Chapter 7


Jessica woke to cotton sheets and the faint sounds of beeping monitors and the overhead of hospital messages. Her room was dimly lit so when she opened her eyes she was able to do so without any major pain. But her head throbbed despite this and she closed her eyes again groaning.

"Jess? Oh gawd girl you gave me a right scare you did," she opened her blurry gaze to see May with red rimmed eyes and a tissue in hand as she leaned forward to hold Jessica's hand.

Groaning Jessica sat up despite Mays demand for her to lie back down," how long have I been out? How bad is the truck? What happened?"

May patted her shoulders standing," Don't worry so much Jess. That's what got you into this mess. The doctor said you were suffering from exhaustion."

"Oh," she grinned weakly despite the fact she felt very sore and stiff, "I thought it was using a tree to stop."

May didn't seem amused," Well don't worry. Alex has got it under control. He took charge and has been sure to make sure everything is going well at the farm. He dropped me off here while running the CSA's to town with someone, I think her name is Jackie. Well she was helping too. I don't know what all they were doing, but they seemed to know how to do it. They were just worried about you."

"Well that is great and all," She relaxed some holding her head, just realizing a headache was coming on,

"but I really should get out. I can't afford to be layin' in no hospital."

There was a knock on the door that interrupted any argument May might have offered and it slowly opened revealing a nurse.

"Ma'am. Glad to see you are fully awake. How are you feeling?" She busied around checking a pack with fluids attached to an I.V in her arm and the monitor above the bed.

Jessica did her best to smile," Fine. I am ready to go home if that is okay."

Doing little to take notice to Jessica's request the blond nurse shook her head simultaneously assessing Jessica's physical health while talking to her," I think we should have the doctor check you out before you go walking out the door-squeeze both my hands, good."

The nurse wrote something down and then continued instructing Jessica to move her feet and press on her hands before continuing, not looking up from her writing," Also there is an officer that said he needed to question you about your accident ma'am. I suggest maybe you relax." The nurse turned to her and smiled a little, "Can I get you something to eat? It is currently noon, and you threw up last night, so I imagine you are starved."

Despite not having much of an appetite that the sterile environment of a hospital brought on, Jessica's stomach rumbled.

She didn't remember getting sick the night before, but the taste in her mouth left no argument to the statement. The nurse grabbed a paper from her clipboard and gave it to Jessica with a pen telling her to mark down what she wanted, doing the same for May stating the poor girl had been there for a while and looked famished.

After doing so the nurse turned to leave.

"I am going to notify the doctor you are awake. That officer-He said he wished to speak with you as soon as possible, is that all right Ms. Anderson? Would you like me to reach out to his office now that you are awake?"

Jessica nodded feeling a twist in her stomach.

"He looked hot," stated May, and at Jessica's increasingly blushing face her own split into a playful grin, "The cop. He was checking up on you a few hours ago. Questioned me about you a bit," at her look of horror she waved her hand," don't worry he seemed more worried about your well-being than trying to prosecute you of anything. Not to mention," she leaned forward," I let in I was pretty certain I knew he was this hot cop I haven't been introduced to that you have been texting."

Smacking the girl Jessica groaned.

"Really May? Really? While I am unconscious in a hospital??"

Though she wasn't truly angry.

It was something they had already established at the diner. Though she shared a lot with May, she had spoke little of Brad to her. The only knowledge the girl received was from Alex who had spied the two together and various texts, but Jessica made it a point not to display the potential relationship so openly yet.

Though the nosey girl had bombarded her with questions and, wish some pressing, at least knew Jessica had the potential in a police officer. Jessica was just too afraid to voice how strong of a potential that may be, seeing as how it was such a sudden and new relationship.

"I am just looking out for your own well-being. Seeing as how you are unable to do so yourself," She sniffed, "even the cop said so."

After a few moments of silence, May looked to her, "you have to admit he is hot. He looked very worried about you."

"Only because he probably is worried that he should have gave me a ticket for speeding into town," she lied cheeks heating up, she picked up the TV remote and flipping through channels not really paying much attention. Her cheeks burned, and her muscles in her shoulders and neck ached while her head was beginning to throb.

Brad was on his way, and all she could think was how he had smelled and how nice it had felt to be held by him. How safe.

"Oh? "May crossed her arms directing her gaze to the TV, "he didn't even mention it."

She dropped the remote and laid back gingerly, feeling the sore muscles in her back stretch. She tried not to think about how his hot breath had brushed her ear as he murmured to stay awake while they lay in the car waiting for the paramedics to make it to them. He had smelled of spiced cologne and his arms had been caging her his hands large and fingers callused, but it had felt good as he brushed hair from her face.

"He referred to you by name. Called you Jess even. So I knew he was your cop, you know he wasn't worried about no darn ticket."

