Page 13 of Next to You

“I guess we are trauma-bonded for life now.”

“We are. And we’re going to be okay.” He circled the bed and then climbed in next to me. “How are your feet feeling?”

“So much better. I can feel my toes now, and there is no pain. That’s probably a good sign, right?”

“Yup. But you’ll be paying full price next time you get them painted that pretty shade of pink.”

Chapter 5

Spencer

The wind howled outside. Although I knew we were safe in the cabin, the noises coming from outside were still unnerving. I inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled, trying to set my fears aside so I could be strong for Lucy. I was used to it here, used to the creaks and groans this cabin always made as it settled, to the brush of the branches against the sloped roof, and the sound of the wind through the trees.

The couch bed was small, not even queen-sized, and I was a big guy. Although we weren’t touching, I could feel her as if she were pressed against me. Her energy was palpable. She was still afraid, I could tell.

I had always liked her too much for my own good. There was something special about her, and this was the perfect opportunity to get to know her better.

“How long do you think we’ll be stuck here?” She faced me on her side, hands tucked under her cheek with the covers pulled up to her chin. I almost couldn’t believe she was really here. “It sounds like it’s getting worse out there.”

“Probably not long. I sent texts to my family, but if they don’t go through soon, there’s a radio somewhere around here. And ifthat doesn’t work, I can hike out to the truck and use that one. And if all that fails, my dad will figure it out.”

“I’ve always liked your dad.”

“He’s easy to like.”

“He helped my mom a lot after my dad took off, along with my grandparents. He’s a good guy.”

Our parents had been friends of a sort; they went to school together. Her dad was a CPA who worked on the accounts for Cassidy’s Automotive. Now he was somewhere a few towns over with his third or fourth wife. I could never understand how he could just leave Lucy like that.

“Yeah, he knows what raising kids on your own is like. It isn’t easy.”

“She was not good after he left. She’s a little better now. She’s still overprotective, though. She’s going to freak out so hard when I get home. I’m not looking forward to that.”

“You’re her only child. I guess it’s understandable. But I’m sorry you have to bear the weight of it.”

“And you’re one of six. That must be so fun.”

“Most of the time it is. They can get nosy, though.”

“Look at us, having a casual, and dare I say it, almost normal conversation?”

“We’ve broken the ice.”

“Nice pun, Spencer.Ice. I like it.”

I watched her smile at me, and for the first time this evening, I believed we would be okay.

The wind blew through the evergreen bushes planted near the porch, scratching against the cabin. If I hadn’t spent most of my life up here, I would have felt as nervous as Lucy looked. Her eyes widened as she stared at the uncovered window.

“It’s just the wind. Don’t worry.”

“Okay, are you sure?”

I nodded. “So, what’s his name?” I asked about her date to distract her. I also wanted to know what kind of moron would treat her so poorly.

She deserved so much better, someone who knew what he had when he was with her and would treat her accordingly. Plus, what kind of asshole talks to a woman like that? Someone should teach him some fucking manners.

“Huh?” She turned to face me. “Oh, you mean my date from hell. Well, you won’t believe this, but I met Skipper McFadden at Taco Time for dinner.”

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