Page 42 of From the Ashes

He swallows and licks his lips. My gaze snags on the movement, wondering if they’re still sore from last night.

Looking up at me from under long, dark lashes, he asks, “Which is it, Phoenix? Do you want to hear my thoughts or do you want me to keep them to myself?”

I want to hear them.

Of course, I do.

I’m just not sure I trust myself with the knowledge.

He saves me the trouble of having to answer when he declares, “It’s all good, I’m not ready to talk about it yet, anyway.” He downs the rest of his drink and sets his cup back on the counter. “Mind showing me where I can grab a shower? I’m about ten minutes from being comatose.”

“Right, yeah. Follow me.” I walk back into the foyer, picking his bag up before turning for the staircase.

“I can get that. Left arm still works fine,” he argues behind me.

“Just wanted you to have a free hand in case you lost your balance or something,” I reply, trying to be a decent host.

Walker’s deep laugh fills my ears. “So, I let one bronc get the best of me and suddenly I’m at risk for falling down the stairs like a feeble old lady? Fuck, Harding, what happened toyour legs still work. You can walk, bike, and squat?”

“Okay, smartass.” I drop the bag at the top of the stairs. “Carry it your damn self then. Room’s down here.”

I lead him along the hardwood floors to the guest room I think he’ll enjoy the most. It has the best view of the horse pasture out back and gets the early morning light.

It also happens to be right next to mine.

Opening the door, I wave him in. “This house is old. Knox and I remodeled my bedroom to include an en suite, but your bathroom is in the hallway.”

“No problem. I’ll be sure to use my cane if I have to get up in the middle of the night.”

I flip Walker the bird and he grins wickedly.

I like the suggestion in it far too fucking much.

Trying to keep my voice neutral, I explain, “There are towels and washcloths under the sink. Extra blankets in the closet. I sleep with the A/C onarctic,so I know it’s summer, but you might need ‘em.”

“Doubtful. I run hot.”

Those three words cause a torrent of images to flood my mind. The way we were so drenched with sweat on the tack room floor that we just slid across each other’s skin and our bodies made the most delicious sounds because of it. Our kisses were salty and our hair was wet.

Coming back to the present, I watch Walker pull clothes from his duffel bag and place them in the old chest of drawers. I know it’s temporary, but the way my heart flutters tells me allowing this to happen is going to leave a permanent scar. One that will run just as deep, if not deeper, than the one he left before.

“Just let me know if you need anything,” I choke out, forcing my feet to carry me from this room.

Before Walker can respond, I’m out the door, flying down the stairs in search of something to keep me busy while he gets naked on the floor above me.

Chapter 21

Walker

Inotice the problem as soon as I enter the small space.

I can’t get my boots off.

Just to test the limits and see what Icando…I try the buttons on both my shirt and my jeans only to discover that the twisting motion is absolutelynothappening for me anytime soon.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I give it one more try, but if the pain didn’t stop me, the fact that my fingers are still so swollen I have zero dexterity, definitely would.