Can't Get Enough of You

by Bette Ford

  “What if she’s . . .” Sherri Ann broke off, unable to say the word.

  The two foster sisters hung on each other, quietly praying. They watched anxiously as the men went to work. They had to pry the car open in order to reach her. The paramedics quickly checked her out and soon were wheeling her into the flashing lights of the waiting ambulance. Through it all, Jenna never moved or opened her eyes.

  “Come on, Sherri Ann. We’ve got to follow them to the hospital.”

  While Laura drove, Sherri Ann called Maureen and Trenna. They agreed to meet them at the hospital. Then she reluctantly called Leah on her cell phone. She told her what had happened and asked her to relay the message to her brother, Lincoln.

  Laura asked, “Why did you call her instead of Lincoln?”

  “She’s here and she has a right to know. Besides, we may need a blood relative to authorize treatment,” Sherri Ann pointed out.

  “Always the lawyer. Who are you calling now?”

  Sherri Ann said into the phone, “Hello, Scott. This is Sherri Ann. Jenna’s been in a car crash.”

  Laura listened as Sherri Ann answered one question after another. When she broke the connection, Laura prompted, “Well?”

  “He sounded as upset as the rest of us. He’s meeting us at the hospital.”

  “I don’t know, Sherri Ann. Jenna’s going to be upset when she finds out that both Leah and Scott are at the hospital.”

  “Sounds good to me. She was too still. I can’t wait to hear her yelling at us. Maybe that will mean she won’t be badly hurt.”

  Sprinting through the snow-covered parking lot, Scott entered the emergency room with a gut-wrenching fear unlike anything he’d ever experienced. It was an all-consuming fear that dominated every thought and emotion.

  While his family had been busy celebrating the holiday, he’d been home brooding, actively nursing his righteous anger and feeling justified for every harsh truth he’d thrown her way two days ago. He’d kept a mental tally, recalling in detail the smallest slight she’d shown him since the day he’d paid for her lunch in the cafe. He’d been determined to prove to himself that he was right, and she was wrong.

  One telephone call and that unrelenting anger had been instantly shoved aside.

  The news had come out of nowhere and struck with an incredible force that had left him reeling from the impact. The crushing weight had momentarily cut off his ability to breathe. No! Not his beautiful, sweet Jenna. She had to pull through this. She just had to!

  “How is she?” he asked without preamble when he spotted Laura and Sherri Ann in the crowded waiting room.

  Jenna’s foster sisters were dressed for an evening out on the town, while others, like Scott, were dressed casually in jeans and turtleneck sweater. Judging by the hoopla being broadcast over the TV, the glittery ball had dropped in New York. It was after midnight.

  “Look, that’s Scott Hendricks!” a teen fan shouted, then rushed over for an autograph.

  For the first time in memory, Scott ignored the fan. “How is she? Laura? Sherri Ann? Has she regained consciousness?”

  “She’s with the doctor. So we’re still waiting for news,” Sherri Ann volunteered.

  Dejected, he scowled. He’d been hoping for word, some news. He yanked off a knit cap and shoved it into the pocket of his heavy jacket.

  “You might as well take a load off and relax. It’s gonna be awhile,” Laura advised.

  Scott nodded, then suddenly recalled the teen he’d brushed off. He crossed the room to the embarrassed teen. “Sorry about that.” After offering his hand, he reached into his inside pocket and pulled out one of the postcard-size basketball cards he always carried. Pen in hand, he signed the card.

  “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

  “No problem,” Scott murmured.

  He took the empty seat beside Laura. He nodded, acknowledging the other friends he remembered meeting at various functions. When his eyes touched on Leah, he bristled.

  He glared at Jenna’s twin. “Who called her?”

  “I did,” Sherri Ann said tiredly. “Like it or not, she’s Jenna’s twin and has a right to be here.”

  Scott dismissed her. Shoving himself to his feet, he shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it over the back of the chair. Restless, he began pacing the short hall outside the waiting area.

