Page 42 of A Touch of Murder (Touched #1)

Barret stared out his back window, wishing that everything he thought about doing didn't involve both arms being needed.

And of course, he had to go and hurt his right arm.

He used his right hand for everything, and as of now, he could barely hold something in his hand, let alone use his arm in any way.

He was going to go nuts for six weeks with nothing to do.

He was only three days into recovery, and already he was going stir crazy.

He'd managed to do a few loads of laundry, but folding the clothes after had been nearly impossible.

He'd sat on the bed using one hand and it had taken nearly an hour to do what he could normally do in five minutes.

He glanced up when he heard his doorbell.

Probably another neighbor bringing him another casserole.

To his surprise, they weren't only given to those who had had a death in the family, but to those injured as well.

He had seven casseroles already in his freezer.

He didn't need another. As grateful as he was for the community helping him out, he was only one person and could only eat so much.

At this rate, he'd need to throw a party to help him get through all the food everyone had dropped off.

He pushed up out of the chair and made his way to the front door. To his surprise, it wasn't another well-wisher, but it was Adam. Barret smiled and stepped back. "What are you doing here? It's the middle of the day. Don't you have a job?"

"I'm on lunch. Besides, I own the place. I can skip out whenever I want." Adam stepped inside. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm going stir crazy. If I have to do this for six weeks, I'm going to lose my ever-lovin' mind.

" Barret led him into the kitchen. "Help yourself to a drink or whatever else you find in there.

Mrs. Adam's brought over some cobbler, or there's a ton of casseroles to choose from if you are looking for something more substantial. "

Adam laughed. "You must have made the church's list of people in need."

"I made the casserole list, that's for sure. The freezer is full and they're still bringing stuff over."

"People like you and want you to take it easy while you heal. You're the talk of the town this week. How you got injured bringing Trina's killers to justice is all anyone is talking about." Adam took a seat.

"Yeah, I did such a bang-up job that I not only got shot, but I doubled down and made the damage even worse when I fell on my elbow after. Seriously, if they need a hero, it's Officer Murphy who managed to take Stevenson down. That was the game changer."

"Oh, I'm sure the police station is just as packed with care packages as your fridge is. Last I heard, they're getting cakes and pies."

"And I get green bean casserole?" Barret sighed. "Take me to the station. I'll be happier there. I can work at my desk."

"You heard the doctor. You can move to desk duty in about three weeks if you're healing well."

"I'll be ready for the insane asylum by that point." Barret took a drink of lemonade. "Did you come to rub in the fact everyone is getting pie and cake, or are you here for another reason?"

"So cheerful. You're usually happy to see me," Adam teased.

"I'm here to see if you'd be interested in escaping for a few hours every day.

Jacey has been invited to join Jennifer on a short trip to Salt Lake for some conference she's signed up for.

He wants to go but doesn't want to leave me without help.

Think you could handle greeting customers, handling the register with one hand, and making sure I have water and chocolate close by after I do readings? "

Barret narrowed his eyes. "Jacey and you both know you can handle the job on your own."

"I could, but I like the company, and you need something to do.

It's a simple job where you won't be straining your arm.

We can spend time together. You'll be across from Becky's and can wander over there when you get bored or hungry, and she'll feel better knowing you're close and won't keep taking breaks to run over here and check on you like she has been.

I'll pick you up at nine every morning and drop you off after work.

I'll even throw in dinner every night if you don't mind crockpot meals. " Adam grinned.

"I can supply dinner for at least two weeks." Barret pointed at his fridge. "Give your crockpot a break. I'll bring one with me every morning and we'll just heat it in the oven after work."

"So that's a yes to you coming to help?" Adam asked.

"Hell yes. Get me out of here. I can't promise I'll be able to do much, but I can put a smile on my face and greet that line of older women coming in to get their jewelry read."

Adam laughed. "I had two more this morning."

"See? I'm perfect for the job. The little old ladies all love me. Proof is in my freezer." Barret grew serious as he looked at Adam. "You really want me to help? It's not just a sympathy gesture?"

