Anne spoke up breaking the silence in the room "This isn't real, why do I feel like I'm dreaming?" she mumbled. She was still in doubt that she was next to Carl and that Carl was alive, well, and sound. It was too good to be true. She had prayed for this moment and it was happening just like that.
"you're not dreaming," Carl said, his voice gentle but firm. He started caressing her cheeks gently. "doesn't this feel real?" he asked.
"I've seen this before in my dreams," Anne said, a hint of fear in her voice. "I always wake up sad when I realize it was all a dream,"
"So you dream about me huh?" Carl flashed her a naughty smile. His fingers were still caressing her soft cheeks and she couldn't help but feel a little thrill at his touch.
Anne nodded feeling her cheeks flush. She had dreamed of Carl many times, and those dreams were not always innocent.
"what do I do in your dreams? I hope I make you happy in your dream world" he said.
Anne smiled, her heart filled with warmth. This time, she wasn't able to answer his question. She was too embarrassed to talk about her erotic dreams with Carl.
"Tell me," Carl insisted.
"No, I'm too shy," she said and Carl smiled.
"it's okay if you don't wanna tell me," He didn't want to push further.
"I'm so relieved that you're okay," Anne said "When I saw you got shot, it was like my whole world had disappeared before my eyes. I was so scared Carl. I was afraid I had lost you forever. Please don't ever scare me like that again. If anything happens to you I wouldn't take it"
As she spoke, her tears started to fall again, and Carl wiped them away with his thumb. Seeing her like this was breaking his heart. He had never realized how much his absence had affected her. She must've been so hurt and alone. Carl was getting too emotional as he watched her cry. He didn't even realize that tears were starting to form in his own eyes.
Anne carefully wiped his tears away with her fingertips, her touch gentle and reassuring. She had never seen him this emotional and she knew it was because of her. She swallowed hard and tried to get hold of her emotions because it was affecting Carl.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," Carl apologized "And don't worry about something bad happening to me. I can't die, I have you to protect,"
"Quit protecting me!" Anne counted her words. "From now on, let me be the one who protects you okay? I'm sick of you putting yourself in danger just to protect me," She said staring intensely into Carl's eyes.
Carl was touched by her words but how could he stop protecting her? He can't. He's obsessed with this woman and he wouldn't be able to bear it if something happened to her.
"Promise me, you're not going to risk your life like that again," Anne seriously said to Carl.
"what if I have no choice?" he said after much hesitation.
"Do you think I would be fine if something bad happened to you because of me?" she asked. "I've been so worried about you for the past two days. I didn't know if you would wake up, and now that you're okay, I don't want to risk losing you again."
Carl felt a twinge of guilt at her words. However, he knew that if it came down to a choice between saving himself and saving Anne, he would choose her every time. But he couldn't tell her that. He couldn't bear to think about a world without her, and he knew that he would do anything to keep her safe, even if it meant putting himself in danger.
"I'm sorry I made you worry so much about me, this isn't what I planned, I promise," he said with so much regret. "I wanted to get close to you but it was like I was climbing a never-ending ladder. But then I heard your voice, and it gave me hope. Just the sound of your name or your voice fills me with life. My heart beats for you and only you," Carl said touching his chest where his heart was located.
He wasn't sure if he was making any sense, but he had to tell her how he felt while he was unconscious.
Anne smiled, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days. She was beyond relieved that Carl was okay, and everything could go back to the way it was before. But this time, she vowed to herself, she would show him all the love in the world. "Thank you for coming back to me, Carl," she said, her voice full of sincerity.
Carl's smile lit up the room, his eyes shining with happiness. He hadn't felt this good in a long time, and he was a little worried that something would take it away because he wasn't used to it.
"did you mean those things you said?" Carl asked, with a little bit of vulnerability in his voice. "You said you think about me all the time," he said waiting for her answer.
Anne's cheeks flushed. She felt like a teenager again, confessing her feelings for the first time. "how much did you hear?" she said.
"I heard so much. You.. You said you love me," he whispered yet Anne could hear the emotion in his low voice.
"It's true Carl, I meant everything I said. I'm in love with you. I love you so so much that it's overwhelming. I love you more than I can express," Anne confessed
Carl couldn't help but smile. He was happy to hear Anne confess this to him. It's like a dream come true. "I love you too Anne," he said "…but I'm upset that you're confessing your feelings to me now. It took you too long," he said and Anne noticed a hint of sadness on his face.
"I'm sorry," she apologized with deep regret. "I was too scared to tell you this at first because I thought you didn't care about me anymore. I thought you had stopped loving me after I pushed you away,"
"I never stopped," Carl said emphatically. "the love and desire I have for you is endless. I love you even before I realize it. I've never felt this way about anyone else but you. Your smile, your touch it lifts me up like nothing else.
Those days when we were apart were the longest days of my life. I wanted to hate you and resent you but I couldn't. My heart ached for you. And now, I'm so glad to hear from you that our first kiss wasn't a mistake," He smiled as he finished his confession.
