Page 7 of The Prom

The excruciating pain that almost causes me to cry out is unbearable and I clamp my teeth on my lower lip to hide the fact it hurts like hell.

Then, before I can register what’s happening, he lifts me effortlessly from my feet and swings me into his arms like Hercules, and every wish I ever had is granted in one single act of chivalry.

“I–” My protest is cut short as he tightens his hold and says sternly. “No arguments. It will be quicker this way.”

As he sets off at a brisk pace, my face burns because aside from the fact I’m in man heaven right now, this is also the most embarrassing moment of my life.

“So–” he chuckles. “Are you always this accident prone?”

Despite the circumstances, his question causes me to giggle. “Not normally, only when you’re around, obviously.”

“Do you often run on your own?”

His deep voice rumbles against my cheek as I rest my face against his chest. “I do. I love the freedom it gives me.”

“Same.”

He sighs. “Life can be overwhelming and running offers an escape from that. When you are alone, you are in a safe place.”

His words surprise me. “What do you mean by a safe place?”

“Nobody can reach you. They don’t want something from you, and you can process your thoughts and make plans.”

“And recharge and make sense of the shit life throws at you.” I add and he chuckles softly, the low rumble vibrating against my cheek causing me to smile.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

His gentle voice soothes and the fact I can’t see his face removes any barriers and I surprise myself by whispering, “Sometimes we do what is expected of us rather than what we want.”

“As in?”

I check my answer and sigh. “It’s nothing, really.”

“It doesn’t sound like nothing.”

I’m not sure if it’s my imagination or not, but he appears to tighten his hold.

“Peer pressure, I suppose, and the hatred of letting anyone down.”

“Then be honest with them. What’s the worst that could happen?”

I pause before whispering, “Because I would be alone again.”

He doesn’t reply and as we head out of the trees, I realize that we have reached the river and he says softly, “We’ll sit here for a moment and catch our breath. It’s not far from civilization, but I have a feeling you could use a little space.”

As he lowers me gently onto the ground, he sits beside me and I’m touched when he lifts my ankle onto his lap and says huskily, “It’s best to keep the ankle elevated.”

“Of course.” I’m not sure where to look because now I have no place to hide. When he carried me, I couldn’t see his face, and it brought with it an easy acceptance of the situation. Now he is staring at me with concern and it’s a little overwhelming because this man is freaking gorgeous.

Conversation stalls as we sit silently gazing at the river and after a while, he says in his deep husky tones, “This is a beautiful place.”

I note the sparkling river surrounded by lush greenery, the sun catching the gentle waves as the river gurgles toward its destination. Birds flutter overhead, their sweet song serenadingthe moment, and a gentle breeze causes the leaves to dance in the trees.

“I love nature.” I admit, and he smiles.

“Nothing compares to its beauty.”

His gaze burns a trail through my body and I must admit that nature was having a very good day when she created him.

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