Mays legs and arms were crossed and she seemed to be pretending to try her best to look at the TV drama that was playing but Jessica could see her trying to watch her reaction from the corner of her eye.

Frowning Jessica closed her eyes, not seeing much reason to hold out on her friend. It wasn't as if Brad was a secret.

"Yes. I knew him before. From high school," she admitted slowly, "he is the one Alex was telling on me about having lunch with that day. We have been trying to meet up for a meal or coffee or something- just to talk. . .It probably wouldn't work out, "She trailed off, remembering the deep stare he had given her making her heart squeeze.

Why was it so frightening to fall into love?

Nodding May bit her lip, "I recognized him vaguely, but I couldn't for the life of me remember. It must of been from high school."

A memory of a cute blond-haired quiet boy back in high school came to her, two years her senior while May had been one year her junior. May and Brad would have been in such different circles it wasn't surprising she never truly met him.

"Brad would have graduated before you really got to know me," she shrugged," he helped tutor me freshman and sophomore year. But I didn't ever see him after graduation, and then I moved right when I turned 18."

"You also dropped out," May whispered gloomily remembering those darker tougher times.

There was a knock on the door and Jessica's breath hitched at the idea of the blond cop being on the other side.

May opened it to reveal a nurse with their lunch and the doctor.

The doctor quickly inspected Jessica and promised a prompt follow up, expressing how happy he was to see her bouncing back so fast, and yes he was comfortable allowing her discharge under Mays supervision if that was what she truly wanted as her cat scan and xrays had returned fine enough -but she needed to keep it easy on the manual labor please, she had a concussion and to get plenty of rest and avoid screen time to allow her brain recovery, and he was pleased to see her awake and looking so well.

Then he was out leaving the nurse with their meals.

"Here ya go ladies," it was a young male nurse with curly hair and a Mexican accent, "I hope you enjoy it."

They thanked him and he went to leave but as he opened the door, on the other side stood the man they had been just talking about hand raised mid knock.

Jessica felt she might die as his eyes met her own.

He nodded his head to the nurse politely. He wasn't in uniform anymore, but in a tight black shirt and jeans that clung to every one of his muscles. Jessica wasn't complaining and she could tell May wasn't either. His face was clean shaven, and he gave a small flash of a smile before turning to close the door, allowing them to see his perfectly strait teeth.

Brad closed the door and turned to them before coming closer.

"Hi," she offered oddly, the butterflies in her stomach not giving her a moment's peace. Where was the in control, strong woman she had been just before? Probably still lying in the car knocked out she figured. The memory of how he had held her so gently the night before didn't seem to want to abate anytime soon, and the feeling of his arms returned tenfold at the sight of him.

Giving a small smile he looked her up and down before sighing," Well I think that from now on I am going to have to keep closer tabs on your driving" he joked.

Her mouth quirked into a smile that she couldn't push away as she attempted annoyance," Well. I believe I must really demand a dinner, now, as for you have put me off far too long. You need to do that before you can begin stalking me and my suddenly poor driving habits."

His grin flashed before dissolving just as fast concern eating up his expression, "What happened Jess?"

"I am not terribly certain," she plucked at a stray piece of the too white bedding," I grabbed some fast food and was driving when my breaks wouldn't work. I had felt it once on the way to the drive through but thought it had been the wet road. I don't know why- the breaks are new and had been working just fine on my way into town."

Brads face was calculating as he nodded," Have those people been harassing you anymore recently?"

He had opened up a case for her at the station that he and a unit of officers were looking into alongside some of the other farmers complaints. It apparently was not only difficult due to the need for the work to be done under the table, but also slow going due to all the hinderances that seemed to be popping up legally that seemed to protect the people trying to buy up the land.

Brad had assumed at first it just to be some extremely rich individuals, but now he had voiced his worry that It may be more than that.

"Not for the past week," she frowned a cold shiver going down her spine," I had hoped they gave up."

Brad said nothing, but his grave demeanor was response enough. People like that didn't just give up so suddenly, nor so silently.

Instead he asked," How are you feeling?"

"Just fine. I am hoping to get out today it seems doable. . ." she trailed off and he shook his head.

"I don't think that's a good idea, the doc was saying you had a mild concussion and were lucky not to be in a coma. You got out easy," he looked out the window before fixing her with a strong chocolate gaze," I was worried."

"Yeah lucky I guess," she looked down shrugging plucking her bedding embarrassed at the open compassion, "but the doc did give me the all clear so long as I promised May would stay with me and I rested. Said I should be good to discharge today."

May stood probably saving her from further humiliation, like any close best friend would," I'm sorry. I never caught your name earlier sugar. I am May, as you might recall me tellin' ya. I don't think I have ever met you besides earlier. How do you know Jess here?"

