Chapter 19
Parker
I knew there was a part of him that wasn’t going to be happy. He was going to be pissed, actually. However, it was a necessary evil. When the phone rang, and Tony told Connor he had a visitor first thing in the morning, I thought I lost my chance to tell him. However, when Rob waltzed into the apartment and let the elevator doors close, I knew I had a little bit more time.
“Morning peoples,” Rob said with his arms wide open like his presence was enough to save the day and cure Connor all at the same time.
“What are you doing in New York?” I asked Rob while watching Connor sip his coffee.
“I told you, hot-shot, here offered me a job. I spoke to Ryan when he was in Florida and we spoke again yesterday after Connor called me.”
I looked at my man sitting at the little table in front of the sofa eating his toast. “You called Rob yesterday? When were you going to tell me?”
“I didn’t mean not to tell you but come on…this is about business. Not us.”
Well, he had a point. And I felt less worried about what I haven’t told him yet. “Speaking of telling each other things…”
“What?” his head whipped up to look at me.
“Your physical therapist will be here in about an hour. So, eat up and talk business. I’m going to shower.” I tossed the hand towel onto the island and walked back to Connor’s room…our room. That had a beautiful ring to it.
I could hear Connor protesting from the living room and Rob trying to calm him down. By the time I finished my shower I could tell he was still talking about it, but not as loudly. I grabbed a towel to finish drying my head when Connor started yelling for me.
“Parker, I heard the water turn off. Get your ass out here.”
By the time I made it to the living room he was attempting to get up off the sofa. He had one crutch in front of him with both hands on the handle. Rob was standing nearby offering help that Connor wasn’t accepting.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I tossed the towel and ran to him bracing him as he stood. “Rob, grab that.” I pointed to the other crutch laying on the floor. He picked it up and handed it to me, but Connor snatched it from him first.
“What do you mean I have physical therapy?”
“Don’t worry. I have it under good authority that the therapist is very professional and discreet.”
“I still want to know when you decided this. And where am I going?”
The elevator pinged and we all looked up at the doors at the same time as they started to open. “You’re not going anywhere. He is coming here,” I said as the physical therapist from Daytona Hospital stepped off the lift.
“Luke?”
“You’re on a first name basis after one visit?” I asked Connor, and he just glared at me.
“That’s my fault. I insist all my patients call me by my first name. It eases the tension and puts us on level ground.” He dropped his bag next to where he stood and ran a hand through his thick blonde hair. I was almost beginning to second guess my decision about bringing him to New York.
“Are you opposed to signing an NDA?” Connor asked, a multitude of emotions skimming the surface.
“Babe, he’s already agreed.” I caressed Connor’s face to calm him. “He’s going to work with you here. You don’t have to go to the hospital. Dr. Stevens called your doctor yesterday, and they worked it out. Both doctors will get reports on your progress.”
Connor visibly relaxed. The tension in his jaw and shoulders slacked, and he looked past me to Luke. “Fine. As long as I don’t have to go to the hospital.”
“That’s my guy. Now, why don’t you and Luke get to work, and I’m going to make Rob come with me to the medical store.”
Connor looked over at me then. “For what?”
Luke stepped forward with a binder in hand and began explaining. “You’re going to need some things around your place to help you. Not to mention some basic therapy tools.”
“For one, you need a shower chair,” I told him.
“Oh, well I didn’t think we did too bad last night.”
“Dudes, we don’t need a play by play,” Rob said heading to the elevator, which was still open.
“Okay, big man. Let’s go.” I kissed Connor and grabbed Rob by the arm and tossed him inside the lift. “We’ll be back in an hour.” The door closed between. All I could do was smile at the stern look still on Connor’s face.
I didn’t call for a car, so Rob and I took his. He drove while I checked out the list of things we needed for the apartment. It would only be a few weeks until Connor would be able to do things on his own again, so I wasn’t going to go all out. However, I did want to get a few things that he would need. A shower chair and handrail for when I couldn’t hold him up and bathe him, and Luke mentioned before we left the hospital that we should have a medical ball on hand and a few weights. I didn’t know if Connor had a weight room in his place like we used to, so I grabbed the ankle weights.
I’d been so focused on what I had to pick up, that I’d barely said two words to Rob on the ride over or while we shopped. When we got back in his car, I started to relax a bit and looked over at him. The guy seemed nervous. His biceps were flexing as if he were tightening and loosening his grip on the steering wheel. His tattoos were bouncing with the movement.
“Something got you rattled?” I asked looking back at the road in front of us.
“No, not really. Did you get everything?”
“I did, and I see Connor has taught you the art of deflection. Though he should have warned you…I’m a master at breaking through.”
“No idea what you’re saying, man.”
“Come on, Rob. What’s got you so nervous?”
“It’s nothing. I’m just supposed to head over to the shop and speak with Ryan. Do some paperwork or some shit.”
“Oh? I thought you were looking forward to working with Connor?”
Rob shifted in his seat and rubbed his face with a cloth. For somebody who lived in Florida most of his life, he sure was sweating a lot for being in New York’s spring air. “I am. That’s not the problem.” He shifted again and pushed his fist against his thigh. I felt very uncomfortable noticing he was trying to rub away a hard-on.
