Page 27 of Alluring Adventure

“That’s great news.” I say, reaching out to cup his face but stopping myself. We’ve agreed to keep our affection private, though my emotional outburst might have raised a few eyebrows.

“Draw the curtain,” Oliver whispers. I pull the pale-yellow cloth around the bed, creating our own little sanctuary away from prying eyes. Once it’s just the two of us, I gently cup his face and kiss him, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

I try to keep it brief, but the minute our lips connect a fire takes over. I dip my tongue into his mouth and when he slides hisalongside mine, a fire spreads through my veins. A deep groan from his chest makes me move away abruptly.

“Shit, did I hurt you?”

“No. I just…, it feels good to kiss you.”

I grin and tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

“Fucking hell, are these bruises from yesterday?” His eyes widen.

“No, I went to a boxing match last night,” I reply sarcastically before twisting and turning my arms above him so he can see all the bruises.

“I’m sorry,” his voice is small.

“No! No, it was an accident and I got off easy compared to you,” I try to reassure him, but he looks unconvinced. “What happens next?”

“They’re going to fit a back brace today. They want to monitor me with it overnight and then I can go home tomorrow. I’ll be stuck with it for eight to twelve weeks, but after a week of rest or so, I can start doing some work. I’ll have to take on someone else to cover my flights but I have a few people who would be interested.”

“Do you ever see just problems and not solutions?” I snort. Leave it to him to have sorted out his whole life whilst I slept.

“Yes. Yesterday, it was your determination that made all the difference. Your refusal to give up and your efforts to send a text message helped them find us as quickly as they did. I was ready to throw in the towel.”

“That was all fake,” I wave him off, “I had a complete meltdown afterwards and cried in Suzie’s arms.”

“What difference does that make? You were there in the moment that counted to step up and help save us. It’s only natural to have an emotional reaction once the pressure was off you.” Hmmm, I hadn’t thought of it like that.

“Can you do me a favour, please?” he asks.

“Sure, want me to get the doctor or—”

“Kiss me again.” A small smile appears on my lips before I press them to his. This time I control myself, but I realise I’ll miss him a lot.

Chapter 15

Oliver

Ihate this fuckingback brace already. It stops me bending and so I look like C3PO when I walk.

“Want me to get a cup of tea ready, Grandpa?” Keeley calls out from the top of the stairs.

“Funny, Sunshine,” I reply. In the end, they kept me in hospital a few extra nights, and I'm glad to be finally out and back home.

Keeley and Hannah picked me up from the hospital and Keeley insisted on tucking me in and making sure I don’t move frommy bed. Hannah is heading over to Mum’s. As I missed Sunday lunch, they have decided to have a mid-week roast and to bring the food here.

Mum visited me in hospital yesterday. I was worried about how she’d take the news, but she was like a different person. Needing to take care of me seems to have given her a purpose We talked for a long time, about nothing and everything. I mentioned that I’m thinking of seeing a therapist. Not to help me with her situation, but just with everything going on in my life and she seemed curious. Maybe hearing that I’m thinking about it will show her it’s ok to ask for help from a professional.

I finally make it to the top of the stairs and see that Keeley has opened every window to let in some air. My duvet is folded back ready for me and she’s standing with her hands on her hips ushering me towards the bed.

“Move it, robot man,” she jokes.

“I think I preferred your weepy side,” I smirk.

“Someone told me to get myself together because we are fine.” She sticks her tongue out at me. We are almost back to how it was before the accident, joking, laughing, kissing; doctors won’t allow more. But every now and then, we share a quiet moment, just looking at each other. In those moments, we feel the bond we formed in the woods—something that’s hard to explain to anyone who wasn’t there

“We are okay.” My voice is barely audible, but she heard me. I slide onto the mattress and Keeley helps me to prop myself up with cushions and pillows.

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