Page 22 of Frozen Flames

He stares at me then, and he seems shocked that we’re even discussing this, as if he’s wondering how the conversation ended up veering this way. “I mean, yeah…”

“Were you different before the accident?” I can’t help asking, wondering who he was before.

“I was.” He scoffs. “I was so happy.” He shakes his head. “I took everything lightly.”

“You were carefree,” I add.

He nods. “I had a good life. Anyway…” He sighs. “It’s just a hunch—about Beth. Keep reading, Claire.” He turns back around to face the TV, and I can’t help blushing at the quiet demand.

I get a hold of myself and continue on with the story, feeling so content and cozy. Eventually, I make myself comfortable on the couch with my legs out in front of me. I can steal more looks his way from this position.

“I just love this book!” I exclaim, finishing another chapter. “Who do you think Jo March will end up with?” I ask, referring to one of the main characters in the book.

“Anyone but Laurie,” he says as he stares at me with a lightness to him. A lightness I can’t help gravitating toward. “The guy’s a brat, and he’s bored.”

“Well, perhaps sometimes, but I mean—they’re teens. I think their character flaws humanize them.”

“Yeah, maybe,” he agrees.

“You know, I read this book in my teens.” My mind goes back to how it felt reading it for the first time. “I was so furious that Jo didn’t end up with Laurie.”

“Yeah,” he says. “Thanks for the spoiler.”

“Oh! I’m so sorry.” I shake my head, knowing I ruined it for him.

“Don’t be.” He shrugs. “And I don’t know, so far she doesn’t seem to view him that way. I think he’s being massively friend-zoned.”

“Yes, well, now that I’m older, I think Professor Bhaer was a decent fit. They complemented each other intellectually, and he was real and honest with her. My sister, on the other hand, thinks Jo should’ve married rich or stayed single.” I scoff, as if the former suited Jo in any way.

“Claire, I don’t really care about the story.”

“Oh,” I say, surprised. “So then why let me read it?”

Perhaps because there’s nothing else to do and we must find things to do. But as he turns his head and looks at me with a longing that shouldn’t be there, I know I’m wrong.

“It’s your voice I’m drawn to.” He faces the TV now, pushing his hair back, before he continues. “I like it when you read to me.” His voice is barely a whisper.

I want to lean closer to him or crawl, anything. Anything to be closer to him, to get a taste of him, anything to know more of what’s going on in that head of his.

“Harvey…” I swallow, and his eyes redirect to my parting lips. I’m not the only one affected as I notice his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down.

This will mess with my head for days to come. It’ll intrude on my dreams and every minute of daydreaming. Because if I can’t have Harvey in real life, I may as well have him somewhere.

Andthere. There’s the little truth I’ve been hoping to avoid.

“I’m starving,” Harvey says suddenly, ruining the moment.

I know he did it on purpose, and a part of me is grateful. I should really go home. In fact, my sister just texted asking if I’m eating at home for dinner. While I should, I also want to stay with Harvey.

“You want to order something?” I ask, knowing he’ll reject my invitation, knowing I shouldn’t be doing this, knowing he’s my patient and that he’s taken.

“Yeah, sure.”

“Will Gemma be home soon?”

“I don’t know. She’s clearly not here,” he says with a hint of annoyance.

Is that why he wants me to stay? To pass time or to anger Gemma?

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