Bindings and Books by CM Corett Read Free Book Online Page A

HREE
    “Brody’s coming in to visit you later.” James picked up Ash’s cold hand and warmed it between his own. “I might go and get something to eat while he’s here with you. I know he’s your friend, but I don’t really want to have to put up with his attitude today.”
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
    “Jess is coming tomorrow. At least we’ll both enjoy that visit.”
    Careful to avoid the tubes and bandages, he ran his hand over Ash’s hair. “Come on, Ash, you can do it! Wake up! Please….”
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
     
     
    D AY F IVE
    James draped an arm across Ash’s stomach and laid his head on Ash’s chest. The heart beat steadily beneath his cheek, but it wouldn’t mean a thing if Ash didn’t wake up. The heart monitor marked the passing seconds. Each and every pulse brought the risk of permanent brain damage closer, or worse. He tightened his hold on Ash. “Please… wake up, Ash,” he whispered. “Please….”
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
     
     
    D AY S EVEN
    He rested his arms and head on the bed next to Ash. He would close his eyes for a few minutes. A short nap couldn’t hurt. So long as he could hear the heart monitor….
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
    Jerking upright, his eyes locked on Ash’s face. No, nothing. A sigh escaped as he slumped back against the bed. Tiredness washed over him in waves, making him nauseated, but he couldn’t leave the hospital. He couldn’t leave Ash alone. If he went home to sleep—Ash could die. If he went for coffee—Ash could die. Rationally, he knew that was crazy, but if Ash died when he had left him alone well… he would never forgive himself.
    So he stayed.
    He brushed his mouth across Ash’s cold lips. “You have to wake up. I need you, Ash. Don’t leave me—not like this.”
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
    “Ash… please….”
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
     
     
    D AMN IT ! Why had he left Ash alone with Brody again? He should have been there when Ash regained consciousness. James drew himself up to his full height and narrowed his stare at Brody. “I can’t believe you’re trying to stop me from seeing him! If you don’t get out of my way, I’m going to pummel you into oblivion!”
    “James! Calm down. I’m just saying, maybe you should talk to the doctor first. To be honest, from Ash’s nonreaction to me, I am not sure he’ll remember you. It might not be a good idea to go in there and declare yourself as his gay lover or anything like that. See what the doctor says first.”
    The breath drained from his lungs, and he ran his fingers through his hair. “Right. Okay. It’s… I thought I was going to lose him, and now, miraculously I have him back. I just want to hold him in my arms.”
    Brody shoved his hands in his pockets. “It’s not about you. We have to do what’s best for Ash.”
    A short while later the doctor echoed Brody’s sentiments. “Mr. Connell, tell him you’re his friend, something that establishes a link between you but nothing too detailed. Memories cannot be forced, and it’s best if we leave them to return without pressuring him.”
    “So, he will get his memory back?”
    “I’m sorry. I can’t give you any assurances. Nothing about head injuries is ever certain, and there is something else I need to warn you about.” He paused, as if considering his words carefully. “Sometimes, this type of brain injury can result in behavioral and personality changes. A person who was once easy going can become anxious or develop OCD. They can develop a dislike for something they previously enjoyed. In some patients, it’s temporary, but in others it can be permanent—even after the return of their memories.”
    His breathing became shallow. “So even if his memory returns…. Do you think his feelings about our relationship—about me—could be different?”
    “It is possible, but hopefully, the inherent feelings from a deep emotional connection will be remembered. It’s a lot to take in, and I’m afraid only time will tell.”
    He stared at the door of