Page 18 of Fractured Grief
I’d felt drawn to him like a magnet finding home.
Shaking myself out of my reverie took some effort. No, this was a fluke. Getting caught up in a moment of triumph. I was here to help Seb heal and nothing else. I didn’t even know if Seb was attracted to men. We’d never shared more than his injuries and recovery. I didn’t know him, not really.
Searching for something to say to bring us back to normal, I chuckled. “So, how’s Yaya? She’s a unique woman.”
Seb groaned as his gaze flicked to mine. “She’s fine. She w-won’t let up about you, though.”
“Really?” I chuckled. “So, my charms did work then.”
“I ah, guess you c-could say that.”
Laughter burst from my chest. “You should see your face right now. Oh my gosh! Are you that worried about your Yaya keeping an eye on me?”
“No. She likes to tease. She’s a force of na-ture and can c-come off as b-br-rusque and tactless.” Seb stopped turning to face me as he towered over me. “Sorry if she made you unc-comfortable. She shouldn’t have commented onyour ch-ch-arms anyway.” Seb looked bashful as he shifted uncomfortably.
“Are you saying I’m not charming? How dare you, sir.” I held my hand to my chest like a damsel from a historical novel. “I am very charming.”
Seb finally broke at my antics and joined me in laughter as we walked into his room.
“Yes, you are very ch-charming,” he added dryly.
“And don’t you forget it.” I winked at him, glad we were back on even footing once again.
I helped Seb get situated and placed the usual heat packs over his back and knee. Seb reached out and grabbed my wrist.
“Thank you,” he said as he gazed into my eyes, so many emotions dancing in those irises. “You sure you’re okay after your int-t-eraction with Y-yaya?”
Placing my hand over his, I responded seriously. “Yes, I’m fine. She’s a little intimidating for someone so small. She’s almost as tall as me, but she seems taller, you know? She didn’t like that stumble you took that hurt your knee, and I get that. By the end, she seemed to have accepted me.”
“Okay, good. She is larger than life most of the t-time, but I’m sorry you felt int-timid-ated. I’d never want that. She’s been known to be a little f-forceful, so, yeah, I’m s-orry,” he trailed off at the end, letting my hand go and breaking eye contact. Some of his light seemed to dim.
Clasping his shoulder, reassuringly. “Don’t worry about it. I deal with all sorts of family members, and all I tookfrom our chat is that she loves you fiercely and would do anything to protect you. You’re lucky to have that.” I hadn’t meant to say that last part out loud. But Sebwasblessed to have a grandmother who came to bat for him no matter what. All his family members had shown how much they loved him. He was luckier than he knew.
“You don’t have that?” Seb asked.
“Ah, no, I don’t. My mom passed away nine years ago, and I never knew my dad, so I’ve been without parents since I was about sixteen.”
“S-sorry.” Seb reached for my hand again and placed it between both of his. His hands dwarfed mine. I could feel the rough calluses on his palms as he rubbed the back of mine. Pleasure and comfort coursed through me in equal measure as I gazed at our connection.
“You can share mine.”
Barking out a surprised laugh, I had to fight the tears that threatened in the face of a longing for things I couldn’t have. “Thanks. You’re sweet.”
Glancing up, I found Seb assessing me with a sad smile. “Sorry to turn a little maudlin on you,” I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. Patting his hand, I extracted myself from his grip. I enjoyed his touch and comfort too much, and if I stayed any longer, I’d share more than I should.
“Anyway, I’d better get back to work. You rest, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.” I turned, and with a wave, I left.
Chapter 10
Seb
Lying back on my bed, I tried to get my thoughts in order.
I wondered more about what lingered in Indy’s eyes. His sunny mask had lifted for a second, and I’d gotten a glimpse of all the grief, sadness, and loneliness he carried around with him. I’d noticed a flicker when we first met, but I thought I’d been projecting. It was clear Indy held so much more inside than he let on.
Having gotten to know Bodhi better, my worldview had shifted a lot. From seeing, learning, and experiencing a darker side of humanity—thanks, Derek—it had made me wonder more about what went on behind closed doors. Levi mentioned I might project my feelings and fears onto others because of my trauma and recovery, but I didn’t think this was that.
Atticus had fallen head over heels for Bodhi, but it took a while to share what Bodhi had gone through to escapehis abusive ex. From meeting Bodhi, other than seeming a little shy, I never would’ve guessed all he was hiding. Armed with the knowledge and experiences that nothing is as it seems, I was worried about Indy.
