Chapter 30

Nathaniel received a text that Paige was drugged with a micro dose of chloroform exactly when Marshall said he would have the information. He had rushed out and informed the medical team as soon as he learned of the drug. Paige had been moved to a luxury suite. She was still stable and the medical team had her treated with a round of dialysis to help her kidneys filter the drug out of her system. They were just waiting for her to wake up. It had been an entire day.

Carrie had gone home the night before, but Nathan couldn't. Carrie's husband had insisted that she left, so they exchanged numbers. Nathaniel was to call her if there were any updates. Nathaniel would update her if Paige woke up. He fell asleep in the chair next to Paige, holding her hand. The nurses occasionally came in and took blood and checked on Paige, but it was infrequent. Paige was stable, but the longer she slept, the harder it would be for her to wake up. Nathaniel slept on and off through the night and into the morning.

Paige blinked. Her head hurt like hell and she felt so heavy. She moved her arms a little and slowly opened her eyes and tried to keep them open. She felt like she was weighted down. She looked around and saw that she had an iv in her arm and she was hooked up to a monitor. She felt something in her hand and she lifted herself up so she could see. Nathaniel was sleeping next to her in a chair, holding her hand.

"Nathan?" she said, squeezing his hand. She watched him stir and awaken. He stared at her for a minute.

"Am I dreaming or are you actually awake," he whispered desperately, touching her face with his other hand.

"I think I'm awake? My head hurts," she said with a slight groan, putting her hand on her head.

"Stay here and stay awake, please. I'm going to get your nurse," he said as he rushed off.

Paige groaned at the pain in her head and massaged her temples. She saw Nathaniel rushed back in with a nurse and a doctor came in shortly afterwards. He also called Carrie and she let him know she'd come by as soon as she could. They did some tests to see how she was functioning and took some blood. They also have her some medication for her headache. Everyone left after she pleaded with them to let her go home, saying that they'd see what her tests say. The only thing that was wrong in her mind is that she couldn't remember yesterday morning at all.

Paige turned to Nathaniel. "Please tell them to let me leave. I hate hospitals," she whined. Nathaniel looked at her, treasuring every moment with her. His heart felt like a weight had lifted from him the second she said his name.

"Paige, I really need the doctors to tell me that you're okay to be discharged before I take you out of here. I feel so guilty," he said softly.

"Guilty? Why would you feel guilty?" she asked.

"The person who tried to abduct you was working for the same rival business that tried to poison my mother. They were trying to use you to get to me," he said. There was rage and sadness in his voice.

"Are you sure?" she asked. Paige thought it was possibly her family, but she wasn't sure. She couldn't remember anything.

"I'm certain. I'm so sorry, Paige. I'd understand if you didn't want to see me anymore," Nathaniel said, turning away from her. He couldn't find it in himself to watch her break up with him.

"Nathan, I'm not ending this here. This isn't your fault. Besides, you owe me a date. I'm sorry I was in a coma for it," Paige said apologetically. Also, she hoped this would motivate him to help get her out of the hospital.

Nathaniel looked at her, stunned. His heart leapt. He leaned over and kissed her forehead, then leaned his forehead against hers. Paige looked at him, closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his. It was a soft, sweet kiss. Nathaniel pulled away from her, feeling euphoric.

"You're unbelievable, Paige. If the doctors say you can go, I won't protest. But, you're not leaving sooner," Nathaniel said with a smile.

Paige pouted. "I'm okay! I feel like I should be home, not taking up a bed someone else needs," she complained. Nathaniel chuckled at her and sat beside her, telling her about Haley's meeting with the mayor and how the city now owns the shelter.

Carrie came to visit a little while later. She brought Nathaniel coffee and breakfast and Paige had her breakfast served by the hospital. She also brought Paige's purse and phone from their office. The doctor came in a little while later saying that Paige needed a stress test to be certain she could discharge. Paige happily complied and Nathaniel was able to go with her. Carrie waited in the room and helped gather Paige's belongings.

She walked to the test area with her nurse and was provided clothes to change into. She changed and a technician applied the pads that hooked up to the monitor to her chest. She got on the treadmill and was instructed to run. Paige was excited and she ran. They adjusted the levels and they finally got it fast enough for her to start breaking a sweat. After 15 minutes, they shut the machine off.

"I'm pretty sure your heart is fine, but the doctor has to read the test. He'll let you know," the technician said. Paige was escorted by her nurse and Nathaniel back to her room. She wanted to take a shower.

"Can I shower?" she asked her nurse.

"Yes, but I have to help you. Hospital policy," the nurse said. Paige groaned inwardly, but she still had the iv in her arm, so she guessed she could use the help. Paige allowed herself to be escorted into the bathroom and the door was shut behind her.

Nathaniel was grateful that his assistant had brought a set of fresh clothes for him and Paige. He handed Paige a change of clothes and sat and waited for her. He was wearing jeans and a sweater. He answered some business emails on his phone and compiled a few reports and dispersed them to his Deputy CEO. He had been getting work done as he stayed here and was letting his staff handle most of the day to day things at the company. He also made sure Paige's assistant director, Haley, was handling the shelter during her hospitalization. He knew that Paige would be concerned when she realized how much work she missed.

Paige was finished with her shower and was changed into the clothes he had brought for her. Her nurse went and got the doctor. He came in with Paige's chart, looking at her test.

"If I didn't know your case, I'd say you were completely healthy. You had the best stress I've ever seen. So, with that, I'm discharging you. Follow up will be coordinated with your primary care provider. Have a good day, Miss Everett."

"Thank you, doctor. I will go to my follow up appointment. I appreciate all your help. Have a nice day!" Paige said excitedly. She said goodbye to Carrie, as Nathaniel had offered to take her home. Paige's nurse wheeled her out in a wheelchair, which Paige tried to say was completely unnecessary, but it was hospital policy. She then promptly got into Nathaniel's car.

"Paige, I think you should stay at my place for the time being. At least stay until we're certain there isn't a threat to you anymore," Nathaniel said firmly as he sat in the back, next to her. Paige didn't fight him on this.

"Can I grab some things from my place first?" she asked.

"Of course. Pack whatever you think you'll need. But, don't take too long. You have to get ready for our date," Nathaniel said coyly.

"We're going on our date?" Paige said excitedly. She had actually been looking forward to their date and was sad they didn't get to go.

"Yes. I had everything arranged for today when I learned you were getting discharged," he stated.

"Ok. Should I drive my car to your place?" Paige asked.

"If you'd like. You can also borrow one of mine to drive or I can arrange a driver for you. I'm happy to cater to whatever you desire, baby," he said, his voice dipping low at the end of his sentence. Paige felt her heart flutter at his words. She shyly touched his hand and he took it in his, bringing it to his lips, kissing the back of it.