Page 64 of Opening Strain

Ever since Dad died, I’ve been on my own.No need to get into the lying POS, Curtiss. “My best friend growing up was my father. He died when I was seventeen.” She has to understand this. She was raised by a single parent.

“But your mother?—”

“She’s still alive. We’ve never been close.”

She squeezes my arm. “I can be your person.”

I want to shake my head to confirm I heard her quiet offer right. Instead, I place my hand over hers. “Are you offering to be my—?” I can’t voice the word.

Grey eyes, opened wide, lift to mine. “I’d like to be your friend.”

I squeeze her hand. “I’m not sure I would know what to do with one of those, Jenna.” I do know what I want to do with the woman almost in my arms, though. “Come here.”

Something breaks inside me. I drag her to my body and kiss her as if this was my last opportunity ever. She’s stirred up all sorts of odd feelings in me, ones I haven’t felt since my high school girlfriend. I pour my heart out to her with my touch. She fuels my hunger, kissing me back as if I mean something to her.

I leave her mouth and trail tiny kisses down her neck, around her chin, and end at her ear. After nibbling on her lobe, I blow into it, which causes her body to roll into mine.

The ice pack falls off my thigh and onto the floor.

She giggles. “I think your thirty minutes is done. Let’s get you downstairs and into the car.” Rosy-cheeked, Jenna scramblesoff the chair and removes the ice pack. “Put the chair into its normal position and I’ll help you up.”

It’s bad enough she has to give me physical therapy. She doesn’t have to help me stand, too. “I can do it. My pain level has dropped.”

“To what? A level seven?”

I query my body. “Yeah.”

She grins. “Get the footrest down.” After I do this, she continues, “Place your hands on the arms and stand.”

Using all my upper-body strength, I get to my feet without her help. “See. Told you I could do it.”

“Impressive. Now let’s try to take a few steps.”

I do, the pain from my pulled muscle manageable. Especially when I limp. However, I do admit defeat and take the elevator to the first floor. In the foyer, I catch my breath while she returns the makeshift ice pack to the kitchen.

My mind spins with our interlude upstairs. She wanted my kiss. I sure as hell wanted hers. Can we really be starting something new and different? Can we do this without Darren in bed with us?

Her slender arm goes around my waist. “Ready to do this?”

“I am. Thank you, Jenna. For everything.”

“You’re more than welcome.” She rests her head on my shoulder for a moment. “Let’s go.”

We make it all the way to the car where I lean against the door while she locks up. She presses some buttons on her phone. “There. Texted Angie that we’re leaving. Now’s the big question, where do you want to go? To your rental to change? Or directly to the clinic?”

I dip my head. “I’ve been in these clothes since last night, and they’re not the right ones for therapy. Do you mind taking me to my rental? I’ll be quick so you can make your meeting.”

She adjusts her ponytail. “Sure thing.”

We get into the car, which takes me longer more because I anticipate pain rather than feel it. “What did you think of the property?”

I consider her question. “I like it. The views are amazing, and Ilove the backyard. There seem to be a few too many rooms, though. What do I need with so many bedrooms?”

“What if the band wanted to crash at your place?”

“Didn’t you hear what I told you? We don’t hang out when we’re not performing.”

“I heard you. I just think it’s sad. You’re missing out on so much. I remember Darren telling me about backyard BBQs and going to visit sites in various places when you guys were touring.”

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