Page 72 of Wild For You

Erin appears in the doorway, the blanket wrapped around her naked body.

“Can’t sleep?” She rubs the sleep from her eyes.

I glance at the clock. It’s 6.40 a.m. We’ve had less than four hours of sleep, which is enough for me. Back in Chicago, I often get less.

“There’s this important seven thirty appointment I can’t miss.” I wink. “I’ve run out of excuses for not showing up, so I’d better not be late. Will you have breakfast with me, gorgeous?”

She leans against the doorframe, watching me with an incredulous expression, as if she still can’t believe that I’m truly willing to go through with the physical therapy. I wink again, and her face lights up a little. “Sure. Just let me get dressed.”

Right before she disappears, I catch the hint of a smile, and I realize just how happy it makes her to help someone else. That’s something I’ve never encountered before.

An hour later, after breakfast, I join her in the guestroom and we start with light stretching exercises. She’s a professional; it’s obvious from the way she commands me around, getting me to do everything she demands.

It’s hard to believe we had sex a few hours ago. Except for a few meaningful glances, and the way her chest rises and falls whenever she touches me, she acts like I’m any patient to her.

She’s patient when I feel frustrated, kind when I let out growl after growl of pain, and supportive when I least expect it. With each new exercise, there’s a new surge of energy giving me new hope and keeping me going.

I can do this.

I’ll be able to walk again.

I’m going to see Dillinger in five weeks.

In spite of the excruciating pain, the session’s over too fast.

Erin’s packing up when I say, “I want to do another session right now.”

She frowns but begins to unpack the equipment. “I wouldn’t rush this, Cash. We have to go slow.”

“I don’t see the need.” I shrug, ignoring the throbbing pain, and begin another set of exercises. “The sooner I get out of this house, the sooner I’ll have my dad off my back.”

She stops to regard me for a moment. I wrap my arms around her waist and place a soft kiss on her nose. “This was great. I don’t even feel any pain,” I lie.

She frowns at me and shoots me a strange look as we keep at it for another half hour.

“Want to tell me what’s really on your mind, Cash?” Erin asks after we’re almost done.

It’s late morning, and I’m spent. My back is drenched, and my muscles are sore.

“I want to be able to walk again the way I used to. That’s all.”

She draws a long, meaningful breath. “As long as the pain’s bearable. But I think this is enough for today. Now, let’s stretch.” Her expression darkens. “I want to help you, but at the same time I fear that once you’re back to your old self, you’ll do something stupid. You’ve done it in the past.”

“I’m not planning on risking my life again, Erin. Not knowingly, anyway.” I look away. Guilt as bitter as bile settles in the pit of my stomach as begin my stretching exercises.

We remain silent as I go through the motions with Erin watching my every move like a hawk.

“I don’t know about you, but I need a snack. Want to join me?” I ask once we’re done.

She nods and joins me in the kitchen, but I can tell from her tense expression that my assurances have done nothing to dispel her worries.

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