Jessica watched him as he directed his gaze to May, and she only partially was ashamed for forgetting to properly introduce him- even though May was acting oblivious as she had already told the girl some of their background.

His lips twitched up and Jessica found herself hoping to see that brilliant smile she had become addicted to, "Ah, in high school. I was her math tutor."

"I didn't recognize him, "Jessica quickly cut in when May turned an accused gaze her way and Jess quickly counted her blessings that the girl was on the other side of the bed and she had a clear escape to the door if need be-May knew EXACTLY who the math tutor was even if not by name until now, "not immediately until just a while back! We had not seen each other in years and we were good friends and all, but you know how it is. Anyway back then I knew him as Brad Greer, you know. . .Bret's brother."

"Yes, though it's Harrison now," at their looks he shrugged, "I changed it to my mother's maiden name after high school."

Vaguely Jessica remembered going to the library after school three days a week at least and hunching over books with a quiet boy for two years. He had been a bit chunky back then, his hair long and shaggy, and while not unattractive he had been nothing like he was now. He wore glasses most of the time back then, unable to read small print without them. Jessica was sure he now wore contacts, his hair was shorter on his head but able to grow out on his face.

It was amazing how people could change over the years.

Briefly Jessica allowed her the memories of the nerdy quiet boy; sometimes they would delve into personal conversation instead of working on math, and she remembered him giving a little information that his parents were in the middle of a divorce. He had graduated that year, him having been two years her senior. Back then, they had been very close, he had supported her through her and Brets rough times, and had left before Bret had abandoned her.

It was that moment Brad took the opportunity to pull her from those memories," I used to pine over her like some lovesick puppy, back in the day. But she was dating my little brother, I was older than the both of them and graduated a couple easier earlier before leaving to live with my mom. I don't think Jess noticed I liked her, and I never met many of her friends."

"Oh okay. That is probably why I don't remember you. I was a year under Jess so I didn't know most of her friends," May smiled brilliantly, "It is so romantic to think you crushed on her so hard in high school only to stumble into her here and now."

"That's all right. I was a senior while you would have been a freshman, so we would have nothing in common" he explained before looking to Jessica's still shocked look, "You didn't recognize me at all did you?"

Remembering to close her mouth with a snap, embarrassed she shrugged," I did. I just couldn't remember from where, but your eyes are the same. Even without the glasses."

She wanted to accuse him of the same, or ask why he hadn't said anything and had pranced around the matter at the diner but didn't.

He smiled the smile she had been wanting to see and butterflies fluttered in her stomach stopping her heart and any anger she held for him was gone.

It was as if Jessica's one goal was that smile, "I guess I had the advantage of you looking pretty similar to back then. That and your ID for confirmation. You have grown into a beautiful woman, if I am not being too bold to say so Jess."

"You did say you got pulled over the night I came on the way to town," smirked May at her goldfish face rescuing her from embarrassment, taking far too much pleasure playing the unknowing friend even though Jessica had told her 'almost' everything.

This was revenge for keeping Brad a secrete for so long.

She looked to Brad who was seating himself in a chair after May invited him to do so, trying to get her nerves in order May having reminded her of something else on her mind, "So my truck. . ."

"It has been impounded, but I don't see it runnin' again." he frowned and she followed suite.

"Great," she grumbled, though tried not to let off that it was a big loss to her while her mind tried to work out how she even had a chance with him-she always heard of high school sweethearts making it together after year apart.

What about high school one sided puppy crushes that you suddenly recognized after years of being separated from their brother?

Goodness she was a mess.

"Well we can use Alex's SUV until I get a new one. Is he coming to get us?" She turned to May trying to regain her composure and avoiding that chocolate stair.

May smiled and nodded, "Hunny he said he wouldn't miss my cookin' for the world. Speakin' of him, I better give him a holler to let him know you woke up ."

As she jumped up Jessica shook her head, "goes after one hound to the next." She grumbled.

"Oh?" came Brads baritone voice and she blushed having forgot he was listening, "and I am guessing you didn't fall for his charm as well?" Clearly Brad recalled him from the market during their lunch.

"Nah not my type. He is just a playboy, though I am sure if he and May start dating, he will treat her plenty well. He is just a friend-my farm hand actually," were her ears ringing? Maybe she had a fever? She tried not to think about how stupid she had to have sounded blurting that out just now. Talking men was not what she wanted to do with the model cop sitting there.

Discreetly she attempted to look into the small mirror at the far end of the room and felt her heart sink.

She looked terrible.

Brown hair in a tousled mess, a bruise making its appearance on her forehead, and a tired look on her face along with a split lip. This was not how she planned to see Brad, even if they had seen each other on better footing as of recent.

