She might mind, however.
Sean wasn’t going to do or say anything to upset Zoe. That included keeping his fantasy about her wearing a sexy nurse costume to himself. He still couldn’t believe she was going to take care of him. Granted, he was paying her well, but not many people would interrupt their travel plans for a total stranger. Even fewer would pretend to be his girlfriend. He knew she’d been close to saying no. Thank goodness she hadn’t. Sean hated to think how this situation would have played out without Zoe around. He would probably be settling in at his parents’ house instead of his own home.
He wavered slightly and clutched the handles of the walker.
Concern clouded his mom’s eyes. “You look pale.”
Sean took another step. “I just need to get used to the walker.”
“Take your time.”
As if he had any other choice.
Slowly, molasses-in-January slowly, he made his way across the floor. The walker made a lot of noise. Maybe it was him with all the herky-jerky movement.
Finally, he reached the leather couch, turned around and sat. He settled back against the cushions. This would be his bed until he could negotiate the stairs safely. Too bad he hadn’t put a bedroom on the main floor when he designed the house. At least the couch was comfortable and the television nearby.
His mother hovered over him. “Let’s get that jacket off before you get too warm.”
He unzipped his fleece and shrugged out of it himself. “I appreciate the help, Mom, but my leg’s broken, not my hand.”
“I’ll hang up your jacket and get you a glass of water.” She took the coat and tucked it under her arm while she nudged the ottoman closer with her foot. “Elevate your legs.”
A minute later, Sean watched her in the kitchen. She filled a glass with filtered water from the stainless-steel refrigerator, one of those French door types with the freezer on the bottom his cousin Mary Sue had suggested.
“Do you need anything else?” Connie asked.
Sean couldn’t remember the last time he’d needed someone to get him a glass of water. He was coming to realize how little he could do on his own right now with his injuries and the pain medication. “No thanks, Mom.”
She handed him the cup of water. “I don’t mind.”
But he did.
Sean took a sip and placed the glass on the end table. He heard the front door open, footsteps, voices.
Zoe.
Relief flooded him. Many women had walked into his house the same way, but none made him smile like Zoe. “Hey,” he said.
“Hi.” Zoe hesitated a moment before crossing the great room to stand in front of him. Leaning over, she brushed her lips over his in an awkward yet thoughtful gesture.
For his parents’ sake, he realized with a stab of regret.
“How does it feel to be home?” she asked.
“Good.” He cleared his dry throat. “Especially now that you’re here.”
Sean noticed the pleased glances exchanged by his parents. Funny thing was he wasn’t pretending. He’d meant what he said.
Zoe smiled. “I’m happy to be here.”
Yet he knew she wasn’t as happy as he was at the moment. How could she be?
That made him feel…strange. Truth was, he needed Zoe more than she needed him. He didn’t like being in that position. Sean adjusted his legs on the ottoman.
“You need pillows,” Connie said. “Zoe, dear, run and get Sean some pillows.”
Zoe’s startled gaze met his.
Pillows, he realized. She wouldn’t know where the pillows were. She had no idea where anything was.
“Take the pillows off my bed. The blue ones,” he said. Would that be enough of a hint?
“Oh, right.” Gratitude filled her no longer panicked eyes. “Sorry, I’m a little tired.”
“You were up all night,” Hank said. “You should be tired. I’m surprised you didn’t nap on the drive home.”
“I enjoyed talking with you,” she said.
Sean wondered what they’d talked about.
“I’ll come with you, Zoe,” Connie offered. “We can put your backpack in Sean’s room.”
Zoe’s panicked expression returned, only this time she looked more uncomfortable than ever. “I, uh, can do it.”
“I want to help,” Connie said. “As Hank said, you’re tired.”
Sean inhaled sharply.
His mother was only trying to be open-minded. Modern. It was endearing, yet annoying since the one place Zoe wouldn’t be sleeping was his room. He liked the thought of her in his bed, but she looked thoroughly embarrassed with her pink cheeks. “Zoe’s staying in the guest bedroom, Mom.”
Connie looked between him and Zoe. “Honey, there’s no reason to pretend with us. You’re both old enough to decide—”
“Guest bedroom.”
His mother hesitated.
Hank picked up the backpack. “I’ll take it upstairs.”
“I’ll get the pillows.” The words were barely out of Zoe’s mouth before she sprinted up the stairs.
Connie stared at Sean strangely. “You and Zoe—”
“She’s not like other women, Mom,” Sean admitted.
“I see that.” Amusement and warmth reflected in his mother’s eyes. “You know you’re going to need help bathing.”
He couldn’t believe he was having this conversation. “We’ve got it covered, Mom.”
“Your dad could always help.”
Sean nodded, though sponge baths played a big role in his Nurse Zoe fantasy.
Connie opened the refrigerator. “Aunt Vera made you a casserole. I’ll stick it in the oven for Zoe.”
“Thanks, Mom.” He remembered what she had said about her lack of cooking skills. “That will be really helpful since Zoe’s so tired.”
And he was hungry for something other than hospital food.
As his mother put the pan into the oven, Sean leaned his head back. The interviews, coming home. He was wiped out.
