Page 50 of Nicole's Shelter

“Bet it does. I promise not to let it get away.” He tucked her hand around his arm. The heat of his skin and the strong muscles under her fingers made her breath catch, but his voice was all business. “We’re going forward about three paces and then we’ll turn right into the hallway.”

“Got it.” She shuffled her feet, wondering if she was really leaning to the right or if it only felt that way.

“Want Doc to find a wheelchair?”

“No.” She could manage this with a little dignity.

“Then relax. I won’t let you fall.”

She knew he wouldn’t, but her head and disjointed senses didn’t want to cooperate. It was a relief when he paused.

“We’re at the door. I haven’t counted this off yet, so try to walk normally until I say stop.”

He walked forward slowly and as her senses settled, she couldn’t help but notice the way they moved together. Her long legs were a close match to his natural stride. Stopping on his command, she felt the air change as he guided her through the doorway.

“Is it sunny in here?”

“Can you see something already?”

“No, but it feels warmer if that makes sense.”

“You’re right. There’s a big window and lots of afternoon light coming through.”

She laughed. “Oscar would be thrilled. He loved to bask in the afternoons.”

“Is that the iguana?”

“Yeah, sorry. Just had a mental image.”

“No problem.” She heard the door close. “I, ah, can help you change or grab Doc before he heads out.”

“Out?”

“Hospital rounds he said.”

“You can help if you don’t mind the hassle.” A little surge of anticipation pulsed through her bloodstream. “It’s nothing you haven’t seen already.” A study in casual, that was her. Not.

“All right.”

She tugged at the jeans, hearing the series of soft pops as the button fly fell open, hesitating when Rick cleared his throat. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” His hands gripped her upper arms. “Just back up a step. There. Feel the bed behind you?”

She nodded, her mouth dry as she pushed the jeans over her hips. Being blind, relying on her other senses only elevated her desire, giving her an acute awareness of every action and reaction inside and outside her body.

This wasn’t the time to be focused on her attraction to him, but she couldn’t shut off her feelings and she was afraid to try and ignore her other senses.

“I’ve seen this before.” He must have knelt in front of her as his voice sounded from a lower point. “The blindness I mean,” he added in a rush.

Her curiosity piqued, she asked him about it as he peeled off her socks and guided her feet into the scrub pants. “What happened?”

“Not much different from what happened to you. A hard impact to the back of the head and basically the brain goes on the defensive.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“When it happened to Bart, I got stuck hauling his enormous backside out of the action.” He paused when she laughed. “You shouldn’t worry. I’ve seen plenty of concussions too, which is why Doc left you in my capable hands.”

The image that evoked, of her body hot and pliant under his touch, made her glad for the support of the bed. “Thanks.”

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