Hoping to change the subject she shifted looking to him in earnest, "I haven't thanked you for last night. You were there for me and helped me. And well- thank you. You must think I am a terrible driver," Her face was the color of a ripe tomato, she was sure, and she knew she was smiling like a fool trying to bring humor into the conversation.

That wonderful smile of his was back, if only slightly, and she was sure he could hear her heart from where he sat.

"Jessica, I would help you anytime you need. I thoroughly support you, and your farm, and will help against whoever these men are to the best of my ability. No one is above the law."

One question rang out in her mind that she had failed to ask within the past weeks of their light bantering-why had he not wrote? Or called? He had been so supportive of her when they had been in school together, and then he had left so suddenly it had been a major blow.

Shifting she attempted a shaky smile," Yeah? I remember we used to hang out a lot. But you pretty much disappeared when you graduated."

"I moved with my mom back to Wisconsin where I did my degree," he shrugged though it seemed much was on his mind," I graduated, got a job as a bookie for a couple years in an office and hated it. Then A friend suggested I try the police academy- they accepted and encourage a diverse background of people after all, and boom. Went to Washington to start fresh and became an officer. Though I regretted at times not staying around. Lost all my friends ya know? Like you."

There was that strong gaze again and she was at a loss of words," I worried about how you were doin' back then ya know. But, well, I didn't have a way to contact you. It wasn't appropriate, anyway, me being older and all. Then Bret was doing nothing but getting into one bit of trouble to the next and it was difficult to help keep him in line."

She nodded, remember a similar feeling when having left Texas for an Oklahoma farm.

But she at least had been near enough to visit frequently.

When Bret had left, she had immersed herself in a second job, and had dropped out halfway through junior year. She realized then how if Brad had not tutored her, and helped consult her when Bret and her fought, she probably would have dropped out of high school far earlier.

"So you're a cop now?" she said after a moment of awkward silence and he nodded.

"Yes. And you have your dream farm," he gave a grin.

Blushing she remembered sometimes whining to him about how all those stupid equations were not going to help her on her farm, to which he would always give an example of how it could assist her.

She had grown to find him for the most part correct.

"Ever find a wife? "she asked and her heart practically stopped as she picked up the controller to the television again trying to seem nonchalant in her question. This was a far deeper topic than they had breeched in their light conversations of personal goals, work, and general life. This was a close life topic that had been nagging her for some time.

He shook his head," Nah. Never found the one."

For some reason the deep look he suddenly gave her when her eyes caught his own shook her. This was dangerous territory, she thought, for their newfound relationship. There was still much growing that needed to happen.

"So since my truck has been impounded, is there a way someone can look at it?" at his raised brow and slight nod she continued, "good, I just want to make sure I didn't leave anything in it."

Not the smoothest change of conversation, she mentally cursed. But of course She couldn't think of much else to say after asking such a question.

Brad relaxed look left him and a stern expression spread across his face, "May mentioned you seemed anxious about something, and I spoke to Alex and he also said that your farm has been damaged twice last week. Why didn't you tell me? I told you I wanted to try to help."

At her grave expression he continued," I wouldn't have put it past this group to have done something to your truck."

"Even if they did," she spoke carefully, shocked he had gone through the trouble and his sudden disposition, "I have no way to prove it. That truck has had a foot the grave for years. I have just been waitin' to replace it when it finally died."

Standing he put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Jessica. If anyone is harassing, you I want to know. I know I haven't been here for years, goodness I understand that, but I can help. Please let me."

Her cheeks stained she vaguely remembered the same man, but a boy, offering her assistance with her math when she had been crying about low grades.

"It's nothing," she shrugged looking down.

He leaned closer," It is if someone is bothering you. It is something to me. This group that has been slowly buying up land around your farm area, their big. Very big. And powerful. We need as much against them as possible, even if they tell you otherwise its them attempting to keep you quiet. Even people with a lot of money and power can not get away with everything."

She looked up at his stern expression and felt a little annoyance from his direction.

"Okay well if I say it's nothing, it's nothing," she grumbled shrugging his hand off her shoulder, "I made past complaints, as you can see, and they were denied for good reason. You are only endangering your own job by doing so much under the table work. I don't want to get you into trouble."

He frowned and nodded," Jessica. I am here for you. We were there for each other 10 years ago. I know it was always hard for you to accept help, but I want to help you. And frankly at this level, you cannot do this alone."

The door opening saved her from snapping at him anymore and in came May came with an older nurse who held a packet of papers in his hand.

"Well call me if I can help," He made his way for the door giving a small nod.

After he left the room, and she answered questions the nurse asked her and agreed to minor tests, she silently could only wonder if she was ruining her chance at what had seemed a miracle encounter with a past crush.

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