Anne felt a warmth spread through her chest as she listened to every word from Carl. She knew he meant every word and for the first time, she didn't feel vulnerable. She knew that Carl would never hurt her. The love she felt for him was so immense, that she could imagine a future together, a life where they could be happy.
She was staring at Carl's perfect face which looked as handsome as ever. She noticed that he had grown some facial hair and it suited him. It was giving him a dangerous and sexy look.
Carl was also lost in her facial features, taking every detail of it. His eyes were dark and intense.
Anne felt her breath caught up in her throat as he used his thumb to gently caress her lower lip, sending a shiver through her body.
The touch of his thumb on her lip made her breathe harder. He was obviously staring at her red plumply lips like he wanted to kiss her and she could feel the heat between them growing more and more intense.
Carl held her jawline and leaned closer to her. She felt his fingers gently stroking her skin and her body began to tremble in his hold. She could feel his breath on her face and anticipation coursing through her veins. She closed her eyes, waiting for the kiss that she knew was coming. Then she felt his lips brush against her left cheek.
Anne's eyes fluttered open, and she saw that Carl was smiling at her teasingly. He had noticed her disappointment and he was clearly enjoying himself because he knew she was expecting a kiss on the lips.
Anne could feel her cheeks red with embarrassment. "why are you teasing me?" she pouted.
"well, that's what you get for making me go crazy for you," he said.
"I guess I deserve that," she said, a little giggle escaping her lips.
"You look so beautiful," Carl said out of the blue. He stared at her with an expression that was a mixture of awe and affection. She was glowing, radiating a light that he couldn't look away from.
Anne couldn't help but smile. She couldn't think of anything to say, so she bit her bottom lip and tried to look away from his intense gaze. She was blushing so hard that her face turned a brilliant shade of red. It was like a sunset, spreading from her cheeks to the tips of her ears. She looked so cute at the sight of it.
"I think you're about to go supernova, Red," Carl teased. "If your face gets any redder, I might need to call the fire department,"
Anne let out a scoff but ended up laughing. "You're so mean," she said, trying and failing to keep a straight face.
Carl chuckled softly at her comment.
"You know I always tell you that I fell in love with you from the first day we met…" he said and Anne nodded.
"so, when did you realize your feelings for me?" he asked.
"Um, I don't know exactly when it started," she said. "But I know it's been a while now. Maybe it started back in Alabama?"
"Alabama?" Carl looked at her in surprise. "Back in Alabama, you couldn't even stand to look at my face." He said.
"Yeah, because you look like trouble. You're just too handsome," Anne said.
"yeah, I know I'm a pretty fine specimen," He flashed a grin, one that Anne knew was designed to charm her.
"oh please don't let your ego get the best of you," she rolled her eyes and Carl laughed.
"But, would you believe me if I told you I had a tiny little crush on you back in Alabama," Anne said to Carl.
"No, you're joking," Carl said because he couldn't believe it.
"yeah," she admitted. "I think it explains why I got pissed off seeing you and Victoria becoming close. I know she's like an aunt to you but it still bothered me. So I guess that's how it all started," she said. "Oh God! I feel so shy telling you all of this,"
"Don't be," Carl said. However, he was surprised she had a crush on him back then. "I feel so lucky to have won your heart. I promise to treasure it always," he said sincerely and kissed her forehead.
Anne let out a sigh of relief. She was also happy to own his heart.
Carl pulled Anne closer to him till their bodies were pressed together with no space between them and then he captured her lips with his. They kissed slowly and deeply and Anne's hands found their way to his neck.
Carl's body was on fire, and the softness of Anne's touch against his neck was driving him crazy. "I love you, Anne" he whispered against her lips.
Anne felt the intensity of his kiss deepen as his tongue explored her mouth. She gave herself over to the moment, her heart racing in her chest. She had missed him so much, and she could tell he felt the same.
The room was quiet except for the sound of their breathless gasps and the gentle rustle of their clothes.
Anne was careful not to disturb the IV line still connected to his arm. She didn't want to cause him any pain, especially not now.
The kiss was taking so long until Anne carefully tapped his chest to remind him that she needed to breathe. Besides, Carl seemed lost in the kiss like he didn't want it to end. It made Anne wonder in her head if Carl was truly ill because he seemed strong and healthy to her. But she knew they needed to stop. After all, he was still a patient who had been through a lot.
They finally pulled back, their breathing heavy and their eyes locked on each other. At that moment, it felt like the world had shrunk down to just the two of them.
"I want to wake up next to you. Promise me you'll be by my side," Carl said, his voice raw with emotion. "I don't want you to leave me ever again," His eyes looked pleading and lustful.
Anne felt her chest tight with emotion. She could see the love and longing in his eyes "I promise, I'll never leave your side again," She said.
Carl kissed her one more time on her forehead and it seemed to seal the promise they had just made.
Anne felt at peace as she let herself enjoy the simple pleasure of Carl's presence. They simply lay there on the bed, wrapped in each other's arms, enjoying each other's company. It was a feeling they didn't want to let go of, a feeling that they wanted to hold onto forever.