  “Would anyone care for coffee or something to drink from the cafeteria?” Maureen asked.

  “I’ll go with you,” Trenna offered.

  Scott shook his head, unwilling to move from the area.

  “I’m going to see if they’ve forgotten we’re out here waiting,” Laura said, jumping to her feet.

  Scott said nothing, but walked with her to the front desk.

  Laura smiled at the receptionist. “We’re part of the Gaines family. Can you please tell me if there’s been any update in Jenna’s condition?”

  “Sorry, no. The doctor is still in with her, Ms. Murdock. Hopefully it won’t be too much longer.”

  “Thank you, Anita,” Laura forced a smile.

  Scott wasn’t surprised that Laura knew her name. Laura was no stranger to the city’s emergency rooms because of her work with rape victims.

  “Does anyone know how this happened?” he asked.

  “She was on her way to Sherri Ann’s to ring in the new year with friends. The police and eye witnesses said it wasn’t her fault. She was hit from behind. An SUV was driving too fast for the road conditions and plowed into her, sending her through the intersection and into the lamppost. It’s a miracle she didn’t hit anyone else. She’s lucky to be alive.”

  Scott swore, then caught himself. “Sorry. She didn’t deserve this.”

  “She hasn’t deserved a lot of things she’s had to deal with lately,” Laura said pointedly. Then she walked off in a huff.

  Scott swallowed a bitter retort. This wasn’t the time or place to get into an argument with Jenna’s foster sister. He was lucky they’d called him. Maureen and Trenna returned with the drinks.

  A doctor dressed in scrubs entered the waiting area. “Jenna Gaines’s family, please?”

  They all came forward. No one bothered to mention that Leah was the only genuine Gaines family member present.

  “Hello, Dr. Andrew,” Laura said as she came forward. She quickly introduced the others. Finally she introduced Scott as their brother.

  Impatient, Scott quizzed, “How is she?”

  Dr. Andrew shook his head. “Ms. Gaines came in with head trauma, a broken left arm, and a great deal of bruising to her shoulder and face. We’ve only been able to set the arm and make her comfortable. The head injury is what concerns us. She hasn’t regained consciousness. We can’t treat the head trauma until she wakes up. We’re going to admit her into the hospital. We need someone to complete the paperwork and a family member signature. Most of the information was gained from the contents of her purse.”

  Scott flexed his hands, feeling helpless and hating that he had no rights where Jenna was concerned. He’d had to stand there and lie about being her brother just to hear how she was doing. Not so long ago, he’d asked her to be his wife. Right about now he’d trade everything he owned just for the right to see her.

  “I’ll do it,” Sherri Ann volunteered.

  “How long until she wakes up?” Leah began crying. “She’s going to wake up, isn’t she?”

  The doctor looked stunned when he said, “I didn’t realize she had an identical twin. We can’t say how long she’ll be unconscious. There was no air bag to cushion the impact. She hit her head hard. She may have a concussion, but we won’t know until she wakes up. We’re hoping it will be soon.”

  “When can we see her?” Laura asked anxiously.

  “Not until she’s been settled into a room.” After fielding a
few more questions, Dr. Andrew excused himself and left.

  It was four o’clock in the morning before Jenna had been given a room and the family was allowed to see her. She still hadn’t regained consciousness.

  Scott was the first one to go in to see her, as if he had the right. He walked in with his heart aching from a combination of dread and anticipation. He didn’t bother trying to analyze his emotions. They were all over the place. It didn’t matter—nothing mattered but seeing for himself that she was still among the living.

  Overwhelmed with relief, he stared at Jenna from the foot of the bed. He marveled at her incredibly beautiful face despite the bruises and swelling and the cast encasing her upper left arm, cradled against her side in a sling.

  He was deeply thankful that she’d been wearing her seat belt, since her car hadn’t been equipped with air bags. She could have been killed instantly by the impact.

