Page 83 of Choosing My Happiness
I lifted my head and looked at the man I chose.
“Let’s go home then,” I whispered. He dropped a kiss on my head and let me out of his arms. I held up my finger and pointed it to the driver’s seat. I knew what he was going to do. “However, you are not opening my door for me. You will get that sexy ass ofyours into the car and just drive. I don’t want you moving more than you have to.”
Jim smirked at my demand and ducked his head. “As you wish, My Queen,” he murmured, watching me walk around the car and opening my door, before limping his way to his seat.
I ignored the catches in breath that I heard him make with each movement. He tried to keep it silent, like the man he is, but he was struggling. Thankfully, my apartment wasn’t far. I reached for his knee, somehow trying to send him strength through my touch. He flinched and then threaded his fingers through mine.
“Have you been taking your painkillers?” I asked. His nostrils flared as he shook his head sharply.
“Why not?” I asked calmly.
He tossed a frown at me. “Drugs and driving don’t mix,” he explained.
I groaned internally. “You could have taken ibuprofen or acetaminophen to take the edge off.” I sighed.
He drew in a deep breath. “Daisy, I love you, but you forgot about my past.”
I looked at him.
“I lost my brother and sister to a drugged driver. No way am I losing you.” He squeezed my hand. “I know it’s a hang-up, but it’s a rational hang-up.”
I rolled my eyes, but he was right. I’d forgotten about his siblings, and possible hang-ups resulting from that.
“I guess I’ll have to think of other ways to take your mind off the pain when we get home,” I suggested.
“I think I’d better speed up.” He smirked.
59
Chapter 59: Daisy
Bear had gone by the time Jim and I arrived home. I could tell he’d stayed though. There was a blanket and pillow folded on the couch, and a wet towel hanging over one of the stools at the kitchen counter. I sighed and dropped my bag in its spot, then rubbed my face.
“You go have a shower and then go to bed,” Jim ordered me. “I’ll cook you up some food and bring it to you.”
I paused my movements and looked at him limping to the kitchen.
“Did you just boss me around in my own home?” I asked him.
He stopped and sighed. He was in a lot of pain.
“Babe, you’ve been looking after everyone all night. You’re probably wrecked, and I need to look after you.” He looked at me under his eyebrows. “Don’t fight me on this, please. Go shower.”
I blinked. I couldn’t say no, despite it going against my independence, and my desire to get him into bed to rest his injuries. He was just doing what he always has.
“Okay,” I conceded, walking to the shower. I ignored the muttered “good girl” from him.
The water felt amazing. I sank into the hot flow that eased over my skin, chasing away my aches and pains. I tilted my head back and let my hair get saturated. This was the best part of having short hair. It would dry quickly once I got out. The water flowed over my face and down my front. I sighed into the stream and blew the water away guiltily. Jim was here in my apartment, and I was lazing in the shower instead of spending time with him. I knew where I’d rather be. I quickly turned off the water and stepped out of the steam, straight into Jim’s arms.
He was standing there with the towel ready to wrap around me, and a smile on his face.
“You look good in water,” he murmured in my ear as the towel enveloped me.
“Are you trespassing in my bathroom?” I replied.
His lips brushed my ear. “Just serving my queen.” He rubbed my back through the towel, pushing the drops of water into the fibers. I didn’t have a response, except to lift my hands to hold the towel around me. Jim kissed my cheek softly, making my skin tingle. I gasped in a breath that had somehow escaped from my lungs.
Jim somehow crept around behind me, pulling me against him as he rubbed my front, his hands drifting from my breasts, and across my belly. The whole scene was both seductive, and full of comfort. I tilted my head back onto his shoulder, exposing my neck. Jim’s breath floated down my neck as he lowered his head, brushing his lips against me as he went. I sighed, warmth flooding throughout me.
