Page 40 of Defend Her Heart

Her comment reminds me of the last time she fell, at least that I’m aware of, that resulted in her going the hospital

Sadie is still holding the damp napkin to Avery’s forehead and Katie is now rubbing Avery’s arm.

“Wake up, Avery,” Katie says in a calm but firm tone.

Their calm demeanor just angers me more. “Stop acting like this isn’t a big deal. This is not normal.” Anger turns to concern as I look down at Avery again. I’m ignoring both women, my focus only on the beautiful woman I’m holding in my lap.

Her eyelids flutter as she slowly begins to come to again. She attempts to sit up but my hand lands on her shoulder, keeping her in place on my lap.

“Don’t try to get up yet. Give yourself a minute.” My voice is softer now, but it’s laced with worry as Avery finally looks up to see it’s me tending to her. She closes her eyes and tears begin to trickle down her cheeks, causing my heart to ache beneath my ribcage.

Three times. Three times this strong woman has broken down in front of me now. I know she’s embarrassed, but I wish more than anything she wouldn’t feel that way. She should know she’s safe with me. The only other time I’ve seen her like this was my own doing. Another reminder thatwhat happened between us is still the biggest regret of my life.

“You’re okay, Aves. We’ve got you. Sadie, Katie, and I have you. You hear me?”

Avery slowly opens her eyes. I watch as she takes in the scene around her. Katie and Sadie give her reassuring smiles, and then she moves her attention up to me.

It’s hard to see what’s written in her stare. I used to be able to read her so easily. There’s pain in those striking green eyes, but there’s something else I can’t quite put my finger on. Longing? God, I fucking wish.

“Do you think you can sit up for me, beautiful?” The endearment slips out, and I push her sweat-soaked hair from her forehead. Old habits die hard, I guess.

I hear Niko clear his throat from somewhere behind me, but I ignore him. He’ll give me shit later, which I deserve, but right now Avery is my main concern.

Her eyes widen for a split second but then she nods. “I think so.”

With a hand supporting her back, the other on her shoulder, I gently help her up into a sitting position. Sadie stands and grabs something from the table, but I stay where I am on the ground, scooting closer in case Avery feels faint again.

Sadie lowers herself to the ground again and offers Avery a glass of water. “Here, drink some water.”

“She needs electrolytes, not water,” I bark out, immediately feeling like an asshole.

“Connor.” Niko’s voice behind me is a warning.

I look at Sadie and shake my head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound like a dick. But she needs sodium. My guess is she’s been standing too long. Her blood pressure probably dipped, which caused her to get dizzy and faint.” I reach into the pocket of my pants and pull out an electrolyte packet, handing it to Sadie.

Sadie’s eyes are wide, and I avoid her gaze, only to seeKatie with a perplexed look on her face. Ignoring both of them, I move my attention back to Avery. Her head is now turned and she looks over her shoulder at me with a confused look.

“How do you know all of that? And why do you have electrolytes in your pocket?”

Fuck. I really gave myself away there. After our run-in at the hospital when Avery mentioned it might be something called POTS causing everything, I went home and looked up everything there was to know about the condition. Sadie mentioning she gets these spells sometimes brought back the plethora of knowledge I took in that day. She might not want my help, but if she ever changes her mind, you bet your ass I’m going to be ready.

“I might’ve done a little research.” I’m hoping after that little confession she doesn’t ask me why I have them in my pocket again. I don’t want to reveal that I keep electrolytes on me at all times, just in case. I’m afraid that if she knew I have them in my car, in the locker room, and on my person at all times, she’d distance herself even more from me.

Neither of us say anything else, we simply look at each other. So much history pulsing between us. We might not know what the future holds for us, but right now, in this moment, I can tell we’re both remembering what it used to be like. I wish I could reach out and take her in my arms and promise her everything would be okay. I’d take her home and put her to bed, not sleeping a wink at her side as I watched her breathe, just to know she was really okay.

How could I let her go all those years ago?

Sadie’s voice interrupts whatever is happening between us, and I grit my teeth at the interruption.

“Why don’t you let Niko and me take you home?”

Over my dead body.

“I’ll take her.” The words leave no room for debate. Avery looks between the two of us, and I wait, holding my breath,praying that she’ll let me. I know my chances are slim to none so I try one more time.

“I drove. Niko left his car at the arena just in case he wanted to drink a couple and call a ride. I can take her.”

Avery studies my face. I need her to say yes because I need to know that she gets home safely or else I might lose my mind. I’m acting insane but I can’t help it. My soul aches for the woman sitting in front of me.