Page 74 of Falling Back to You

Or maybe it’s because he’s someone you care about.

There was always that.

The routine motions of steeping tea settled my nerves, and the lemon balm with a hint of honey would help. I’d just swallowed the last sip when a soft knock came at the front door.

Cal’s face was pinched with pain as the door swung open. “Hey.”

I grabbed his arm. “What did the X-rays say?”

He shrugged awkwardly, given the crutches under his arms. “Nothing’s broken. I’m all taped and stitched up, but I’ll be off for a week or so. A little bit of physio and I’ll be good to go.” He grinned. “Can’t keep me down long.”

Relief coursed through me so fast I sagged against the doorframe. “That’s good news.”

Cal eyed me with concern. “You okay, Elle?”

“I’m fine.” Apart from the ridiculous swell of tears trying to escape their confines. “Khia just fell asleep. Do you want me to carry her up to the house? Or she can stay if that’s easier.”

“Do you mind if she stays overnight? I’d hate to wake her.”

“Not a problem.” I glanced at the truck idling in front of the cottage. “Did someone drive you?”

“Yeah, Myles. He’ll get me sorted.”

“Anything I can do?”

Cal shook his head. “Thanks for all you’ve done. With Khia.”

“Of course.”

The tension between us was palpable in the dim porch light. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I gave in to the urge to hug him. I slid my arms around his shoulders and squeezed. He couldn’t hug me back with the crutches, but that was okay.

I needed to know he was in one piece. Know he was really okay.

It was quick. Just enough to feel his strong build and convince my overwhelmed brain he was indeed fine. I stepped back, cheeks hot. “I’ll let you go. You need to rest. It’s the best medicine. And don’t use heat or ice longer than twenty minutes.”

A faint smile tugged Cal’s lips. “Thank you, doctor.” He turned to leave but paused before the single step. “Hey, Elle? I definitely could have used your brand of distraction with the stitches tonight.”

I gaped at him.

And the man had the audacity to wink at me before hobbling away.

Cal

“Don’t say it,” I grunted, pulling myself into the passenger seat of Myles’s truck. It was decidedly ungraceful, and I flopped like a beached whale. Thankfully, Noelle had already gone inside so she didn’t witness my humiliation.

Myles, however, grinned in the cab light. “Did I say anything?”

“Didn’t have to. You looked it.”

“Pain makes you churlish.”

“Was that the word of the day, Mr. Thesaurus?” I glared at him, but he only chuckled and pulled farther up the driveway to the main house. We sat in silence for a minute after he parked.

Myles broke the stillness. “What are you going to do?”

“About hockey? Oh, you know, sit on the bench and watch you oafs fumble your way around without me.”

“Jules is right. Your ego is alarming.” Myles huffed. “But you know what I meant.”