Page 56 of Icy Heart, Empty Chest
He held on harder. “Can you breathe for me? In one breath, out one two three…” He coached me till my lungs had stopped doing wind sprints.
“Panic attacks?”
I nodded shakily. “Since he went to jail.”
“I get it. I see the EMTs coaching people through those,” he said.
“I don’t understand.”
His brow furrowed. “What?”
“How you can forgive me and talk to me after all that. I don’t know if I would want to.” I was still floored, absolutely incredulous.
He laughed, a beautiful sound. “You weren’t listening. Of course I was sad that you weren’t talking to me but I could have found a way to reach out, explain everything. Pride got in the way. Being a stupid kid got in the way.” He paused. “Want to know how I can forgive you? Because I’m still here now ’cause of you. And that’s something I’ll never be able to repay.”
“It was a bit selfish. Can’t live without you, it seems.” I managed a smile throughout the whirlwind of emotion in my chest.
“Now you don’t have to. Tell you what. Let’s order a pizza and then go for a long walk. You’re diverting company but now I’m sick of being in bed,” he remarked.
“Uh, unless you want to walk around town in my robe, we may have to make a stop to your house.”
“I’m sure I look absolutely fetching in it but yes, I’d prefer pants.”
I laughed, the levity feeling heavenly.
“I’ll see if I have anything in here that will get you from here to your house.”
I hopped out and to my dresser.
“You have way more clothes than you used to.”
“Some are from aliases on jobs. Sometimes a girl just wants to look cute.”
I pulled an oversized set of scrubs from the bottom of a dresser drawer and tossed them his way.
“You’re Dr Kelpie, MD.”
I saw him go for the tie on the robe and I bolted. As much as seeing him au natural was tempting, I felt embarrassed. Something forbidden, almost.
Just friends, right? Best friends. I had just got him back after years of loss and grief. Don’t do anything dumb, Cora.
I dialed the local pizza place and ordered. When I hung up, he was leaning against my fridge, looking like pure sin.
Today is my day to be tested by the restraint gods and I am faltering.
“Are you blushing?”
I pursed my lips together and closed my eyes briefly. “Must have stood up too fast.”
“I don’t think so,” he teased. “I think you like my outfit.”
Who was this flirtatious stranger in my kitchen? The Damien I knew was one awkward kid.
I crossed my arms. “You might look good, I’ll give you that.”
He sent a coy smile my way.
“Fishing for compliments, are we?”
