Page 32 of Freedom to Love

“Nothing.” Kat slid her good arm into the T-shirt, exposing her breasts. She struggled with the bad arm. She kept her eyes on the wall and cried out when she had to raise the wounded side.

Brynn was watching her; she could feel the warmth of her gaze. And then, without a word, she stepped in front of her and helped her, talking gently to her. “There, you’re as good as new.” She stepped back and held out her hand.

Kat took it and stood. For a moment, they were toe-to-toe. Kat was taller, stronger. Brynn was lengthy and lean, but no doubt stronger than she looked.

“You okay?” Brynn asked again, this time a whisper.

Kat tried to look away from her penetrating gaze, but Brynn touched her hand, stopping her. Kat fought to speak, to find words and force them out, but she found instead that she was trembling and warming with both desire and the feeling of being so graciously cared for. Other than her mother, no woman had ever cared for her like this. Some had tried, but she had pushed them away. Needing help was a weakness; it showed vulnerability. But she didn’t feel ashamed with Brynn. She felt…loved.

“No, I don’t think I’m okay,” she finally managed to say.

Brynn slid her hand completely into hers, causing Kat to shudder. “What is it? Do you hurt?”

Kat swallowed. “No.”

Brynn grew closer. “Because it would kill me if you were hurting.”

Kat exhaled, closed her eyes. “I can’t,” she said.

“Can’t what?”

“Can’t feel this way.”

“Why?”

Kat opened her eyes.

“Because I’m a woman, or because I’m a Williams?”

Brynn reached up and held her jaw. “Tell me now, Sergeant, before I melt away in your arms right here in front of you.”

Kat felt her heart jumpstart, kicking hard against her chest. She opened her mouth to speak, but Gunner barked and took off down the hall. Brynn blinked, backed away, and released her. She lowered her head as Kat walked away.

“I bet that’s Murph. He didn’t even give me a chance to call.” Kat left Brynn behind and walked toward the living room, already hearing the locks in the front door disengaging. Gunner barked with excitement and jumped on Murph as he stepped inside. He was in full uniform so he shooed him away. Kat stood looking at him, almost pissed at him for showing up to care for her.

“Morning,” he said, closing the door behind him. He held up the newspaper and tossed it on the kitchen table. “You look better and better,” he said. “Did you eat? Want me to make you some eggs?”

“Murph,” she said, but he didn’t seem to hear.

“Margie’s coming at noon to heat you up a plate and check on things. Gunner probably needs a walk. He crossed to the fridge, dug in, removing Saran Wrapped food from well-wishers to find what he wanted. He looked back at her.

“Sit down. I’ll make you some livermush too. And toast. You can try Margie’s mama’s preserves.”

“Murph,” she said it louder and firmer. He stopped, frying pan in hand.

“Yeah?”

“I don’t need breakfast this morning.”

“No? You gotta eat, Vander. Doctor’s orders, remember?”

“I’m fine and I’ve already had my wound cleaned too.”

He set the pan down and studied her, confused. “How’s that?”

“I have company,” she said.

He stood in awe, trying to grasp hold of her meaning. “Company?”

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