Zoe returned downstairs with her arms full of pillows. “Here you go.”
Sean straightened. He could only see her jean-clad legs. Not a bad view actually. “I didn’t realize I had that many pillows.”
“I wasn’t sure how many you needed,” she said. “You might like a couple for your back so you don’t get uncomfortable.”
He smiled, knowing he could get away with more with his parents here. “That’s what back massages are for.”
“Massages, huh?” Zoe asked.
“Unless a sponge bath sounds better,” Sean teased. He noticed his mother watching with interest. He’d behave when they were alone, but he would take advantage of their “relationship” when they were with his family and friends. A fair deal, he decided.
Zoe set all but one of the pillows on the couch next to him. She eyed him warily. “I’m hanging on to this in case I need to keep you in line.”
“You wouldn’t hit an injured man.”
She narrowed her eyes playfully. “Are you willing to take that chance?”
Most definitely. He winked. “I can’t forget about Popcorn.”
Zoe blushed and lowered the pillow.
“Do you want some popcorn, Sean?” his mom asked. “No, thanks.”
“You don’t play fair,” Zoe whispered.
“I do when the odds are more even.”
“When will that be?”
“Soon.” He hoped.
As Zoe carefully placed pillows under his feet, his mother watched them. More than once she started to speak, but changed her mind. Sean felt as if he was fifteen again and bringing a girl home after school. It wasn’t a good feeling.
“The timer will go off when Aunt Vera’s casserole is ready,” Connie announced. “I’ll just get a salad and a couple of sides—”
“Come on, honey,” Hank interrupted. “We’ve done our job here. It’s time to go home and let the kids handle this.”
Connie’s gaze drifted to Sean. “But—”
“We’ll be fine, Mom.”
“He’s in good hands, honey,” his dad said gently.
Hank put his arm around Connie and led her to the door. She glanced back. “Call if you need anything.”
“We will,” Sean said.
His dad practically dragged her out of the house. The door slammed with a resounding thud.
“We’re finally alone,” Sean said.
“Massage or sponge bath?” Zoe teased.
His pulse picked up speed. “Can I have both?”
Mischief twinkled in her eyes. “If you’re good.”
“Oh, I’m very good.”
“I’m sure you are.” Zoe shielded herself with a pillow. “But don’t forget I’m armed and mobile so watch out.”
He smiled. “Trust me, I’m watching.”
That was one homebound activity he was looking forward to.
She glanced toward the front door, her lips pressed together. “Do you think your parents are gone?”
The worry in her voice made him realize her flirting and playfulness had all been an act. Disappointed, he leaned against the couch. “They won’t be back tonight. Relax. Make yourself at home.”
She set the pillow on the couch. “Your house is lovely. Craftsman-style?”
He nodded.
“All the wood, glass, openness.” She looked around. “The architecture fits the setting perfectly.”
“Thanks.” Sean was happy she liked the house. He patted the cushion next to him. “Sit.”
She did.
“You did great,” he said.
Zoe rolled her eyes. “Except for the pillows.”
“Not a problem,” he said. “People see what they want to see.”
“What do your parents want to see?” Zoe asked.
“Grandchildren.”
“So that explains why Connie wanted to put my backpack in your room.”
“I’m not sure what explanation I have for that since she’d prefer a wedding to come first.”
“Experience?”
He looked at her blankly.
“Lulu, Chelsea, Grace.”
Sean wasn’t going to touch that one. He didn’t want to sound like a player. “My mom likes you.”
“I like her.” Zoe’s eyes softened. “Connie loves you a lot. So does your dad.”
“I know,” Sean admitted. “They might drive me crazy, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
“The feeling’s mutual.”
Sean shrugged. “Unfortunately for them.”
Zoe laughed. “You’re not that bad.”
“Guess you’ll find out.”
She tilted her chin. “I’m looking forward to it.”
So was he, Sean realized. A lot more than he should be.
CHAPTER FIVE
THE NEXT morning, gray light filtered through large wood-framed windows along the back wall of the house. Zoe yawned as she walked down the stairs. Afraid she might miss giving Sean his medication on time, she’d hardly slept. She hadn’t wanted to make a mistake.
This was her first job. Zoe wouldn’t let Sean down, or herself. So what if she was a little sleepy? She would grab a nap once Sean was awake and fed. That was why she hadn’t changed out of her pajamas.
As Zoe stepped from the carpeted stair to the hardwood floor, she winced from the cold. It wasn’t just the floor underneath her bare feet. The air temperature felt ten degrees cooler. She needed to adjust the thermometer. The last thing Sean needed was to catch a cold.
He lay asleep on the couch.
Zoe studied him.
The dawning light streamed down on his hair. His facial stubble made him look more rugged. His legs, elevated on pillows, were no longer covered. The blanket pooled on his chest. Still handsome, but he also looked a little…helpless.
She felt a pang.
Who was she kidding? He was helpless. Sean really needed someone. He needed her. The thought both pleased and terrified her at the same time.
