Page 21 of The Only Time

“First, let’s take this sling off,” she tells me.

I’ve been reluctant today—it hurts to use my arm muscle right now. But I know it needs to be done. She lifts the strap of my sling over my head. The weight that was taken off immediately forces my arm down to my side. I wince at the pain and she mirrors my reaction.

“I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

I nod my head as I allow the throbbing to settle. “I’m fine.”

“Okay, you just stand there. I’m going to do this so you don’t have to move your arm at all.”

She puts my hand hanging at my side through the sleeve and slowly slides the shirt up my arm. I watch her forehead scrunch in concentration as she’s trying not to hurt me. Once my head and other arm are in, she grabs the bottom of my shirt and slowly pulls it down my body. Her fingers glide against my chest down to my abs, leaving my skin scorching from the heat of the moment.

Both of our breathing appears labored as she looks up and our eyes meet. She shakes her head and steps away from me.

Shit, what the hell was that? If she hadn’t pulled away, I don’t know what I would have done. The way I react to her presence, to her touch, is terrifying. I need a drink to take the edge off.

“Okay, let’s get this back on,” she says, grabbing the sling.

She is gentle but works quickly to help me get back in, with only slightly throbbing pain this time around. Her nearness is both exciting and disturbing. Luckily, the second I’m in the sling, she backs away. “Alright, I’m going to go read. I’ll let you know when dinner is ready.”

With the much-needed space, I lie on my bed and close my eyes, hoping to get some rest before dinner.

“Eric,” a soft voice echoes in my room, making me feel calm and at peace. When I open my eyes, Mia is standing over me.

I look up at her, feeling slightly disoriented. “What time is it?”

“It’s just after six. Dinner is ready if you’d like to eat. If you want to rest more, I can put the leftovers in the fridge for you.”

She’s twiddling her fingers together in front of her like she’s nervous. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have interrupted your nap. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“No,” I groan as I rub my eyes. “I shouldn’t be sleeping all day. I won’t get good sleep tonight if I do. Plus, I’m starving. Thanks. I’ll be right there.”

“Oh, ok. Well, I’ll go set the table.”

I nod my head and wait until she walks out. I probably should trade out my sweatpants for a pair of jeans for dinner. Might be the least I can do to not show up like a slob after all the work she put into it. Call it my southern manners, but it just seems rude. Not sure when the last time was that I worried about my rudeness.

It’s a struggle to get the damn jeans on and zipped. I quickly remember why I was walking around in sweatpants. Whatever, I’ll just have to leave them unbuttoned. My shirt will cover it.

When I walk into the kitchen, everything smells incredible. Mia is filling up two wine glasses as I meet her at the table. It feels kind of weird and—romantic. But she does seem to be knowledgeable about wine based on the dinner she prepared the other night. I’m getting in my head. This isn’t some kind of date.We live together right now. Having wine with dinner is perfectly normal.

“Thanks for letting me eat your food. It smells really good.”

We both take our seats. I feel like I should be helpful in some way around here, so I grab the pie cutter.

“Can I cut you a piece?” I offer.

She smiles. “Sure. Thank you.”

With my one good hand, I start to cut into the pie. The dish moves an inch, but without another hand, I can’t hold it down. I try again, but it keeps sliding around the table. “Dammit,” I mutter to myself. I try again but to no avail.

Mia sucks in her lips, trying to hide her smile. “Um, how about I do it?”

I drop the cutter. “I’m sorry. I’m fucking useless right now.”

“Don’t worry about it. Like I said, you’re allowing me to stay here, it’s the least I can do.”

She stands up and cuts each of us a slice, then scoops the salad.

“Thank you,” I manage to grind out though still irked by my inability to do the simplest of tasks.

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