Page 22 of Fractured Grief (Hope’s Ridge #2)

Seb

I was both excited and nervous as I waited for Indy’s call.

The police had come and gone without much fanfare or hope of justice, but I didn’t really care. I couldn’t focus on the police when Indy stood so close. His hand kept brushing against mine, the touches so soft and teasing that I’d only heard half of what was said.

We’d all said our goodbyes after the police were done, and while I would have loved to stay with Indy and his adorable daughter, I was exhausted.

Seeing Indy with Hazel was different. He was so good with her, and the love between them was fierce. She was a beautiful kid. Of course, Lyric had been a hit with her, like he knew he would be. He wouldn’t let me forget it on the ride home, or until I feigned sleep to get him to stop talking .

Thankfully, I’d been able to nap for about an hour before Ma and Yaya had descended. Lyric called them during my nap to tell them about the accident.

Indy had loaned me a pair of crutches for the time being and mentioned bringing a new cane to my next appointment.

I was currently lying on my bed, stomach full of the fabulous feast Ma had brought from the restaurant, replaying every touch and moment from earlier.

He was so compact as he pressed his body against mine.

So confident in the way he kissed, taking my face in his hands and controlling the kiss as I was swept along for the ride.

I wondered what else he was confident in, as my mind ran away from me—closing my eyes as I daydreamed about more kisses and caresses.

What would it feel like to hold him for longer than our chaste moments?

I wanted to run my hands through his lush curls and tease my fingers over his tight little body.

Was his skin as smooth and soft as it looked?

How did he like to be touched?

What gave him pleasure?

Ring, ring!

I jumped, and I quickly fumbled to pick my phone up off my bedside table.

“Hello.”

“Hey,” Indy’s soft voice came through the speaker, a nervous edge evident.

“Hazel in bed and okay after today? ”

“Yeah, she was worn out. Fell asleep before I could even finish reading to her.” I could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke about her.

“She’s such a great kid. Thank you for allowing me to meet her, even though it wasn’t planned.” My stutter was more pronounced with nerves.

“She’s the best.”

We fell into an awkward silence. I didn’t know where to start or what to say.

Indy broke the silence first. “So, I meant what I said today. I really like you, Seb, but I, or I guess we, have a decision to make.”

“What do you mean? What sort of decision?”

“Carol sort of knows,” he paused for a beat, “about us.”

“Really? What does that mean for you? Your j-job isn’t in trouble, is it?” I stammered, worried I’d caused him to risk his livelihood.

“That’s sort of what we need to decide. Carol spoke in very general terms, and nothing’s official yet, but we either get you a new PT or we stop seeing each other until your rehab is finished.

If we choose option two, I will need to have someone with me for your appointments.

It sounds like I’d be under observation to ensure our relationship doesn’t affect your care and to confirm that we have actually stopped seeing each other.

I don’t like the idea of being watched, and it worries me what observation could mean for my future.

Carol mentioned something about my permanent record, but I didn’t stop to clarify what she meant,” Indy said .

“That sounds like a lot. So, it’d be easier to sw-switch to a new PT, right? Is that what you’d prefer?” I didn’t want to, but I’d let Indy lead and do my best to give him what he wanted.

“Honestly, none of this is ideal. I’ve enjoyed guiding your recovery and don’t want to give it up, but I’m concerned about what staying on would do to my career.

We’d also have to stop seeing each other before we even had a chance to start.

I’m not sure I’m that patient.” Indy’s teasing chuckle warmed me to my core, and I couldn’t help the wave of happiness that welled inside me.

“I don’t think I’m patient either. It’s been hard to hold back as it is, but knowing how you feel and not being able to act on it will only make it harder. I’d like to get to know you better, Indy. I’d like to spend time with you, outside of work. It’s going to be a challenge either way.”

“It is.” The weight of his words sat heavy in the air.

“What do you want?”

“I just want to see you. I’ve never felt like this before, and I’m tired of denying myself; I'd like to see where this goes. How about you?”

“I’d love to t-take you on a date.” I’m not sure I’d ever asked someone out on a date so formally before. Emily and I fell into our relationship, and other than asking her to prom, which confirmed our relationship, we never really went on dates. We just hung out, like kids do.

“Really?” The hesitation and surprise in Indy’s voice did something funny to my insides .

How this kind and caring man could be so unsure was a travesty. I vowed to show him he was worth all the love and kindness in the world.

“Yes, I’m sure.” I paused to gather myself. “So, I’ll g-get a new PT and I can take you on a date.”

The whispered okay from Indy was followed by a contented sigh.

“You must be t-tired too after today. You should get some sleep. Do I need to do anything to change PTs? When’s your next day off? I have a date to p-plan.”

“I’m not sure. I’ll talk to Carol tomorrow and let you know. I’m sure it will be worked out quickly.”

“And your next day off?” I insisted.

I could almost picture his beautiful face as a husky chuckle met my ear. “My next day off is Saturday.”

“Cool, I’ll th-ink of something. So that I know, are you an early riser?” An idea was forming, but I needed some more information first.

“I can be, if pressured into it. But I am a dad, so I’m used to early wake-ups.”

“Fair point. I’ll think on it,” I commented.

“Also, I have my car, so I am happy to come to you,” Indy said.

Shit! In all our discussions, I’d conveniently forgotten about my ongoing injuries and the fact that I still couldn’t drive.

How depressing. No! Snap out of it!

That would limit our date options significantly, but I was determined .

“You might have to dr-rive...” I would think of something.

I could hear Indy’s yawn through the phone.

“You should rest. We’ll talk t-tomorrow.” I didn’t want to end the conversation, but I could only imagine how tired Indy must be.

“Yeah, tomorrow. Sorry, I’m in bed. I’m all cozy and sleepy. I’m not the best conversationalist at the moment.”

Butterflies, again, at the thought of Indy lying out in bed, all warm and ready to be snuggled. I wondered what he wore to sleep. Pajamas, a t-shirt, nothing. My cock was responding.

“Seb, you still there?”

“Yeah, st-still here,” I stammered out. “Goodnight, Indy. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Night, Seb. I look forward to it.”