Page 32 of Protecting Paul

As I drive Paul’s hand grows limper in mine, and I look over. He’s snoring softly as he gets much-needed rest. I hold tight to his hand regardless, refusing to let go.

I drive slower than before. I’m in less of a panic now, but I also don’t want to jostle Paul around too much. He looks peaceful in his sleep, and one sharp turn would probably hurt like a bitch considering the condition he’s in.

I only wake him when we pass the sign declaring we’re entering Shafter Falls. I lightly nudge his arm, careful not to irritate any of his injuries.

“Hey, Paul, wake up.” He blinks awake, rubbing his eyes blearily with his free hand. I still haven’t let go of his other hand. He glances down at our interlocked fingers but makes no move to untangle them. “We’re back in town. Do you want me to drop you off before I go exchange the cruiser for my truck?”

“Nah,” he mumbles sleepily, shaking his head. I don’t miss the way he winces after doing so. “I just want to stick with you.”

I have to wake him up again to transfer him from the cruiser to the truck. He winces as we’re changing vehicle and he sees the blood on my pants leg. “Are you sure you’re alright? We can stop by the hospital instead of going home.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I say smiling at the thought of him calling anything here home. “It’s nothing compared to what you’re going through right now. I barely felt it, anyway. I was so full of adrenaline I didn’t feel much.”

“You’re like a fucking superhero,” Paul laughs softly. I meet his gaze as I turn onto the road to his house. He’s looking at me with such an adoring look I want to cry.

“That’s a bit much,” I snort, but I’m unable to wipe the smile off my face. “I’m just a guy trying to do the right thing.”

“Well, you’remysuperhero,” he adds.

If I wanted to cry before, I want to cry even more now. I’m overwhelmed with emotions right now, but one is more distinct than the others. I swallow heavily as I pull into the driveway and park my car. I’m so overwhelmingly in love with Paul.

I’ve been in love with him since high school. The moment I saw him again, I felt every single emotion I felt back then. The more time we spend together, the more it’s grown. But now, after almost losing him, I feel it coursing through me with such a strength that it scares me. He tried to dump me yesterday, but I don’t care. I love him too damn much.

18

Paul

Samgrowsquietashe parks in my driveway, a strange look on his face. I don’t know his emotions after everything, but I imagine there are quite a few. He turns to look at me, offering a smile. I see those confusing emotions swirling beneath the grin, but I don’t push.

“Do you have clean clothes and everything here?” Sam asks, nodding toward the house. “I’ll help you with everything, of course.”

“Um, about that,” I fidget nervously, looking at the house. I’m filled with anxiety at the mere glance. “I don’t know if I can handle spending the night here or… Fuck, I don’t think I want to spend any time in there at all right now.”

“Shit, that was stupid of me,” Sam shakes his head and looks disappointed in himself. “We’ll go to my place, okay? I should’ve thought of that before. Of course, you don’t want to be here right now.”

Before I can say anything else, he pulls out of the driveway and heads toward his place. I glance down and realize he’s still holding my hand. He hasn’t let go for a second since we got in the car.

“Sammy?” I ask quietly, squeezing his hand as hard as I can manage in my current state. He looks over at me. “You ever gonna let go of my hand?”

“Not until we’re inside.” He glances at me and gives me a beautifully sweet grin. “Then I will.”

We’re not far from his place, which provides me with conflicted feelings. I don’t particularly want to let go of his hand. On the other hand, he promised to help me, so it’s not like his hands won’t be on me. In spite of the physical discomfort, I get a little aroused as I think about his hands on me in all different ways.

We pull up, and Sam comes over to the passenger side, opens the door, and wraps an arm around me to help me out. He keeps his arm around me until we’re inside. He guides me to his room, and I sit on the bed.

“Give me a minute to change, then I’ll be all yours,” he says gently before pressing a kiss to the corner of my lips. “Here, you can borrow these, I’ll help you change in a second.”

He sets a pile of his clothes next to me on the bed. I’m glad we didn’t go to my place because I love wearing Sam’s clothes. They’re big, comfy, and smell like him, which is awesome.

Once he’s in the bathroom, I slip my shirt and pants off. It hurts like hell, so I’m glad Sam isn’t here to witness it and worry even more. I take a good look at the extent of my injuries and groan. It feels like I’m starting over.

Sam returns to the room, slipping a t-shirt on he does. The glimpse of his naked chest is enough to send blood southward, even with my bruises.

“Oh, Paul…” he murmurs, running a hand over my chest. I shiver a little and realize how much I miss his touch after everything happened. He has the saddest look on his face as he eyes me. “You must be in so much pain.”

“I can manage,” I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel. “How’s your hand doing?”

“I barely feel it.” He meets my eyes, and I can’t look away. “You shouldn’t be worried about me right now.”

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