Chapter 70

Kiki woke the next morning with a start, thinking she was late for work. Then her chest felt as if an elephant had sat on it, as the events of Christmas Eve rushed to mind. She started to turn over in the hospital bed, but the IVs prevented her from turning too far. Groggy, she took the water from the side table and took a big swig. Her mouth and throat felt like sandpaper and the cool water eased it. The oxygen was back in place under her nose. Since Kiki didn't remember putting it back on, she figured that the nurse probably came in after she fell asleep and slipped it back into place. She made a mental note to thank her later.

Kiki was about to fall back to sleep, but her thoughts went to Taren. He had filled out since high school and had muscles for days. Along with his blond-streaked hair and blue eyes, he was better looking now than he had been in high school. How men were able to do that, she had no idea. But he was married now. How could she be excited to see a married man? Of