Chapter Twelve #2
I pouted and he laughed, then plucked my lip. “Don’t try and make me feel bad for you right now. You already look pathetic enough as it is with that leg cast and your arm in gauze.”
“I’m going to have a bitchin’ scar though, aren’t I?” I teased.
He shook his head. “Maddy, don’t…I can’t joke about this.”
His expression became so tortured that my stomach twisted.
I imagined myself in his shoes, not hard as he’s had a few bad wrecks from bull riding and I’ve watched on with my heart in my throat until he was declared safe.
But if those bull fighters didn’t do their job properly and Leo got injured, I don’t think I could take it.
“I’m sorry,” I murmured, tugging him to me. He wrapped his arm around me, enveloping me in the warmth of his chest and stroking my hair.
Fuck, Leo hugs were the best hugs.
I wasn’t a massively affectionate, touchy-feely person but I liked touching Leo, always had.
He pulled back, brushing my hair away and cupping my face again. He bent down, likely to press a kiss to my cheek. I tilted my head to help him out and he caught the edge of my lip.
I heard his sharp inhale, felt his soft, soft lips and for a moment I was taken back. To all the memories. The ones I shoved in a box and put away. The ones I labelled don’t think about and don’t talk about.
Because I couldn’t have feelings for my best friend.
It would ruin everything. So I pretended not to get jealous whenever I saw him with other women.
Pretended not to think about him when I really shouldn’t have been; like when I was having private moments.
Pretended I didn’t picture his face sometimes when I was with other men.
Besides, it wasn’t like he saw me as anything more than a friend. He was always with women and none of them ever looked like me. I wasn’t his type. And Lord, I felt humiliated every time I thought about that night all those years ago when I asked, practically begged him to be my first.
The moment was over, but it didn’t stop the tingles which branched out across the side of my face where his silky lips had touched. Even an accidental touch could set my nerve endings ablaze.
“Sorry, I was going for cheek,” he muttered and pulled away from me completely.
I tried not to let his withdrawal sting. “I know.”
Just then, Daddy came back with the doctor who proceeded to share just how many layers of skin had been burned off my arm. I was going to have a big old scar but I should heal fine in the end and regain full use.
As she talked, I glanced over to Leo, leaning against the wall with a frozen expression on his face. I poked my tongue out, to try to calm him down and he rolled his eyes.
“The leg is another story,” The doctor began and captured my attention again. “You’ve shattered it in a couple of places, so you won’t be able to walk for a while. We might need to do surgery to put a metal rod in it if it doesn’t heal, but you’re young and physically in great shape.”
I shot Leo a smug smile and he rolled his eyes again, shaking his head but his shoulders shook from restrained laughter.
“Let’s see how the healing goes. It’s going to be a while until you’re up and about again. You’ll need a lot of care and eventually you might need to learn to walk again on the leg. So, lots of physical therapy and support.”
“Damn,” Leo huffed, his hands fisting.
Only then did I realize what that meant.
I wasn’t going to be released from the hospital and be back at work in forty-eight hours.
I was going to have to take time and recuperate.
If I didn’t heal properly, I might never get signed off for active duty again.
The thought of being desk-bound terrified me.
The doctor finished explaining and then left us, Daddy leaving too, to pick up the meds I needed.
“You’re hurt worse than I thought,” Leo said. “Your leg, Mads. You’ll need help, so much help over the next few months.”
I swallowed thickly. “It’s fine, Leo. I’ve got my dad.”
“He’s got a ranch to run, Maddy. It’s everyone’s livelihood, he can’t stop that!” Leo cried.
“I’ve got sisters!”
“Only two who are old enough to help out!”
“Why are you shouting at me?” I asked, staring at his wide-eyed expression.
His face dropped into something calmer. “Because you’re going to need help.”
“I know.”
“And you’re shit at accepting help. From anyone.”
I sniffed, not appreciating the accusation. “I’m aware. Except you, I let you help me.”
He pushed off the wall and came over to me, lifting the cup of water, putting the straw to my lips. “You do. If someone’s going to have to help you learn how to walk again, it may as well be me.”
I poked the straw away with my tongue. “Don’t be silly.”
“I’m helping, Maddy. Charlie can’t help and Kat will be helping him with the ranch. It’s going to be a busy next six months. Daisy is at college. That leaves me.”
He was right. Fuck, I knew he was right. And I knew even if I said no, he would force himself in to help, because that’s just the kind of guy Leo was.
Stupid perfect asshole.
I fluttered my lashes at him. “Then Leonardo Valkner, will you help me learn to walk in the next six months?”
He snorted. “You’ll do it in four, you’re so damn determined.”
“Psh, it’s not like you’ve got anything else exciting happening anyway. I’ll probably just put a cramp in your love life.”
“Probably.” He smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll go get you some more water, I need to make a phone call.”
“Who to?”
Leo grinned at me from the door. “Just the woman in my bed, no one you know.”
He was teasing and I knew there wasn’t really anyone in his bed, but I also knew he was lying. I couldn’t figure out why and was too tired to push him on it.
“Peace out, boy scout,” I called after him.
He turned back and narrowed his eyes at me. “Hasta manana, Iguana.”
I smothered a grin. “Better swish, jellyfish.”
“In an hour, sunflower.”
“You’d better not be an hour,” I complained. “I’m thirsty.”
“Then stop talking so I can go and get you water.” He shook his head, muttering ridiculous as he left and I snuggled back down and eventually fell asleep.