Page 40 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“This will be cold again.” He shoots magic spray over the wound. The instant numbing is orgasmic. The flush of chill on his skin also calms the swelling in his briefs. Thank God.

Nathan slides both hands under the leg. Gently lifting to bend the knee. “Hold there for just a bit.”

Jamie nods. Staring down at his own knee, to avoid a relapse in his briefs.

Nathan lays soft padding over the sore red skin and wraps the thigh with long rolls of gauze. Reaching under and around. Over and over. Completing the task with ripped bits of tape. He uses both hands to gently guide Jamie’s leg flat again.

“Thank you.”

Nathan smiles. “My pleasure.” His full lips stretch into a broad smile. Hazel eyes gleaming.

“So, what happened to your cheek.” Jamie brings up the bruise.

“Honestly. Not all tricks are as nice as you.” His face drops with shame, and he turns away to pack up the nurses cart.

“Oh.” Jamie wasn’t sure what to think but hadn’t expected that. “Wait. Mark did that?

“No.” Nathan chuckles.

“Oh,” How often was this guy hooking up with people?

“Mark is a nice guy.” He tosses a crumpled pile of paper and gauze scraps into the trash can. “Nothing happened with Mark. We just had dinner.”

Jamie isn’t sure he believes that. He knows Mark well enough. Nathan could be lying. He was Dave until last night. Doesn’t matter.

“I’ll get you a pair of scrub bottoms to put on. Then we can get out of here.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

“My pleasure.” Nathan pushes the cart through the curtain and disappears around the bend.

Jamie rolls both legs off the side of the bed. Sitting up to stretch and massage his lower back.

Nathan returns, pushing a wheelchair with blue pants folded neatly in the seat. “Would you like help getting changed?” He’s grinning and hopeful.

“No.” Jamie giggles. “I’ll manage.”

“Ok,” his face drops. “I’m going to grab my things. I’ll pull my Jeep up to the front and come get you. Relax until I get back.”

“Okay.”

Nathan pulls the curtain shut behind his exit.

Jamie slips off his shredded pants, rolling them into a ball and pulls the blue scrubs on. Careful not to disturb the fresh bandages. They’re snug on his former fat kid thighs, but will do, long enough to get home.

Nathan is back within minutes. He lays his coat on the bed and moves to help Jamie into the wheelchair. One hand gripping an elbow. The other laid on a lumpy love handle.

“I’m ok.” Jamie tries to excuse the assistance. Love handles are off limits.

“Shush. I’ve got you.” Nathan won’t be deterred.

Jamie lowers into the chair and Nathan leans forward to situate the foot props. A fresh dose of citrus and musk cologne wafts behind his movement.

“Do you mind if we swing by my place really quick? I need to let my dog out.”

“That’s fine.” Jamie is intoxicated by citrus musk and the news there’s a dog in the picture.

“We can stop by the restaurant and get your things too.”

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