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I knew last night that I’d over done it on the prosthesis while suffering a twisted knee. It doesn’t happen often but, when it does, it can be a couple of days before the swelling goes down, depending on how badly my leg is affected. I can usually manage as long as I rest up some.
Because of my leg, Savannah had insisted on getting a cab back to her place, which hadn’t sat well with me. I’d brought her here, so it should have been me taking her home. It’s something that is now going to niggle at the back of my mind until I’ve corrected it.
She was right that I’d needed to rest, but my truck is automatic transmission and I don’t need two legs to drive it.
I guess the kiss she placed to my cheek before she left replaced the wound that I felt at her refusal to have me drive her.
If I wasn’t in my thirties, and was still a teenager, I’d doubt that I’d have washed my cheek for a week—a month even.
Gah!
My fucking leg.
For two years, I’ve refused to take painkillers. When I’d first been injured, I took them every chance I had…even when I wasn’t hurting. They were strong fuckers and gave me a buzz before knocking me out completely. They were the perfect way to avoid life and everything I was feeling. All I had to do was add alcohol into the mix and then I was numb. I don’t ever want to go back to that place—ever. If it weren’t for Ryder, and eventually my parents, I’d still be there in that place—in that addiction.
Ryder had bullied me and wouldn’t stop until he got his way. I was a sad excuse for an older brother, someone who was supposed to set an example for him. Yeah, he was the one who shouted the loudest.
And now, after five years, I’ve finally found another reason to get out of bed every day, and this one actually makes my heart feel lighter and puts a smile on my face. If Ryder were to ever catch me, he’d have ammunition to ride my ass for the rest of my life. I don’t really give a shit, because I’m determined to have Savannah.
Last night we’d avoided talking about her relationship with Richard. It had been on the tip of my tongue at first, and then we’d gotten so lost in our conversation that he’d left my thoughts. My mind and the moment were all centered on the woman in my arms. She’d felt damn good in them, resting against me. We’d practically been lying on the sofa by the time we’d realized so much time had passed.
It had hurt to let her go when all I wanted was for her to stay with me.
I don’t know how she’s gotten under my skin the way she has, but I have a feeling that she’s there to stay.
Although I’ve never been known to keep my mouth shut, I’ll admit that I’m afraid of asking what she’s going to do about Richard. There’s no way she can stay with him when it’s obvious she has feelings for me.
What I’d give to have her naked in my bed with her red hair spread around her like a halo.
Gah, time to get up.
Inhaling, I swing my legs over the si
de of the bed, and let out a shaky breath of pain that I’m still feeling. I was hoping it would subside with my distracted thoughts.
I should have known better.
Pushing myself up, I reach for the crutches, clench my teeth together and head to the bathroom before I go and get some ice.
The story of my life.
* * * * *
My brother’s roadhouse is always busy around lunchtime, and today is no exception. I’m so damn proud of him and what he’s accomplished. I’ve apologized to him on more than one occasion for my harsh words when he’d asked my opinion about this venture. I still wasn’t in such a good place back then, but my words were cruel and I wish that I could take them back.
I haven’t visited him here all that often because he’s always come to me, but that’s going to change.
Who’d have thought that my little brother would settle down and start a family before me? It still feels slightly strange, but I’m truly happy for him.
Out of the crowd, I spot Ryder coming toward me with a grin on his face and his eyes sparkling with happiness. He’s definitely happy that I’m here and so am I...I should come more often.
“You okay?” He frowns.
“I’m good or, at least, I will be when the swelling goes down.”
“Shouldn’t you be resting? I mean, doesn’t your leg need elevating or something?” He waves his arms around toward my legs.
“Ryder, I’m fine.” I lightly punch him in the arm. “Now, lead the way to your beautiful wife and baby.”
