Page 60 of To the Moon and Back
Anger flickered in his eyes and Jenna watched it catch, watched it burn through his whole being. He gritted his teeth and took hold of both Jenna’s hands. Then with an effort that took Jenna’s breath, Brady pushed off his heels until his body began to rise from the bed.
“Good.” Kyrie came a few steps closer. She nodded, emphatic. “That’s it, Brady. You got this.”
Once Jenna had watched a documentary on a woman who had gotten lost in the jungle and nearly died of malaria. That was how sick Brady looked now. Every inch of him was shaking and sweat streamed down his face.
“Breathe.” Kyrie stayed back far enough to let Jenna do the assisting. “You gotta breathe, Brady.”
A rush of air came through his clenched teeth, his face red from the exertion. When he was almost fully upright, he hit a wall and dropped back to the edge of the bed.
“There. See.” Kyrie gave a firm nod. “Don’t tell me you can’t, Brady. You’re one of Oklahoma City’s finest.” She had a fervor in her voice. “You most certainly can and you will.” She turned to Jenna. “Next time don’t let him fall back to the bed. I want him on his feet for three minutes. Then he can rest.” She pointed at Jenna. “And don’t you do the work. You’re just there for support.”
Clearly satisfied, Kyrie smiled at Brady. “Again, Mr. Bradshaw.” She headed toward the door. “Come on. Again.”
Kyrie left the room and Jenna stared at Brady. His sides were heaving, and he looked ready to pass out.
“Is she kidding?” Brady’s eyes found hers. The anger was still there, but something else now.
Hope.
Jenna grabbed a towel from the shelf in the corner of the room. She could hardly wipe the sweat from his body. But he needed help. She handed him the towel. “Where’s your shirt?”
“Drenched.” He took the towel and ran it over one arm and then the other. His movements were slow and shaky. “I’ve never been so tired.”
Jenna thought about what Kyrie wanted. She found her confidence and stood in front of him once more. “Let’s try it again.”
Brady ran the towel over his forehead and then tossed it on the bed. He searched Jenna’s face. “You’re serious?”
“Kyrie’s serious.” She forced a determined smile. “You ready?”
He laughed, his breathing still fast from the previous attempt. “Do I have a choice?”
“Apparently not.” She held out her hands.
He gripped her forearms, and she could feel him trembling. “You sure you want to do this?”
She wanted nothing more. “That’s why I’m here.”
Brady positioned his feet, his heels and he clenched his jaw. His determination was like a physical force. Gradually, one inch at a time, he lifted off the bed until he was upright. Jenna’s breath caught in her throat. “You’re doing it . . . You’re standing!”
As soon as she said the words, she felt his body give out. This time, though, instead of dropping to the bed he leaned into her. His chest pressed against her, his body hot and shaking. He hung his head, clearly embarrassed. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to do this.”
“It’s okay. I want to help.” A million thoughts fought for her attention. He was taller than she remembered and somehow he smelled amazing. Which didn’t actually make sense. Maybe it was his shampoo or the lotion they used to keep his skin from chafing while he lay in bed.
Whatever it was, Jenna could barely focus. She could feel him breathing, feel his heartbeat against her body. He struggled with his balance, but he remained close to her. “How long?”
Jenna hadn’t been keeping track. She swallowed, trying to find her own stability. “A minute. At least a minute.”
Finally he looked down and stared into her eyes. But only for a second. Never mind the hardship he was working through or the fact that this was merely an exercise. The attraction was absolutely there for both of them.
Like all he wanted to do was kiss her. And all she wanted was for him to do it.
He steadied himself, easing back some so he was bearing his own weight. “Longest minute of my life.”
And mine. She kept her thoughts to herself. She glanced at the wall clock and the second hand. “One more to go.”
He looked at her again. His arms and body still shook, and he was sweaty all over. But he managed to find a smile. “I have a question.”
“Go ahead.” She braced herself so he could lean against her if he needed more support.