  As he stood staring at her, he didn’t say a word. He couldn’t get a sound past the constriction in his throat. He longed to cradle her close to his heart and simply hold her until the fear of her dying finally went away. He didn’t dare so much as reach out a hand to touch her as he fought to control conflicting emotions.

  This wasn’t about them and what had gone wrong between them. It was so much bigger than that. It was about Jenna. All he wanted was for her to open those gorgeous hazel eyes. Then everything would be alright again, and he could breathe easy.

  As the others came in one by one, he settled into the corner of the room. From there he could wait and watch over her as he silently chanted, “Wake up, sweet love.”

  The first day of the new year passed painfully slowly without any change in Jenna’s condition. The hours seemed to drag as one day slipped into the next. The ladies took turns sitting at her bedside, holding her hand. They softly pleaded with her to open her eyes.

  Her foster sisters and Leah took turns going home for a change of clothes, a meal and rest. Scott stayed. Mostly, he stood with his shoulder braced against the wall as he silently prayed and watched over her. He only left for nature’s call or when the doctors or nurses asked him to step out. He didn’t go when Taylor stopped by and urged him to go home and get some rest. Although exhausted, he flatly refused to leave, but he accepted the food and change of clothing she brought for him.

  By the wee hours of the third day, they were all displaying signs of strain, even Scott. He was just returning from a bathroom break when Laura and Sherri Ann met him in the hallway with the news. Jenna was awake and asking for him.

  Overcome with emotion, weak from exhaustion, Scott’s vision blurred. Blinded by sudden tears, he bowed his head. After a silent thanks to God, he nodded, then turned and walked toward the elevators. Lucky for him, he was wearing his jacket with his car keys in the pocket. He left the hospital with Jenna’s foster sisters calling his name.

  From the moment Jenna had opened her eyes, she’d been surrounded by family and friends. Although only two people were allowed in the room at a time, she was never alone. She’d also been poked and prodded by a team of nurses and doctors and lab technicians. She’d also received a battery of X-rays, blood draws, and medical tests.

  She couldn’t remember the accident. She didn’t remember much beyond getting into the car on New Year’s Eve and waking up in the hospital. The doctor had assured her that it was perfectly normal, along with the headaches.

  She couldn’t quite believe what she’d been told, that Scott had stayed at her side until she’d regained consciousness. She’d struggled to conceal her disappointment when he’d left and hadn’t returned. When she’d asked for him, both Laura and Sherri Ann had been quick to say he was getting some well-deserved rest.

  Jenna didn’t say it, but she hadn’t expected him to return, especially recalling the way they’d parted. Yet that hadn’t stopped her hopeful glances whenever someone new had entered the room. She was thrilled to see her brother.

  “You should try to get some rest, Sis.” Lincoln gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

  “I can’t sleep, not with this headache.”

  “Why won’t they give you something for it? What about the pain in your shoulder and arm?” Sherri Ann asked. “I can go and talk to the head nurse. Maybe the doctor will reconsider?”

  “They already said they are holding back on using strong medications because of the concussion. It’s not too bad. Besides, I agree with the doctor. I’d rather suffer a little pain than risk going to sleep and not being able to wake up again.”

  Lincoln patted her hand. “You’re doing so much better than you were twenty-four hours ago. You had us worried.”

  “I know. I’m sorry you had to turn around and come all the way back to Detroit.”

  “Stop it. I’m just glad you are getting better. That’s all any of us care about.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Be good. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Closing heavy lids, Jenna promised, “I will. Bye.”

  Sherri Ann said, “I’m leaving, too. You get some rest. We want you out of here,” she added, kissing Jenna’s cheek.

  “Good night,” Jenna said tiredly.

  The silence was welcoming. Although exhausted, Jenna knew she wouldn’t be able to fall asleep easily. She settled for trying to relax her bruised and sore body. More important, she tried not to worry about why Scott had even come and then stayed so long, only to leave without talking to her. Every time she thought about it, her head would pound unmercifully, and she would be forced to push the questions away.

