The first thing I was aware of was the pain. I opened my eyes enough to realize I was in a hospital. But the lights were so bright, it was like someone driving a railroad spike through my eyes.

“Ah, you’re awake,” a young woman said. “Welcome back to the land of the living.”

“How long…” I asked.

“Couple of hours. You passed out at the club. A few people thought you’d drank too much, but I don’t know anyone who passes out after one Long Island.”

“Yeah, I’m not exactly a cheap…” I stopped. “How did you know what I had?”

A little laugh. “Because I’d been watching you since you came in.”

I opened my eyes. The light was bearable now. I looked at the nurse.

It was her!

“What…”

“I saw you fall, and ran over to help. You hit your head pretty hard. I knew where they would take you, so I decided to put in a little overtime.”

“Takes some pressure off my co-workers, and,” she whispered, “I have a captive audience to tell you just how handsome you are.” She kissed my cheek.

Her lips were very, very soft.