Page 69 of Needing More
"Yeah, and while we were trying to move the heavy thing," Vic chimed in. "Another branch whacked him in the face. Lucky he didn't lose an eye."
Ignoring Joel's sound of frustration at her loss, she rushed over to Hayden. Gently, she examined his poor face. Up close it was even worse. Through his beard, she could see the abrasions the tree's bark must have caused as it swiped across his face.
"I'll need to get the first aid kit," she murmured as her fingers carefully pushed back some of his beard.
Basking in the attention, Hayden looked up at her from his position on the couch.
Wrapping his arms around her waist he rested his chin on her stomach. "You gonna be my nurse?"
Pushing back some of his messy mop of hair she gave him a tender smile. "If by nurse you mean a couple of butterfly Band-Aids and some Neosporin, then sure."
"Mmm, so tender," he growled and she pinched him in return.
Stepping away from his dark chuckle, she looked back at Vic's face. The bruises he received last week were healing up nicely, just a few yellowish spots in the corner of his eye.
Reaching out she ran her cool knuckles softly against his hot skin. She didn’t miss the flash of latent fire in his eyes at her touch before he shuttered it.
"I also bought some gel that’s supposed to be good for bruising. I'll bring that out, too."
Hayden stared at Vic openly as Sapphire stepped back. Not one to back down Vic returned his stare. Looking between both men Sapphire wasn't sure what to make of the mood. Hayden's expression while not quite a glare was more of a measuring look an assessment, of sorts. Not sure if she should take her eyes off them, Sapphire turned to the kitchen to retrieve the first aid kit. Keeping her face blank, she held in the urge to let out a deep sigh. And here she thought that they were much farther along in their ongoing rift.
"And while you're playing naughty nurse," Joel began getting up from the couch and heading her way. Grabbing a t-shirt that was hanging on the back of a chair, Joel slipped it on over his head.
"Not naughty, just a regular nurse," she interrupted dryly. Grabbing the kit from the cabinet, she turned and speared him with a flat look.
Joel ignored her and turned to the fridge. "I shall cook us all breakfast."
That simple statement broke up the silent battle of wills instantly and both Hayden and Vic stiffened.
"What if you left the cooking to me?" Vic offered, crossing the room quickly to get to the fridge.
Holding a carton of eggs already, Joel looked at Vic and shrugged. "Sure, doesn't matter to me."
Vic took the carton of eggs with a relieved look. Outside a startling clap of thunder shook the air, jolting Sapphire's senses. Around them, the lights and appliances flickered on and off.
"Okay," Joel clapped his hands with a serious expression. He pointed to Vic. "You start cooking," he instructed before looking to Hayden. "And you get patched up and then come with me to put the bikes in the shed. And you, my sweet, go tell Finn and Julie that they can close up shop early for the day. I think it's going to get worse before it gets better and I rather them get home now. And tell Julie, yes, she will get paid for the whole day," he added with a knowing grin.
Everyone nodded, taking their orders.
Adding the last Band-Aid to the longest cut just underneath his brow, Sapphire pressed her lips firmly to Hayden's, enjoying the low vibration of his responding growl before pulling back. She turned to the last Heathen as both Hayden and Joel set off for their tasks.
Cracking an egg on the counter's edge, Vic looked over his shoulder and threw her a smirk. "Angel?" he questioned, seeing her pause with the bottle of gel in her hand.
Looking over her own shoulder, she assured herself that they were alone. She turned back to him and his brow creased with worry at the tension on her face.
Hesitantly she began. "Do you think things are getting better? I mean with you and Hayden…I mean with the four of us and all."
Understanding softened his expression just for a moment. A cloud of what could be doubt drifted over his eyes and he looked down at the bowl of gloopy eggs.
"I think so." His shoulder straightened and she could see his shoulder blades move underneath his shirt.
She wanted to say something else, to press him further on the topic but she stopped herself. Outside the rain poured against the windows and occasional thunder shook the air. Today felt like a free day carved out just for them. No school, no work, everything just pausing for once in a world full of to-do lists and deadlines. She wanted to enjoy it, not spoil it with worry.
Letting go of the doubt, she smiled and stepped closer. "Lean down a bit for me," she whispered.
Obediently Vic leaned over, staying still as her gel-covered fingers smeared over the bruise at his eye and the one near his jaw.
Vic kept his eyes open and watched her intently.
