Page 16 of Fractured Hope
I opened the guest room door for him and helped him inside. I’d done my best to make the room homey but not overdone. It had a simple navy-and-white color scheme, with a double bed flanked by white bedside tables. There was a vintage cedar chest at the foot of the bed. There was also a matching white dresser. I guided Bodhi onto the bed before carefully moving the knee walker around so it was by the bedside table within easy reach.
I pointed at the two doors across from the bed. “The one on the right is an en suite and on the left is a walk-in closet. I’ll just go get you a fresh towel.” I quickly left to grab one from the linen cupboard.
I returned, and Bodhi was struggling to push the covers down and climb in. He was trying to push the covers out from under himself while attempting to lift himself up on one leg. He flopped down and fell to his back when he noticed me.
I held in my laugh at his adorable fumbling and dashed over to help. I lifted his legs and pulled the covers out from under him. I waited while he shuffled in and rolled to his side, then pulled the covers back over him and leaned in to kiss his soft cheek.
I pulled back quickly and panicked. Oh my God, what did I just do!?
Forcing my racing heart to slow, I stood and glanced at Bodhi curled in the sheets. “Need anything else?” I questioned, amazed my voice had stayed level.
He just shook his head and gave me a soft smile.
“Okay, good night then.” I all but fled.
I continued into my room and closed the door, leaning heavily against it. Taking a deep breath, I willed myself to calm down. My lips tingled. He’d just looked so sweet and cozy, my body had moved before my brain could register what was happening. Groaning to myself, I ran a hand over my face. Hopefully, he was okay with it and things wouldn’t be weird in the morning.
9
BODHI
Touchingmy hand to my cheek, where he’d pressed his lips, gave me pause. Butterflies danced in my stomach, and a smile stretched my face. It had been a long time since I’d smiled and it felt foreign. I didn’t think anyone had ever kissed me on the cheek or been so sweet with me, especially not Derek, even at the beginning. I found myself craving more of that sweet affection. The way he’d treated me was baffling and warmed my insides. How could one person be so nice to a stranger? He’d offered me his guest room without a second thought. He didn’t know me, just seemed to want to help. I felt safe with him and that was massive. I didn’t want to focus too much onthatright now. I snuggled farther into the blankets and fell asleep with that same smile on my face.
I woke the next morning to a bright ray of sunlight in my eyes as it peeked through a gap in the curtains. Rolling over, I groaned as my foot shifted and the pain of my injuries made itself known.Having an injured foot and hand was the worst. This was going to be hard.
Bracing myself, I used my good arm to sit up and attempted to get to my feet. I had to pee something fierce and wished I could just manage the simple task by myself. I was determined as I stood onto my good left leg and rolled the knee walker into place, then moved slowly to the en suite Atticus had pointed out last night, steering with only one hand.
Once I’d finished up, I gingerly made my way to the kitchen. Atticus was at the stove humming along to the song coming from a small radio on the counter. I took a moment to admire the lines of his broad shoulders, muscled back, and narrow waist. He really was a handsome man. He was at least a head taller than me and had thick wavy black hair that I longed to run my fingers through. He must’ve showered recently because his simple white Henley was stuck to his back in places and his hair was still wet.
Atticus was really getting into the song and started to sway his hips as he flipped whatever he was cooking with one flick of the pan in his hand. He was so effortless and smooth. He moved to place what I now noticed was pancakes onto a stack on the kitchen island and froze when he saw me leaning in the doorway. He looked down so bashfully at being caught that I let out a chuckle. His gaze snapped to mine as he sent me a smile.
“Good morning. You’ve got some great moves,” I teased.
He chuckled. “Why, thank you.” He took a little bow. “You been there long?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Just long enough,” I said with a mischievous wink as I slid to the kitchen island.
“Are you hungry? There’s pancakes, bacon, and I was about to whip up some eggs.”
“It smells fantastic! You didn’t have to do all this.”
“I know, but I don’t mind. I like cooking, and we’ve gotta eat.” He shrugged.
Setting a plate in front of me, he gestured to the stack of pancakes and fixings laid out over the counter. “Help yourself, and I’ll get started on the eggs. Scrambled or sunny side up? Would you like coffee or juice?”
“If I have a choice, scrambled, please, and coffee is a must.” I added two pancakes to my plate and drowned them in butter and maple syrup. Digging in, I just about groaned at the sweetness on my tongue. I was the one who had to cook with Derek, so to have something made for me was such a treat, but for it to also be fresh, warm, and delicious was another level of heaven entirely.
“Good, I take it?” Atticus asked with a chuckle as he finished plating the scrambled eggs next to the bacon, placed a coffee and creamer in front of me, and then came to sit beside me at the counter. He watched me with a somewhat shocked look on his face as I added way too much sugar to my coffee.
“I can drink it black, but it’s been so long since I could have it sweet,” I said, responding to his affronted look. Taking a sip, I grimaced, “Although, I may have overdone it this time.”
“You want a fresh cup?” he asked with a chuckle.
“Please.”
He set a new cup in front of me and added two sugars. “Try that. You might need to rebuild your sweet tooth.” He waited for me to take a sip. “Better?”
“Much, thank you. And thanks for all the food, too. It’s delicious!”
