"I run on the weekends."
"Maybe we should go running sometime."
"Sure."
"So what else do you like to do?"
"I like spending time with my friends, Amy, Alicia and Kyrie, and going shopping or spending time at the beach."
Keith flashed his badge at the security gate of the CTC parking lot. He drove in and parked the SUV. He got out and opened my door.
I stood there for a minute, the last hour crashing down on me. I had been shot, and could've been killed. It was the closest call I'd ever had and now the fear that I had kept in check was too much. Keith looked at me with concern. "Can I tell you something?" I asked.
He nodded.
Tears welled up in my eyes. "I was really scared back there and I--" I couldn't hold back the tears and they ran in streams down my face.
Keith took me in his arms and hugged me. I put my good arm around him and buried my face in his neck as sobs wracked my body. "Sshh . . . it's okay, I was worried too," he whispered.
He held me for a few minutes and I calmed down. The way he held me felt right and put me ease. I wanted to stay there, feeling safe and content in his arms. He slowly pulled back, took my face in his hands and wiped away my tears. I couldn't help but smile at his gentle touch.
"There's that beautiful smile. You okay?"
I blushed then nodded.
"Let's get that arm taken care of."
I nodded. "Thanks."
"Anytime."
He put his arm around my waist and we walked to the clinic.