Page 72 of Head Over Spurs

“Not quite, son.” Doc shoved his hands down into the pocket of his coat, avoiding a roll of papers in the one, and tipped his head to the side. “Do you know what a spinal disc herniation is?”

“The general concept. Isn’t that something that can just heal on its own?”

“In most cases, yes. Most people haven’t also fractured their spine, though. I gave you a nerve blocking injection. It’s whyyou’re probably feeling good as new. But you need to start physical therapy.”

“I can do that,” Riley agreed, feeling Jules’s hand tighten on his shoulder. He turned to look up at her, squinting at the fluorescent halo framing her gorgeous face. She had her normally lush lips pressed into a tight line. Her blue eyes steely as she assessed him.

“I really will,” he promised her.

The doctor cleared his throat as he withdrew the rolled-up papers from his coat pocket. “I want to make this perfectly clear, Mr. Walker, herniated discs that aren’t treated with care can still result in surgery. And based on your history, you’re more likely to fall into that category than others.”

He knew he had broken the doctor’s trust by lying in his follow up appointments over the last few months, so the repetition probably felt warranted. He had learned his lesson though, he had things to chase again. A meaningful life to live again—if not more meaningful than before. He wanted to find Brett and start advocating to build something of his own at the ranch. And he wanted to do it with a certain fiery, yet soft on the inside, woman.

Riley gave a single nod. “Understood, doc.”

Satisfied, the older man held out the papers—after visit summaryscrawled across the top. He was being discharged, then.

“And I can return to normal movement?’ he asked, sitting forward to accept the papers. It was the first time he’d moved his back in hours, and he couldn’t tell if he was stiff from the injury or the unnatural inactivity for such an extended length of time.

“Take it easy the rest of today, don’t strain yourself while the shot finishes reducing that inflammation. But tomorrow, if you’re feeling up to it? Yes, you can.”

Bidding goodbye to the group, the doctor took his leave.Maddie stood, holding her phone in the air. “I told Laurel I’d keep them updated back home. I’m so glad you’re okay Riley.” She flashed a sweet smile before exiting the room as well.

Grey and Cooper shuffled out after her with well wishes and offers to wait outside. Only Jules remained. She turned so the front of her thighs pressed against the bed. Holding out a hand to him, a smile spread across her face. He accepted, swinging his legs over and finally standing on his own two feet again.

“How’s it feel?” she asked, reaching over to the table that had been wheeled into the corner quite some time ago. In fact, he’d forgotten it was there. She grabbed his stack of clothing off it and held it out, her focus on him unashamed as she watched him peel off the hospital gown and stand before her in nothing more than his boxer briefs.

Riley slid the lightning bolt necklace from the top of the pile and looped it over his head. “A little wobbly,” he admitted. The corner of his lip twitched in amusement as her gaze heated. He wondered if hospital rooms had locks on the doors.

“Right.” Jules cleared her throat and glanced up at his pleased expression. “Well put some pants on, and I’ll take you home.”

Jules

Riley’s house was the charming cabin on the edge of town that she passed on a regular basis. It sat just around the bend from the church, tucked back from the road so someone would have to really notice it in all of its appeal. And she had, on numerous occasions. As if inexplicably drawn to it.

It struck her as odd that she hadn’t known it belonged to him. That she hadn’t been here. She wanted to fit into his life,each aspect. Not just at the ranch. She wanted to belong with him, just as he suggested.

Parking in the gravel drive, she turned her car off and tilted her head at Riley. He was stretched out in the passenger seat, studying her closely.

“Yes?”

“What happened to your face when you pulled in here?” he asked, scrunching his mouth to the side. His mustache followed suit.

“Is there something wrong with my face?” she asked defensively.

“Your face is fucking perfect. But you got this… look. What was the look?”

She toyed with her keys, the leather tassel keychain in particular. “It’s weird that I didn’t know where you lived this whole time.”

“Cooper is convinced that I live back at the stables. If that helps at all.”

A small laugh escaped her. But she had to admit, it did help, actually. It was a good reminder that he shared the most important part of his day with her. They worked those stables together. They were good together.

Reaching over, he tucked his hand across the back of her neck and pulled her towards him. Jules obliged, leaning over until only inches sat between their lips. “Good,” he murmured distractedly. Busy tracing his thumb along her bottom lip.

“Were you going to invite me in, Sundance?” she whispered as he moved on to dragging his mouth along the curve of her cheek.

“Only if you don’t disappear on me after. I seem to remember that being an issue the last time you came to me.”

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