Page 39 of Heal For Me

Ignoring me, he slips from the bed and stretches his back. I watch in awe at his naked body and all his muscles shifting under his tanned skin. “Do you tan naked?”

“Sometimes. Why?”

“You don’t have any tan lines.”

He chuckles as he wanders to the bathroom. A moment later, the steady stream of the shower sounds. I haven’t showered since my surgery, and now thinking about it, I’m self-conscious that I let him fuck me when I haven’t bathed. He didn’t seem to mind, nor did it stop him from ravishing my neck, no doubt leaving behind hickeys I’ll need to attempt to cover before Uncle Jet gets home tonight. Ash mentioned they called some sort of truce: Jethro won’t bother him about dating me as long as Ash somewhat keeps it in his pants, at least in front of him. I think it’s sweet they agreed to that for me, but if Ash continuously leaves behind hickeys, I’m not sure how long it will last.

“Can I join you?” I shout, hoping he can hear me over the water.

Ash steps into the doorway a moment later, still naked. Still sexy. “As if I would ever say no.” He grins, and my stomach fills with butterflies. Even though his hair is long and the gray is more prominent when it’s long, right now he looks like a teenage boy about to do something he knows will get him in trouble.

And I kind of love it.

17

Ash

I wonder if things with Payson will always be complicated. If there will always be two sides of our relationship, or if over time they will become one. I battle between caring for her how a boyfriend would care for his girlfriend and how a father would care for his daughter. It’s bloody confusing.

“Your hair is getting long.” I run my fingers through her hair—nearly to her ass now, making sure all the soap is out.

She hums an answer. I’ve wondered if she would fall asleep on me in here a few times, but she says it feels that good. I didn’t think someone else washing your hair was that enjoyable, but I guess she finds it as pleasant as I find washing her tits.

“I’m going to miss you when I go back to Uncle Jet’s.”

Fuck. I forgot he was coming back today. “Stay here.”

“I can’t and you know that.” She could. He would just be a wanker about it. “Besides, you have Parker to care for. Uncle Jet has no one.”

I can’t argue there. I’ve done what I feel like is a good job balancing between them the last two days, but that could be because Payson slept on the couch most the time, so I was able to help Parker with any homework he had. We ate dinner together and it was enjoyable, then after, Parker let Payson pick a movie and she picked 50 First Dates. We watched that together brilliantly, at least until she started snoring next to me. Balance is possible, but soon, Payson will need more help, and I promised Parker I would help him practice football since the season is starting soon.

“I will stop by every day, and you can call me if you want me when I’m not there. When we live together, expect to never leave my side, though.”

“I’m so glad you still want to live with me.”

I tilt her head up, and her eyes flutter open. “What do you mean still?”

She shrugs. “I wasn’t sure if after . . . everything, you would still want me.”

I crouch down so we are eye level, with her sitting on the shower bench, and take her face between my hands. “I still want you. I will always want you. Everyday, every moment—every bloody lifetime, Jailbird. You and me, remember?”

Her lip wobbles but she nods. “Always?”

“Forever.”

While Payson naps on the couch, I head to the kitchen to prepare a late lunch. After the shower, I changed the sheets on my bed and we crawled back inside and just talked. It was nice not having to think and to just enjoy moments with my girl. We’re avoiding discussing her grandpa and what happened after, and I know eventually those things will need to be discussed, especially after Jethro gets back. For now, I’m fine with not mentioning either topic until she is ready. I think the medication is helping her keep the emotions at bay, and while I’m not giving her the full dose and I was skeptical to even give her what I am, I’m glad it’s able to provide her with enough ease to allow her to relax. The last thing she needs is to break down while trying to heal from surgery. It’s best to focus on healing one issue at a time, and right now, her knee is the focus.

I just get our plates made up with the chicken salad I whipped up when my phone rings. Seeing Jethro’s name fills my body with dread. He is probably calling to let me know he is home and she can head there now.

“Hello?”

“Are you around Payson?”

“She’s on the couch sleeping, why?”

“I need to talk to you, but I do not want her hearing.”

Assuming it’s about the care center, I glance into the living room to ensure she is still asleep. When I hear the familiar soft snores, I truck back to the kitchen and lean on the counter. “Okay. How was it?”

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