"Oh, it's a bit of a sympathy gesture, but I can use the help.

Jacey didn't plan this, but he really wants to go with Jennifer, even if they only get evenings together.

It's also a chance for you to get on Jennifer's good side since she'll probably be assisting with your physical therapy the next few months.

" Adam shrugged. "It will also give us a chance to get to know each other better.

So far, we've had the murder case distracting us.

We've talked a bit, but this time together will give us a chance to really talk and get to know each other. I'd like to spend the time with you."

Barret didn't even have to think about it. "When do I start?"

"Today if you want. You can come back with me and Jacey can go pack so he's ready to leave in the morning."

"You got dinner going already?" Barret asked.

"Roast beef and potatoes." Adam nodded.

"Then tomorrow I'll bring a casserole." Barret stood. "I'm ready when you are." He then realized he was wearing sweats. "I guess I should change."

"No, you're fine. I'm guessing getting in and out of clothes isn't the easiest thing right now. Sweats are good."

"You sure?" Barret asked. "I did manage to get overnight shipping on some post-surgery shirts so I can at least dress myself, but even they can be a struggle since I only have one hand to use."

"I'm happy to help. I can come in every morning and help you button things up if you want or get stuff over your head.

As for the sweats, yeah, they're fine. It's not like you're working in some fancy store.

Almost everyone who comes in will know about your injury.

Being comfortable is important right now.

If it makes you feel better, I can change into sweats once we get back.

" Adam looked around. "You need anything? "

Barret grabbed his wallet off the counter and held it in his left hand with his phone. "Keys are on the table by the door. Can you lock the door for me?"

"Of course." Adam let Barret step outside, then paused to lock the door. "We'll set the keys in the car for when I bring you home later."

Barret made his way to Adam's car. "Thank you for this. You don't know how crazy I was going staring out the window all day. Everything I think of doing is something I need two hands for."

"It won't be long before you'll be back to normal. It's been three days. Give yourself time to heal. You'll be able to use your hand more in time. Right now, everything is still sore. It could be worse. At least you didn't have to have a full replacement."

"Small blessings." Barret got into Adam's car, then cursed. "Can you help with the seat belt?"

"You mean lean in, get close to you, and maybe steal a kiss?

I think I can do that." Adam leaned in, secured the belt, then turned his head so his mouth was only inches from Barret's.

"I'm going to like doing this every morning and afternoon.

" He brushed his lips over Barret's mouth, then slowly pulled back and straightened.

"That might be the best part of this whole deal." Barret grinned. "Makes me want to go out driving more often with you."

Adam got into the driver's seat and started the car. "You might be able to talk me into a Sunday drive somewhere this weekend."

"I'd like that."

"Have to do it this weekend. I'll be preparing for the Take Aim Festival soon. I've got that woman coming in to do aura readings, and I do need to take some time to practice my ax throwing."

Barret turned to look at Adam. "You're entered in ax throwing? Shit, I won't be able to compete this year. I was registered in four shooting contests. Damn it. I hope I can get my entry fees back."

"I'm sure they'll give it back considering the reason behind your withdrawal. And yeah, I placed third last year in ax throwing. Jacey took first two years in a row with darts. He's really amazing. I do it more for fun but got lucky."

"I'm curious. Now I want to see you. Where do you go to practice?"

"There's a meadow just outside of town I go to. I set up a target and spend the day practicing. We can go one Sunday, or even after work one night if you really want to watch."

"Will you teach me how it's done?" Barret asked.

"Once you're healed. "It's not too hard. Just takes a bit of practice. You know, you could enter darts this year if you can throw left-handed."

"Not a chance. I'm not great at darts right-handed. I'd probably take someone's eye out if I tried with my left. I had no idea Jacey was into darts."

"He's on the team at Shadow's. He's damn good.

Once you're off your pain meds, we'll go down and watch him play one night and have a few beers.

" Adam focused on the road as he turned out of Barret's neighborhood.

"You should call Becky when we get to my place and let her know you'll be there.

She was talking about bringing you apple fritters later today to try and cheer you up. "