Page 93 of Time Stops With You

Tears float to my eyes, making them burn. I hold them back with all my strength, but the struggle must show on my face because, unprompted, Cullen sets his hand on my shoulder. His touch is a steady, calming presence and, somehow, the weight on my chest disappears.

The doctor finishes up with my wrist. Cullen walks him out, asking tons of questions about my prescription and when it would be best to set my next appointment. They spend a few minutes talking in the hallway and, finally, Cullen returns to the room.

“What did he say?” I ask, struggling to adjust myself with only one hand available.

Cullen fluffs the pillows and helps me to lean against them. “He said we can call him if there’s any discomfort but, if we follow his instructions, you can remove the wrist splint at the next appointment.”

I nod.

Cullen points over his shoulder. “I’ll go to the pharmacy to fill this prescription and be right back.”

“Okay.”

I see concern cross his delicately chiseled face. Despite announcing his intentions, Cullen doesn’t move. He remains standing over me, his shoulders broad, his jaw clenched and his silver eyes searching.

“What?” I ask.

He opens his mouth, seems to think better of it and then leaves without a word. The door whisks shut softly behind him.

My attention shifts to Josiah. Thankfully, his expression is easier to read than Cullen’s.

“Nardi, are you okay?”

“I am.” I caress his head with my good hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll be better in no time.”

A frown mars his innocent face.

“What?” I prod.

“I’m not used to you being so...”

“Cute with a wrist splint?” I tease, hoping to pull a smile from him.

His lips don’t budge from their somber, downward curl. “You’re being weird. Normally, you’re nice to everyone. Cullen’s trying to help us. Why are you being so mean to him?”

“I…” My tongue goes heavy. Rather than answer that, I pout. “Whose side are you on? Mine or Cullen’s?”

Josiah blinks at my questions.

“That shouldn’t take you so long to answer,” I say with a mock look of hurt. “Here’s another one. If me or Cullen fell into the sea, who would you save?”

“Cullen.”

I gasp.

“You know how to swim.” Josiah shrugs.

I shake my head. “I bring you over to live with me and this is the thanks I get?”

Josiah finally leaks a smile and my heart settles. I’d break both my wrists and both my ankles, if it meant my brother would be happy for the rest of his life.

“Help me sit up. I want to be on my feet and ready to go before Cullen gets back or he’ll try to force me to stay overnight.”

Josiah lends me his shoulder and I hold on to him, wiggling to the side of the bed. I’m on the move and halfway down the hallway by the time Cullen runs into us.

His eyes flash with disapproval. “Where are you going?”

“You heard the doctor. I’m going home to rest.”

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