“Listen, Rob…I don’t know what you’re thinking, but Connor and I…”
“No!” Rob put up a hand as quickly as he could, “that’s not it…At. All. No, I’m not…I mean you’re okay, but not my type, not really. No.” He kept repeating the word shaking his head.
The car pulled into the parking lot, and Rob killed the engine. “Fuck, I’m sorry. I thought with…”
“No, I get it. I just…Damn it,” he punched the steering wheel. “I haven’t had a crush on anyone in ten years, and even then, I was drunk more than half the time. That calmed the nerves more than you know.” He shook his head again. “Ryan. He’s just…”
“Oh, damn. Bro, you got a thing for Ryan. Shit…sorry, but really? Ryan?”
“Yup, go ahead…poke at the growing wound in my chest,” he pulled the handle to open the door. I got out of the car, grabbing the bags and followed Rob to the building. I seized ahold of his arm to stop him before he opened the lobby door. “Wait, Rob. I’m sorry, that was insensitive. Ryan is a good guy. I’ve just never seen him that way before. That’s all.”
“I guess I get that. You’ve all known each other for so long, I forget that.”
“Yeah, Ryan was always the one we picked on. He’s always been an easy target.” I realized I still had a hand on Rob’s arm and let it drop to my side. “He’s a great guy. You should tell him.”
“Oh no,” he pushed the door open and walked inside, pushing the button for the elevator. “I think I’ll just keep that shit to myself. You better too.”
“Scouts honor.” I put my hand up in salute.
Rob slapped my hand and got on the elevator. Even before the doors were level with the top floor, I could hear Connor yelling.
>
“What the fuck, Luke?” The doors opened, and Connor looked like he’d fallen face first on the floor. I dropped the bags near the elevator door and rushed to his side.
“What’s going on?”
“No, don’t help him. He needs to do it himself.”
Not wanting to get in the way of Luke doing his job I just sat there. Connor was red in the face but didn’t look hurt. He just looked pissed off. “What kind of therapy is this?” Looking at Connor broke my heart. I wanted to help him but couldn’t figure out how to.
“He tried to punch me and fell on his ass. Then rolled over to grab his crutches. He needs to figure out how to get off the floor without the use of his leg or his crutches. If it happens while he’s alone, he’ll be better prepared.”
“What is all this alone, shit. Parker is here.”
Luke looked down at him clearly frustrated, “Yes, but there will be times when he’s not. He just left. If I weren’t here, you would have been alone. Then what?”
“He’d lay there till Parker got back,” Rob said in a fit of hysterics, and I kicked him from my position on the floor. “Okay, well as much as I would love to hang out and see where this goes, I’m out. Gotta sign some papers at the shop.”
“Later, Rob.”
“Fucking help me off the floor.” Connor was still struggling. His ribs and collar bone were still sore, which couldn’t have helped matters.”
“Connor, babe…roll to your back.” He did, and Luke gave me a dirty look. “Fuck you, dude. I’m not going to watch him struggle. He has more going on than a bad leg.” I placed an arm around his back, “now sit up. I’ve got you.”
“Fine, that’s enough for today,” Luke started packing his gear once Connor was sitting. “But those bones are healed too. He should be able to support himself enough to do a few chin-ups.”
“Chin-ups? Are you out of your mind? I haven’t had to lift myself, let alone do chin-ups. I’ve been confined to a hospital bed. See, Parker…they should have just let me come home. I’d be walking already.”
“If you don’t follow my instructions and do the stretches, I taught you today, you’ll walk. However, if you ever want that leg healed and strengthened enough to get back on a bike, you’ll do as your told.”
“What are you talking about?” That got Connor’s attention. This guy was good.
“I’m saying that if you don’t strengthen that leg the right way, it will always give you trouble. So much trouble that you won’t be able to support the weight of your own motorcycle, never mind a bigger custom order. Same for the shoulder and collar bone.”
“You’re saying it might always hurt?” Connor looked dumbfounded.
“That’s what I’m saying. Do thirty minutes a day, every day. I’ll be back tomorrow. Same time work for you?”
“Yeah, sure,” Connor said as the elevator doors began to close, and Luke disappeared. “You could have helped me. You didn’t have to listen to him. I’m your boyfriend, and you just left me on my face.”
“I know, but I’ve had to do PT before. If you don’t work the program the right way, then it won’t work.” I’ve been through so many unwanted therapy sessions, physical and mental, that I didn’t want to endure. I knew once Connor started doing it, he’d hate everything about it. Once the therapy begins to do its job, he’ll be happier for it.
“I didn’t know I might not be able to ride. Shit…”
“I’ll help you. You’ll get better, and this will all just be a distant memory.”
“Yeah, added to the bank of them that I can’t seem to forget.” He pushed up on his good leg with crutches in hand and went towards the bedroom.
Instead of dwelling on what he said I started to empty the bags and install a few handrails around the apartment. I knew his words were coming from anger and he didn’t mean them but dam it if they didn’t still hurt like hell.
