Katy

Excerpt from "Katy"

Jack

Turning her attention to Jack, she asked, "How are you doing?"

"A little better," he said, managing a weak smile. "My ankle feels numb, thanks to the ice and I don't feel cold anymore. You sure are taking good care of me."

"I learned first aid in flight attendant training," she said. "Luckily, it all came back to me when I needed it."

"You're a good woman to have around in an emergency, Katy Sue," he said softly, taking hold of her hand. Swiftly, he brought it up to his mouth, turned it over and kissed the palm. "Thanks, baby," he said huskily and looked at her, his eyes bright with tears.

"I'm sure you would have done the same for me," she managed to say, forcing her eyes away from his but not letting go of his hand. Her hand and arm tingled and she felt somewhat faint.

"Here's your aspirin and water," said the tournament official, appearing at the back of the van. "And I wrote down directions to Stockton General. That's the closest hospital; it's only a couple of miles away. I hope he'll be okay."

"I hope so too. Thanks for all your help." Katy took the water and aspirin back to Jack. "Take 3 of these," she said, trying to keep her voice from shaking and her tone businesslike. "They'll help keep the inflammation down a little. Drink all the water; you're probably dehydrated."

He took the pills. "I'm sorry, Katy," he muttered. "I didn't mean to..."

"I'd better get you to the hospital," she cut him off, sliding out the back of the van, jumping out and closing the doors behind her.

Katy drove to the hospital with her emotions in a turmoil. She could no longer deny the powerful physical attraction she felt for Jack and she was becoming more and more emotionally involved with him as well. The way he had looked at her, so soft, sad and full of pain, had made her heart go out to him. The way he had kissed her hand, so gently. What did he feel? Was it just pain and gratitude? She felt so comfortable with Jack too, like she could talk to him about anything. She had become so defensive with Richard lately, and then there was that awful fight they had in Beverly Hills. He hadn't apologized and he was wrong! Just thinking about it made her angry all over again. She had been so much in love with Richard. He had swept her off her feet with his worldly charm. But now she was so confused. She was no longer sure how she felt about Richard... or Jack!
 

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