Julia dozed during the short drive to the safe house in McMullen. In a semi-groggy state, she retrieved her and Miguel’s duffel bags from the car, and she and Luca headed inside the house that had been left unlocked after the local PD went through it.
Noticing the mess they’d made, Julia remarked, “You’d think they would have at least tried to restore some semblance of order.”
“You’d think.” Luca replaced the cushions on the sofa and set upright the overturned lamps.
“I wonder if the police removed anything of value like cash or guns.”
“Maybe. While you shower and change, I’ll try to wrangle information from the PD.”
The warm shower eased Julia’s tension, but she didn’t dawdle. She washed the dirt, grime, and blood from her body and hair and dried off. She dressed in navy sweatpants and a matching pullover, pulled her wet hair into a ponytail, and joined Luca in the great room.
“Were you able to find out anything?”
“They took a computer, but the hard drive had already been scrubbed clean, probably years ago. I’ve searched the house, Julia. I don’t think there’s anything left to discover.”
“I agree. Let’s get something to eat and head back to the hospital.”
The IHOP was empty except for them, so they were served within fifteen minutes. A full stomach revived Julia, and they returned to the hospital with two large cups of coffee to go. Sonia informed them that Miguel’s blood pressure was climbing into the normal range and that the doctor ordered a decrease in his pain medication.
“He’ll probably regain consciousness by morning,” Sonia predicted. “Dr. Solomon said you’re welcome to stay with him as long as you like.”
Luca thanked the nurse, and he and Julia settled on the hard vinyl couch with their coffee. They traded stories until they grew drowsy. Luca moved to the recliner next to the bed, and Julia stretched out on the couch. Within moments she heard the rhythmic sounds of Luca’s soft breathing, and it lulled her to sleep.
Sometime later a low moan disturbed Julia’s dream. She jumped off the couch and saw the empty recliner. Luca must have gone out somewhere. Morning had dawned. Sunlight streamed through the windowpanes. Julia shook off her grogginess and hurried to Miguel’s bedside. She gripped his hand and leaned over him.
“Miguel, it’s Julia. Can you hear me? Please open your eyes. Please wake up.”
He squeezed her hand. Encouraged, she urged, “That’s it. I know you can hear me. I know it’s hard, but you can do it. Fight through the dark and open your eyes.”
Miguel’s face contorted with pain. Seconds later, his eyes fluttered open and slowly focused on Julia. Her heart pounded with joy and relief. Tears blurred her vision.
“Miguel! Thank God, you’re awake.”
“Hi, beautiful.”
His raspy voice thrilled her. “You gave me quite a scare.”
“Sorry.” And then, as if the thought suddenly occurred to him, “You stayed.”
MARCH 3
ALICEVILLE, ALABAMA
Miguel and Julia
An expressionof awe and gratitude appeared on Miguel’s handsome face. Julia’s heart flipflopped… somersaulted… danced happily.
He called me beautiful!
She cupped his face and murmured, “Of course, I stayed. You didn’t think I’d let you boss me around, did you? I’ve learned a lot about you Laguna Beach boys sticking together.”
“Well…”
Julia smiled and pressed her forefinger against his lips. “Shh.” Propelled by an emotion she didn’t quite understand, she lowered her mouth to his.
Their lips barely touched, but it electrified Julia. She deepened the kiss without using her tongue. When Miguel responded by kissing her back, her body reacted. Tingles of excitement spiraled through her.
He called me beautiful.
