Page 23 of When Love And Destiny Collide

“You can’t walk to the front door by yourself,” I say, shaking my head in frustration.

“I’ll figure it out,” she replies matter-of-factly, her tone defiant.

“Let me get the crutches,” I offer. “Don’t move.”

She rolls her eyes at me, the gesture not lost on me. I fetch the crutches and hand them to her, knowing she won’t accept any more help. As she tries to slip the second one under her arm, she stumbles, nearly falling. I catch her just in time.

“Are you going to be this stubborn for the rest of your recovery?” I ask, smiling despite the tension.

Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the fight between us melts away, leaving only the unspoken connection that neither of us can deny.

“This isn’t funny, Noah,” she says, her voice trembling with uncertainty and raw emotion. “I’m going to be completely useless until I can walk again.”

“Can I ask you to trust me?” I plead, my voice brimming with hope. “Just for the next week?”

"I don't know if I have a choice," she says begrudgingly. "With the Linder family on vacation, I'm all alone."

"You’re not alone, Sweetheart," I reply, my voice filled with a desperate hope to reassure her. "You have me."

"I don't have anyone," she whispers, her eyes welling up with tears.

Without thinking, I reach for her, wrapping my arms around her and praying she won’t push me away. The moment is fragile, and my heart aches with the fear of rejection.

Chapter 6

Lily

The moment he touches me, I close my eyes, feeling my defenses crumble and my resolve to keep him at arm's length dissolve. Every barrier I've built melts away, leaving me vulnerable in his embrace.

"Give me just one week," he whispers into my ear, his breath warm against my skin. "Let me take care of you, Sweetheart."

I pull away just enough to look into his eyes. God, he smells so good. He looks so good. I feel so good right here in his arms. Ugh!

He takes my silence as a yes, and before I can fully grasp what’s happening, he sweeps me into his arms and strides toward the house. My heart pounds, a wild mix of fear and longing, as I give in to the moment without a single word of protest. Every step he takes deepens my surrender, leaving me breathless.

"Put me down, Noah!" I finally cry out, my voice slicing through the haze of my emotions.

"I’ll put you down as soon as we reach the door," he responds firmly, though a trace of amusement dances in his eyes. "Stop squirming."

"You can’t carry me like I’m a child!" I protest, struggling to free myself.

"I can as long as you keep acting like one," he smirks.

When we reach the door, he gently sets me down, but as soon as I put weight on my injured ankle, a sharp cry escapes my lips. "Ouch!"

I glance at him as he barely manages to stifle a chuckle. "Don’t you dare say a word!" I warn, my voice a mix of pain and indignation.

He opens the door and wraps his arm around my waist, offering steady support as I lean against him. He guides me to the couch and helps me to sit down.

"I’m going out to the car to get the crutches," he says, his voice soothing. "I’ll be right back."

As soon as the door shuts behind him, I sink into the couch, wishing it could swallow me whole. Unable to hold them backany longer, I let the tears stream down my face. I feel a rush of emotions—stupidity, frustration, and utter uselessness—each clawing at me relentlessly. How can I trust someone who's already broken my heart? How am I supposed to deal with the fact that I have to rely on him for every one of my needs?

I quickly wipe my eyes just before the door swings open, and there he is. My heart aches with a sharp, almost physical pain as I watch him, caught in the agonizing tug-of-war between my desire to stay strong and the intense longing I feel. How can I remain emotionally distant from the most wonderful man I've ever known when every part of me aches to be with him?He doesn't want you, I remind myself, clinging to my resolve to protect my heart.

As he hands me the crutches, I attempt to stand. "Oww, oww!" I exclaim, sinking back onto the couch clutching my injury, the pain making me wince.

"Practice walking with the crutches," Noah advises, his voice blending gentleness and authority. "But don’t push it too hard."

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