  Eyes closed, she shifted, then whimpered from the pain. She lightly pressed fingertips to her aching head.

  “Is it bad?”

  The deep, familiar male voice instantly caused her heavy lids to lift and her lips to part in surprise. She whispered, “Scott . . .”

  Thirty

  He shrugged out of his jacket, then tossed it over the back of a chair. “Your head, does it hurt?”

  “Yeah,” she admitted.

  “And the arm?”

  “I’m better than I was when you left.” Suddenly she was aware of the way his powerful frame filled the small room. “At least I’m awake.”

  “So Laura and Sherri Ann told you I was here.”

  “That’s right. We ladies have to stick together.”

  “You had us all scared with that sleeping beauty routine.”

  She felt, rather than saw, his dark eyes moving over her bruised and swollen face. She was grateful that Sherri Ann had brushed her hair, although she was keenly aware of how beat up she must look. She quickly said, “Hardly a beauty, more like puffy and bruised.”

  “It’s nothing a few weeks of rest won’t cure. You were extremely lucky, Jenna. It could have been a lot worse.”

  Using her uninjured hand, she smoothed the blanket covering her legs. “They said you were here watching over me the entire time I was unconscious. Is that true?”

  When he remained silent, she finally looked at him. It wasn’t until their eyes connected that she felt the full force of his personality.

  “It’s true.”

  “But why? We both know how bad things were the last time we talked. You didn’t want to stay in the same room with me. Why did you come? And why did you stay away all day and then come back tonight?”

  He laughed without a trace of humor. “You don’t ask for much, do you? Just put it all out there, why don’t you?”

  “Why waste time? A brush with death will do that for you.” She tried to ignore the way her heart hammered in her chest and the way her head pounded as she waited for his response.

  “The last question is easy. I was exhausted. When I left here, I went home and crashed. I came back tonight for the same reason I came when Sherri Ann called. I had to see for myself that you were alright. We’ve meant too much to each other, far too long,
for me to ever just stop caring about you, Jenna.”

  Determined to conceal her relief and keen disappointment, Jenna nodded her head. But she quickly regretted it. Shooting pain had her wincing and cradling her cheek as if to contain the misery. She blinked away tears that temporarily blinded her.

  “Sweet thing, are you okay?”

  “No, I’m not okay!” she snapped, and then spoiled it by moaning pitifully. “And don’t call me sweet thing. It’s condescending and sexist.”

  “I’ll call the nurse. Tell them to get you something for the pain.” He moved toward the door.

  “No. Don’t call anyone. I’m fine, or at least I will be as soon as they let me out of this place and I can go home.” Aware that she was at a distinct disadvantage, not even close to looking or feeling her best, she took a calming breath before she said, “It’s late, and as you can see, I’m on the mend. So there’s no reason for you to stay. Goodnight, Scott. Thanks for coming.”

  She nearly said, don’t bother coming back, but she caught herself just in time. She didn’t have to be told that she sounded like a petulant child who’d been denied her favorite toy. She resented it. No, she resented him for not loving her enough to at least try and work things out.

  Scott stiffened but didn’t leave. Instead he dropped into the chair beside the bed. Leaning forward, he studied her. “Your head hurts, you’re tired. And you’re upset. Why, Jenna?”

  “Just go away, Scott. I’m not up to a debate about anything, certainly not my feelings. You lost the right to question me when you kicked me out of your house.” She absently rubbed her injured arm as she fought the urge to cry. If she wasn’t careful, she’d beg him to take her back, to love her again.

  “Not one of my finest moments. I was disappointed and angry.” Scott shrugged.

  “You were furious! You blamed me and refused to listen to what I had to say. And you were wrong!” she shouted, although she immediately regretted it.

  “Wrong about what, babe?” When she refused to look at him, he rose to his full length. “Okay. I’ll go. I’ll see you tomorrow. I will come in the evening when you don’t have so much company. How long will Lincoln be in Detroit?”