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He’d barely parked at the gym when Marco jumped his car, yanking open his door. His broad shoulders and bulky arms blocked ’s way as he blurted out. “How was it?”

“Good,” he replied plainly, trying to get out and to the trunk.

“That bad?”

“I said it was good but if you don’t back up at least two feet, I won’t tell you shit.”

Marco chuckled, took a few steps back and lifted his hands in surrender. “Fine.”

Only once in his chair and the car locked, paid his best friend attention again. “It was good, we’re seeing each other again on Tuesday for dinner.”

“Why do I feel you’re holding something back?”

“Because we both know how this is going to end.”

“I can’t see the future and unless you have something to tell me, neither can you.”

“Marco…”

“Don’t ‘Marco’ me,” he growled, opening the door. “Did she give you fucked up vibes, like she doesn’t dig the kinky wheelchair shit?”

“No, she was actually really great about it. ”

“Then stop thinking with your anxiety-riddled brain and go with your gut.”

“I’m not anxiety-riddled.”

Marco crooked his eyebrow at him, it nearly disappearing under his long brown hair. “Good, then there’s no problem. She approached you first, clearly interested enough to make the first move.”

“She came over because she liked my book.”

“Nah, man. If it hadn’t been the book, she would’ve chatted you up about your necklace or your damn shoes. The book was just the perfect excuse to show you that she is a perfect match for you.”

rolled his eyes, but Marco stepped into his path and crossed his arms over his chest.

“She likes you,” he said sternly. “And you and I both know that’s true. She didn’t have to call you, did she?”

Deep down, knew that Marco was right. It was just hard not to be pessimistic. His body was fucked up enough, he didn’t need his heart broken too.

Marco sighed and sat on the weight bench next to . “You said she was fine with the wheelchair. What made you feel that way? She must have done something.”

shrugged and fidgeted, wiggling into his workout gloves. “Just the way she acted around me. Not once did she seem to doubt what I can do. She wasn’t awkwardly trying to help me or staring like she thought I would crumble to pieces.”

“What else?”

“She did ask me if I would prefer that she offer to help.”

“And you told her what you truly wanted, right? ”

“Yeah, and that’s all she ever asked. She had a way of not making it awkward. I can’t even describe it.”

“She treated you as an adult and not a fragile little child like others have.”

“Yeah… she did”

“Look, just trust your gut. It hasn’t led you astray so far.”

After that, Marco didn’t pester him any longer. They went through their usual workout routine and then left together. On his way home, he called his favourite Brazilian steakhouse and made reservations before texting Hope the details. At home, he made sure to declare himself safe and sound and went to take a shower.

He sat under the spray, staring down at himself as his wet curls hung in his face. Tattoos covered his arms and torso. He’d always wanted to get some on his legs too, but he’d hated looking at them since the accident. He ran his fingers over his thighs and to his knees, the sensation of it dampened, as if he was wearing thick jeans. Whenever he looked at his legs, he warred with himself. The part of him that regretted that awful night and its consequences battled with the part of him that was fucking proud of himself for proving the doctors wrong. He’d been told that he would never walk again and though he needed help, he did it.

sighed and turned off the water, grabbing onto the railing to haul himself out of the shower. As he transferred himself onto a dry bench outside the stall, he couldn’t help but wonder if Hope would always be so casual about him and his disability. He hated that word, but what would she think if she saw him like this ? Probably not that he was sexy. Women never stayed around long enough to be even remote ly intimate with him. The only women who had seen him naked were the nurses who’d cared for him in the hospital, and that was emasculating enough.

Once his curls were no longer dripping onto his shoulders, he dressed and forced himself into the kitchen to make dinner.

spent the next morning working on a manuscript for a new client. It was slow-working, having to get used to a new style. Every writer was different, so had to make sure to offer the best suggestions without silencing what made the author unique.

Having ignored his phone all morning, he finally checked it when he stopped for something to eat. There was a missed call from Hope that he immediately returned.

“Hi,” she softly greeted.

“Hi, sorry I missed your call earlier. I was working.”

“On a book?”

“Yeah.”

“Is it good? Would you recommend it?”

“It might not be your genre.”

“Well, if you ever get something on your desk you think I would like, you’re required to tell me.”

“I’ll be sure to give you the inside scoop,” he promised with a smile.

“Thank you.” After a small pause, Hope continued, “I only wanted to check on a dress code for Tuesday. I can’t be showin g up in a ballgown while you’re wearing sweatpants.” She giggled at her own words. “Not that I mind the sweatpants, but we should at least match.”

“I’ll wear my Adam Sandler best,” he agreed with a chuckle. “Business casual?”

“Business casual it is.”

“Can I pick you up? Parking might be a nightmare.”

“What a gentleman. I think I’ll take you up on that sweet offer.” A second later, his phone vibrated. “That’s my address. I’ll meet you at the leasing office.”

“Is it far from your apartment?”

“No, but parking here is a nightmare too, so it’ll be easier. I only just got a permanent spot.”

“You’ve lived there for a while?”

“Close to two years now. Are you working all day today?”

“Just a while longer. My best friend is coming over today to watch the game. What are you getting up to?”

“I’m volunteering at the animal shelter.”

“That’s awesome!”

“Thanks, I’ve always wanted a dog, but I work long days. I think a cat might be more appropriate.”

“They can be good companions too.”

“And not as bothered as a dog when you leave them for hours at a time.”

“Why haven’t you gotten one yet?”

“The new owners don’t allow pets. Maybe whenever I’m ready to move again I might get one.”

“I’m guessing you don’t want to move anytime soon?”

“Not really. I moved around a lot when I left my parents’ house, had a few roommate situations and now I finally have a place of my own.”

“It does feel nice to have your own place.”

“You have your own too?”

“Yeah, I moved in a few years ago.”

“I finally felt like a real adult when I was on my own. It was a little scary but I’m happy now.”

“And that’s all that counts.”

“?”

“Yes, Hope?”

“Earlier, you apologised for missing my call.”

“I did.”

“You don’t have to do that. I mean it’s sweet that you did. But we’re both adults and have lives. Even if it takes you days to get back to me, that’s fine. Things happen.”

He stared into blank space, trying to find a response. “Oh.”

That made her giggle. “Maybe that was too much too soon.”

“No, I just… Well, that came unexpectedly—in a good way. I like that.”

“Good. I’ll let you be now so you can get some work done.”

“I’ll text you on Tuesday.”

“Can’t wait.” And with that, she hung up.

He stared down at his phone until the screen went dark. This was too good to be true. All his other dates suddenly felt so… childish . Not only that, but Hope didn’t expect him to be at her beck and call at all hours, nor did she expect him to pay for everything. This sounded healthy—maybe a little too he althy? Was that a thing?

He set his phone aside again, forcing himself to return to work until Marco could serve as a distraction.