Page 43 of The Other Side

“Dancing?” Thea laughed. “These legs weren’t dancing before the incident. I don’t think I’ll miraculously figure out how to do it once my ankle heals.”

“Really? I figured you’d be a natural. We open up the dance hall in the evenings sometimes. Maybe you’ll want to give it a try someday.”

Someday? How long would she be here? Until the doctor released her to travel? Long enough to figure out how to get around on her own? Until she could navigate an airport with her luggage?

But the thought of leaving Brett was one she continually pushed from her mind. Things wouldn’t work between them, and it was all too easy to forget that when he was being so nice.

Brett held her tighter to his chest, and the warmth seeped through her thick winter clothes. His strength settled into her bones, calming the anxiety she’d been carrying. If nothing else, his steadfast strength made her want that for herself. She could overcome this setback. She could dedicate herself to healing.

The cabin door burst open as Brett took the first step onto the porch. A young woman with a long ponytail threw her hands in the air.

“You’re here!”

“In the flesh,” Brett said. “You ordered a roommate?”

“I’m Hadley. Welcome home!”

The pull in Thea’s cheek begged for relief from the smile, but there was no way to stop it. She’d have to get used to the screaming bruises on her face if Hadley was going to be so cheerful.

“Thanks for letting me crash here for a little bit,” Thea said.

“I’ve been dying for a roommate,” Hadley said. “Come on in.”

Brett carried Thea inside and walked straight to the couch in the middle of the main room. He lowered her to the seat with amazing gentleness before pulling the worn coffee table closer to her. Hadley grabbed a throw pillow and tossed it to Brett, who positioned it under Thea’s brace.

The place was small, but it had all the makings of a cozy home. Thin curtains hung over the window in the main room, a low fire danced in the fireplace, and an upholstered ottoman overflowing with blankets sat beside the recliner.

Definitely homey.

“You comfy?” Hadley asked.

“So comfy. This is way too much. You definitely don’t have to do anything for me. I can use the crutches.”

Brett snapped his fingers. “I’ll go get your crutches and the bags.”

And he was off again, doing everything for her in the same way he’d been doing for days. She released a heavy sigh as he disappeared out the door.

“I promise I’ll give you some space. I’m just excited to have someone here,” Hadley said as she sat on the coffee table.

“Thanks. I’m grateful for the help, but Brett won’t even give me a chance to do anything for myself.”

“Oh, yeah. Extreme is his default. You know, you can just tell him to ease up. If you don’t, he’ll keep on.”

Thea glanced toward the door where Brett might reappear any moment. “I know. He’s just trying to be helpful, and it's been great having him around when I’m still hurting.”

Hadley shook her head. “I’m so sorry this happened to you. I can’t understand how some people are so cruel.”

“I wish I could say the same,” Thea whispered.

She’d learned a lot about what people were capable of over the years. Some were evil to their core, but others were inherently kind. It was the difference between Uncle Tommy and Brett. They were complete opposites, and Thea’s discernment had gotten a workout over the years. She could generally tell if someone had the potential for hatred or if they knew how to choose good, even when it was the tougher path.

“You’re safe here,” Hadley said. “Brett might be a tad on the intense side, but you can rest assured he’ll do anything to protect you.”

Thea nodded. How had they gotten here? The war between the families had a new team. She and Brett were the enemy of both sides, which made them the easy, vulnerable target.

Brett returned with her crutches, her bag, and the bag Hadley had sent. He closed the door against the cold wind and shivered. “Asa just called. They’ll be here in a minute.”

“The police officer?” Hadley asked.

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