Page 50 of When We Were Us
Three hours later,Hank and I are alone in the clinic as the sun comes up. After we’d moved Apollo to a recovery stall, I sent Penny home. She could barely keep her eyes open, and I couldn’t leave Apollo alone. So, I’d assured her I was fine waiting until Dr. Callahan was back.
We’d finally been able to get in touch with him, and he is currently en route to the clinic from Joliet, where he had been doing vaccinations at a large horse ranch. He had been gracious, understanding, and even grateful that I—a virtual outsider—had taken over his clinic to perform a lifesaving surgery on Hank’s horse.
We’ve made ourselves at home on the floor of Apollo’s stall, with our backs against one wall. Two empty coffee cups and an empty Honey Buns package sit between us as I scroll on my phone and Hank sits. He’s running his hands over his horse, and occasionally talking to him in a soft voice.
The way we’re sitting so close, it’s hard not to take in every bit of Hank. He’s so big, I’m surprised he’s comfortable leaning against the wall, especially with Apollo taking up most of the space. He doesn’t seem to mind though. His long legs are stretched out next to mine, and I look over at him as he leans his head back and closes his eyes.
“You ok?” I ask, setting my phone down and turning to look at him. I want to take his hand, but I don’t. I’m sure it's just the stress of everything that has me longing to comfort him. At least, that's what I'm trying to convince myself of.
He nods but doesn't lift his head or open his eyes.
I let my eyes run over him. Thick forearms, rounded shoulders, and broad chest. His Adam's apple moves as he swallows, and I let my eyes roam over his face. I notice a small scar just visible through the stubble on his chin, and then drop my eyes back to the black of his shirt.
I remember what it felt like to be pressed against that chest. The feel of his arms around me, and the weight of his chin resting on the top of my head as he held me in the yard. His smell, and the rise and fall of his chest. It almost brings tears to my eyes. I think I might need comfort just as much as Hank does after the night we’ve had.
It startles me when he speaks, as does his question. My eyes snap up to see he’s turned his head and is watching me.
“Who’s Derek?” His voice is quiet, but I feel the entire weight of his gaze, and it makes me uncomfortable.
It doesn’t feel right talking about Derek with Hank. Not after the emotional night I’ve had, and definitely not after I’d just been thinking about how good it felt having his body wrapped around mine. I don't think I can take it. I’ve been closer to Hank and felt things for him in the last couple of weeks that I never felt for one second with Derek.
I let out a slow breath and shrug. “He’s…not really something I want to talk about.” It’s a completely evasive answer, but it’s all I’m capable of giving him right now.
I don’t want to talk about him because, for the first time since coming back, Hank and I have something connecting us that isn't about anyone or anything else. Just the two of us, sitting alone after an emotional night, andhe came to me for help. He needed something that only I could give him: help with Apollo. And I don’t want it to be about anything other than that. I need this moment to be about us.
He cocks an eyebrow at me, shakes his head, and looks back to Apollo. “I’m gonna take a walk.” Climbing to his feet, he picks up the coffee cups and empty wrappers, and leaves me alone with Apollo.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
hank
An hour later,Dr. Callahan strides into the clinic. After Wren gives him a rundown of what took place with Apollo, he insists things look good. I’ve known Doc for years and trust his judgment, so I know my horse is in good hands. I’ve got about a million things to do at the ranch. So, I reluctantly agree to leave, with a promise from Doc to call me if there are any problems.
Wren and I drive back to her place in silence. We’re both exhausted, and I’m sure I didn’t help matters by bringing up that guy. I don’t actually know why I expected her to talk to me about it, other than the fact that I felt we’d made some progress in the last couple of days.
It wasn’t really any of my business, but I couldn’t help but think he must be a boyfriend or something. She never alluded to that, but why else would she not want to talk about it? I couldn't imagine a more awkward conversation than talking to your ex about your current relationship. So, I couldn’t really blame her.
The more I think about it, the less I want to know, but morbid curiosity is bound to get the best of me. I know there is still something there between us. No matter how small, I can feel it, like a tether keeping me attached to her. But there is nothing I can do about it if she won’t talk to me.
I pull into her driveway and park. She opens her door, climbing out.
“Hey, Wren?” I say, removing my hat and throwing it on the dashboard.
“Yeah?” she says, turning back to me with expectation in her big, brown eyes. Her fingers work over her long blond braid as she turns.
She looks perfect even after being up all night, working to save Apollo. I want to get out of the truck, cross the distance between us, wrap that braid around my fist, and crush my lips to hers. Show her exactly how I feel.
But I won't.
Instead, I lift my chin in her direction and say, “Thanks. You know, for all of your help. I really appreciate it.”
“Sure. No problem, Hank,” she says softly, her hand resting on the doorframe as the corners of her mouth tip up slightly. She looks like she might say more but thinks better of it.
And when she closes the door and walks away, I can finally let out the ragged breath I’ve been holding back all night. My chest feels like caving in on itself, but all I can seem to focus on at this moment is the beautiful woman walking away from me.
God, help me. I want her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
