, it would've. She had a deeper understanding of Owen's cockiness and popularity with women. She momentarily worried about being split in half. He must've noticed the flicker of concern and chuckled. Claire realized she was staring and moved her eyes to meet his. Her blood boiled with desire.

Owen was literally on the prowl now, stalking her across the mattress until his face hovered over hers. The blunt tip of his erection touching her outer folds sent shudders all over her body. His expression was lust laced with reverence. Her heart might've beat out of her chest if not caged. No one had ever looked at her like that. She was imbued with an incomparable sense of strength and power. She took a stuttering breath as he began to plant soft kisses on her injuries, starting with her black eye. His lips felt like firecrackers igniting on her skin. He found all her cuts, scrapes and bruises. He used his hands to bring her nipples erect as he traveled down her body. He didn't miss an inch of her skin.

When Owen stroked her clit with his thumb, Claire practically jumped off the bed, forcefully arching her back. He took the opportunity to gracefully flip her on the mattress to seek out any marks on her back. While propping herself up on her elbows, she was almost driven to the brink - mewling embarrassingly - by the head of his dick leaving a trail of moisture along her skin. By the entire length of it twitching in anticipation as he moved over her. His thumb returned to her clit as he finished his "scavenger hunt." She was wet and delighting in his touch but also getting frustrated. Turnabout is fair play, and she wanted her chance to touch him.

"Enough," she groaned loudly. He pulled away, and she rolled over to face him. His pupils were blown wider than she'd ever seen in a man. Without breaking their intense eye contact, Claire reached into her nightstand for a condom. She had them there from their last date. Owen was obviously impressed. He had to know they were only for him. She watched him put on the latex with jealousy. She wanted to do the honors next time.

"Switch places with me," she demanded hungrily. He crooked an index finger at her with a devious, come hither smile. She sat up until they were facing each other on their knees. His rock-hard column creating a perch between her legs. She ran her hands over his stubbled jawline while his hands moved along the sides her body. He started to rock his hips slightly to rub the same sensitive spot where his thumb had been. It started hot but became torturous. Her hands trailed down his neck until her nails were digging into his shoulders. She grew impatient again and growled, "On your back."

He cackled with delight and squeezed her ass, "I knew I could improve your dirty talk." She remembered his teasing on the dock. The day he first planned to ask her out.

"I'm not the cock block today," she hissed as she slapped his ass. He grunted and then swiftly rolled their bodies. It seemed like a jiu-jitsu move she'd witnessed the other night. Only this time, Owen clearly had the upper hand.

In a flash of ecstasy, he was on his back and mounting her on top of him. Firecrackers morphed into fireworks as she stretched to accept him inside her. He immediately started grinding into her. Claire knew she would've fallen forward if he hadn't been gripping her hips. Her first orgasm burst her open like a broken dam. She didn't care that she'd cracked under pressure. It was mind-blowing. He prolonged the sensations by thrusting deeply while her walls convulsed around him. She braced herself against his abs.

"Mine," she said breathlessly in a husky voice that didn't seem like her own. They locked eyes again. Both possessive of the other.

"Yours," he choked out through a moan of pleasure. He kept pumping while she found her second wind.

She knew he would be good. Hell, she knew they would be good. This was above and beyond her wildest imaginings entirely. She ached to push him to the same precipice, where they'd go over the edge together. Claire gradually pulled herself back up and rode him like a champion. His rhythm complemented her own. They fit perfectly. She ran her hands over his chest and abs, tracing every muscle. She understood what Owen meant when he said he couldn't stop touching her. Now that she'd been granted access to his amazingly cut body, she didn't know how she'd be able to keep her hands off him.

Furthering their synchronization, his hands reached for her: one to fondle her breasts, the other to rub her clit. His strokes weren't gentle. His touch was overflowing with need. Need to release. Owen's eyes were closed. Claire deduced that he was struggling to contain himself while she caught up. It didn't take long. They reached the peak of sensation in unison, each crying out the other's name. She felt every inch of him, thick and pulsing inside her, as she came. She allowed herself to fall fully onto his chest.

Her mouth suddenly needed his. It was mutual. They clambered together into a wet and desperate kiss. Owen maintained a gentle hold to remain inside her. He remembered the locations of her injuries, taking care to avoid them. Claire pulled out of the kiss to rest her cheek on his chest. She indulged in the sound and feel of his racing heartbeat. She did that to him, just as he was responsible for making her feel exhausted and sated in a way unlike any other.

His chest vibrated with a soft chuckle when he finally spoke, "Oh, we are gonna be doing it like rabbits once you're fully healed." Claire laughed out loud thinking about her Jack Rabbit vibrator. "You don't agree?" Owen sounded mildly offended by her outburst.

"I do agree," she smirked, "but that's not it. I'll explain later." She rolled off him and settled into his side. She ran a hand languidly over his six-pack. She would knock down any ladies who were getting in line for a piece of them. "I guess you're satisfied now."

He seemed pensive and eventually sighed, "I never should've said that." He kissed her forehead as he wrapped his arms around her. "I had no idea." Claire almost purred in response. This was beyond satisfying to her. It was sublime.

"You're worth it, too, you know," she said softly then added with a self-conscious blush, "Not just because of the sex." He beamed at her with pride.

"I knew what you meant, gorgeous. Sleep now, okay?" He left her side briefly to turn out the light. As soon as he returned to the bed, they nuzzled into each other. Drawn together like a moths to a flame. She was tired but in no pain. There was something truly magical about being cradled by Owen. It likely had a lot to do with the fact that she affected him in the same way. Balance.

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