Page 63 of Hiding Rose
Chapter Eighteen
The brace was completely different than what I had expected. I pictured a big clunky, plastic and metal monstrosity so hot I would swelter all day. What he brought was a custom fit carbon fiber design using the least amount of material to get the job done. The carbon fiber came around the front of my thigh, and was held on with Velcro. There were two long supports going down the sides and back of my calf, with the hinge at the knee. My foot sat on a custom-built support arch that would go inside my shoe. Because it didn’t have heavy plastic forms holding it together, it was lightweight, easily adjustable, and not the least bit hot. I was pleasantly surprised when he strapped it on. I could see myself wearing it with no qualms for the rest of my life. When I wear pants, it will have to go over them, but when I wear skirts or dresses it will strap to my leg comfortably with nothing underneath it. To say I was pleased was an understatement.
Once I was standing he handed me a crutch and, with Sawyer’s help, I walked the full length of the hallway and back with half as much pain as I usually have, and much greater stability. I was so relieved it worked and was comfortable, I broke down in tears as soon as the orthotist left. Sawyer gathered me in his arms and let me be as emotional as I needed to be. He told me he felt the same way. Watching me walk without grimacing made him want to cry. All in all, today was a successful day, even taking Jarrett’s stunt into consideration.
I smoothed my white dress down over my hips and turned left then right. The brace was there, but it wasn’t obtrusive or obnoxious. I smiled and swiveled from the mirror, grabbing my crutch. We had enjoyed the wonderful dinner of pineapple-mango glazed shrimp, salad, and Portuguese sweet bread. He paired it with a bottle of Greco di Tufo, an Italian white wine. I felt relaxed and loved, my tummy full of good food.
I opened the bathroom door and he was waiting in the hall, his hair stylishly messy, and his dress shirt open at the neck. He was casual in a pair of khaki shorts and Jesus sandals on his feet. He pushed off the wall and held his arm out for me. “Ready?”
I turned off the light and grasped his arm with my right hand, the burn painful again. “Before we go, do you have any Advil? My hand is sore.”
He caressed my face and felt my forehead. “No fever. Is it outrageously sore?”
I shook my head. “No, it feels normal sore for having a chemical burn. I thought Advil might keep the inflammation down and prevent it from getting any worse.”
He strode to the kitchen and filled a glass with water, shaking out some pills into his hand. When he returned he held them out and I popped them in my mouth, washing them down.
“Thanks, I’m sure they’ll help. I already took my nerve medication which Dr. Rak said will help, too.”
He cupped my face and held me in place. “Are you sure you want to go? We could lay down and watch a movie. Maybe icing the hand would be best.”
I shook my head. “Absolutely not. I want to test the brace out in the sand, and you know how much I love the beach at night. I’ve been looking forward to it since you mentioned it earlier today.”
His eyes held a nervousness to them I hadn’t seen before, and I wondered how stressed out he was about Jarrett’s games. Since it wasn’t happening to him I wondered if I discounted his level of fear too much. He held the door open and checked both ways, then gathered me to him and hurried me down the hallway to the service elevators. They would let us out at the back of the building closer to the beach and away from the eyes of everyone in the lobby. He was going for incognito, and I was grateful.
Once in the elevator he stabbed at the button for the first floor until the doors rolled closed. I put my arms around his neck and stood on one tiptoe, planting a kiss on his lips. “It’s okay to be scared, Sawyer. I know I am.”
He smiled down at me, his eyes shining in the light of the small space. “Oh, I’m scared alright, but not of Jarrett. I’m scared of losing you forever. I’m scared of losing the way you feel in my arms. I’m scared of never experiencing the euphoria of sliding into your heat ever again. I’m scared one day you’ll decide I’m not the man you want to be with.”
I put my finger over his lips. “Never. You can’t deny your soulmate, even if you try. I’ve learned how true those words are. We’re connected in a deeper place than the heart, Sawyer.”
The doors dinged open and we left the safety of the car and exited the building after he checked for danger. We stepped onto the sand and I carried my crutch, holding onto him for support. The moon sat like a giant shimmering ball in the sky. Nearly full, its incandescent glow made the sand on the beach glitter and glisten as though it was lined with diamonds. I sighed with contentment as we walked down Kupid’s Cove.
“This beach is more than beautiful. It’s magical. It wipes everything from my mind but how lucky I am to be here with you tonight.”
He kissed my temple, his lips warm and inviting. I turned my head toward his and raised it, begging his lips to touch mine. When they did, I couldn’t take another step, so I leaned into him, my eyes closed and a moan low in my throat. His hands held my face and when he tore his lips from mine he panted a few times to suck in enough air to remain standing.
“You have to be the sexiest woman alive,” he whispered. “If we weren’t on TV, I’d be making love to you right here.”
I glanced around. “We’re on TV?” I asked and he nodded, not pointing out the cameras. “Gideon had cameras installed when Lei was in danger, but left them up as security for the beach. I won’t be showing you where they are in case he’s watching. I also have a couple panic buttons on me.”
I rubbed my temple. “I have one, but they aren’t putting one on the brace until tomorrow.”
He tucked me back into his side and kept strolling. “It’s no problem. I’m covered on purpose. I want you to feel secure, but I also want you to feel like you can enjoy the night without worrying about being attacked. You deserve it after today,” he said, bringing my injured hand to his lips to kiss. “How is it feeling now?”
I gathered it to me and laid my head on his shoulder. “Better. The Advil helped. I think the wine did, too.”
He chuckled, his voice low. “I’m glad. I had a whole surprise planned for you tonight, but I hadn’t counted on a sore hand or a maniac stalker. I promise to take you to the restaurant another night.”
“I’d like that,” I said, just as I stumbled. He caught me, pausing our steps. “I’m okay,” I assured him. “I’m still getting used to walking supported. It sure does feel better, though. Even walking in sand is easier.”
He kissed my temple. “I’m glad. My heart feels a little bit lighter to hear you’re getting some benefit from it. I’m sure once you can wear it all the time you’ll hardly need me to support you anymore.”
I shook my head. “Not true. I’ll always need you to support me, emotionally and physically.”
He pulled a red hanky from his pocket and held it up. “I hope what you say is true and I hope you trust me enough to put this on and enjoy your surprise.”
I held his eyes and nodded. “I’m ready.”