Chapter 20
Connor
It wasn’t fair of me to keep bringing up the past, and I knew every time I did it, that it was like a knife to Parker’s heart. But we still haven’t really spoken much about what we’re doing. We reconnected before the accident, and now he’s stuck caring for a man who can’t even bathe himself. I wouldn’t hold it against him if he walked out the door and never looked back. So, I guess in a way, Luke was right. There could be a time when Parker might not be here with me. I just didn’t know if I was being greedy by not telling him he could go. I wanted him to stay, but more than that I wanted him to want to stay.
He followed me into the bedroom after about twenty minutes. I knew he was worried. I saw some video footage on television of the accident. Let’s just say it was a good thing I didn’t need my car again afterward. It looked like it was well beyond repair. That sucked ass. I was going to park it in the middle of the showroom floor at Fast and Loud as a conversation piece.
“Never ride again. I don’t think I could handle that.” I said staring at the leg that was now my nemesis. “I’ve been riding since I was twelve.”
“I know, babe. I’m sorry, but this is how it is. You must do the work. If you do, you’ll be able to ride and everything else you’ve done before. I know PT sucks, but you have to stick with it.”
“Great. Kinda like rehab?” I didn’t think before I said it. I looked up to see Parker backtracking out of the room. “Hey, stop. I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just…it sucks.”
“I know.” He came back and sat on the end of the bed.
“It’s nice of you to help me. You do know you don’t have to, right?” Subtlety not being my strong suit, I blurted it so fast I doubt he knew what I said. Although, I forgot Parker knew me better than anyone.
“Yeah, I saw that coming too. The injured complex is what the guys and I call it. You’re going to push at me to get me to leave, because who says I signed up for this…right? It’s a natural reaction to getting injured and feeling down on yourself during therapy. Also, the other apartment opened up, and I thought I might take it.”
“Okay…wait…what the fuck?”
He sat there grinning and then did his usual open mouth laugh. It was throaty, loud, and his hand smacked his leg. The fucker found himself amusing. “Oh, the look on your face,” with a clearing of his throat he calmed down.
There was a smile on my face. A bright contrast to what I was feeling, and he knew it. I’d forgotten how he could get under my skin one moment and then have me laughing against my better judgment the next.
“Fuck-nut.” It was weak, but I managed to slap him in the chest before he jumped from the bed.
“Do you honestly think I would leave you just because you’re a little bruised? You’re such an ass, and totally deserved that.” His smile was infectious. He didn’t just smile with his lips, but with his entire face.
“I’m an ass? I’m the one…”
“Yes, you’re the one,” he cut me off and his face relaxed as he moved down to the floor in front of me. “You are the one, Connor. I knew that ten years ago, and I know that now. Being a little banged up isn’t going to change that for me. But since I’m still waiting on you to say the words, I’m letting you work this out for yourself. I can wait, but I refuse to be thought of as a passerby. If you need more proof…I called the moving company, and I’m having everything I own delivered here next week.”
“You are?”
“Yup.”
“Why don’t you ever discuss things before you just do it? You’ve always been that way.” It was my turn to make him squirm. “Just like Prom. You ordered the suits and bought tickets before you asked me to go.”
“Because I knew you would want to go.”
“No, you knew my family didn’t have the money for all that, and if you already had it, I couldn’t say no. And of course, I wanted to go.”
“Fine, then…is it okay to have my belongings brought here?”
“I don’t know.” My crutches made a weird sound as I moved from the bed. Since getting around was becoming easier t
o do. I made my way down the hall before he caught up with me.
“What do you mean you don’t know?”
“Just that. I don’t know. We haven’t discussed living arrangements yet.”
“What’s to discuss?” he stopped at the island, and I headed out to the balcony. “Hey, I don’t think you should be out there.”
“Why, do you think I’m going to trip and fall over the railing?” The seat closest to the door was as far as I made it. My collarbone was a bit sore from the work out with Luke, and I’d just moved from one end of the house to the other.
“No. Not if you sit there.”
“Glad I could ease your mind.”
“So, what is there to discuss?”
Knowing he was a ball of questions but wasn’t going to ask them, I just sat there. Looking deep in thought. There was some change in him. I could tell he wasn’t going to bombard me or rush me. In the old days, he would have asked five questions at a time and only given me time in between to answer one. I figured that was a sign of the therapy he’d mentioned. There wasn’t much I didn’t know about this man, but I liked finding out there were a few new things to discover.
“I was just thinking we haven’t talked about if we want to stay here or move to the country like we always talked about.”
His shoulders relaxed and the lids of his eyes closed. His shoulders went up and down with a deep breath, and then he slowly opened his eyes. “I’m going to kick your ass when you're better. Matter of fact, I’m going to start keeping track of all the times I want to jump you. Then when you least expect it, I’m going to collect.” His hands rubbed against his thighs.
“What?”
“What? Are you serious right now? You had me thinking you forgot the entire conversation we had in the hospital. Don’t freak me out like that.”
Connor's Achilles (Fast and Loud #1) Page 14