She hadn’t understood how much assistance he needed until helping him into the bathroom yesterday. Maneuvering his heavy, muscular body and the walker into the small space and waiting on the opposite side of the door for him to finish or call for help had been the definition of awkward. Sean had been even more embarrassed than her. The next time had been easier, but no less uncomfortable. Maybe in another day or so it would feel normal.
Zoe sure hoped so. She wanted Sean to feel normal again.
She’d never broken a bone in her body. She imagined it hurt both physically from the pain and emotionally due to the limitations forced upon a person. The limits had to be the hardest thing for Sean. Or would be shortly. He didn’t seem like the type of guy to sit around all day. Last night, he’d almost damaged the remote channel-surfing to find something—anything—he was interested in watching.
She would have to keep him entertained, but how?
Zoe loved to snowboard. She worked out doing Zumba and Pilates, too. She was a decent athlete, but not the caliber of Sean, who climbed mountains and rescued people. Making his life during recovery less boring was going to be difficult. Her typical activities, at least before her banishment, had been shopping, dancing and partying.
What was she going to talk to him about? Suggest they do to keep him from getting restless being off his feet?
A lump the size of her Hermès coin purse formed in Zoe’s throat. She took a deep, calming breath.
No reason to panic. Freaking out wouldn’t help her get the job done. She shouldn’t get ahead of herself. One day at a time. All she needed was a plan for this morning. She quickly decided what she should do: check on Sean, brew a pot of coffee and fix breakfast, give him his medicine, help him clean up and feed him. The only iffy thing was breakfast. Everything else she could handle. Even a sponge bath if that was what he needed.
A sponge bath.
The thought of touching a nearly naked Sean with a soapy sponge raised her temperature by fifteen degrees. She noticed the dark hair covering his leg and imagined running the palm of her hand over it.
What was she thinking?
Sean was her patient, her responsibility. Nothing more.
With her resolve and plan firmly in place, she walked quietly to the couch. Zoe adjusted the blanket so Sean’s legs were covered. She expected him to bolt upright, but he didn’t stir.
His eyes remained closed, his breathing even. The almost serene expression on his face made him look a decade younger, even with the appealing stubble. So handsome. She fought the urge to brush the hair hanging over his eye. No way did she want to risk waking him up and having to explain her actions.
Slowly, quietly, she backed away from him.
He continued sleeping.
See, Zoe told herself, her confidence gaining a needed boost. She could handle this.
In the kitchen, she checked the sheet of paper listing the doses of medication she’d given Sean. She still had time before his next round.
She had looked inside the cupboards last night so knew where to find the coffeemaker, filters and coffee. She opened a new package of coffee, scooped the already ground French roast beans into the filter, poured in the water and turned on the machine.
As the coffee brewed, Zoe stood at the kitchen island trying to figure out what to fix for breakfast. She glanced at Sean, who continued to sleep soundly.
Something moved in the backyard. She couldn’t tell what, but it looked to be an animal of some sort.
A dog?
Oh, no. Zoe hoped it wasn’t lost. The temperature had plummeted last night. Trying to get a closer look, she leaned over the counter until the granite counter pressed into her abdomen.
Not a dog. A deer. Make that two deer. They pranced across the yard like characters from Bambi come to life.
Excitement rushed through Zoe. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen deer up close.
She raced to the back door, opened it slowly so the noise wouldn’t startle the deer or wake Sea
n and stepped out onto the snow-covered deck.
The cold pierced her bare feet and seeped through her body. Zoe shivered, but she wasn’t about to let the temperature send her back inside with the deer down below in the yard. She crossed her arms in front of her and wiggled her toes.
The scent of pine permeated the cold air. The smell brought back memories of Christmases past, of her father dressing up as Santa Claus and passing out gifts. She had always received the first gift from the large sack, as well as the last.
Tall evergreens, Douglas firs if she wasn’t mistaken, formed an arc around a patch of snow dotted with hoof prints. A deer with velvet-covered antlers nibbled on some sort of vegetation. It might have even been bark.
She gasped in delight. Smiled.
The deer raised its head and looked at her. Its eyes looked cautious, yet bright.
So pretty.
Zoe stood transfixed, holding her breath. This wasn’t something she saw, living in Los Angeles or even back home on the east coast. She was used to living in the city. Walking down Rodeo Drive in stilettos was the definition of hiking in her world. But this…
This was simply beautiful. The fresh air. Wildlife. Snow.
In spite of the cold temperature, warmth flowed through her. She’d forgotten how much she loved the mountains, a place her father had introduced her to before she could walk.
The setting here in Sean’s backyard reminded Zoe of something out of a holiday movie. People in Hood Hamlet must feel like it was Christmas all winter long here. That must be so nice.
The deer broke eye contact and continued to chew. A doe, however, edged toward the trees, but stayed within sight.
Zoe watched in awe as the two explored the yard and ate. She couldn’t believe she was experiencing this in person on Mount Hood and not sitting on the couch watching the scene unfold on the Animal Planet channel.
Talk about special.
As if on cue, large, fluffy snowflakes fell from the sky, spinning and dancing in their own choreography. Laughing, she raised her palms and caught an intricate flake. It melted almost on contact. Undeterred, she stuck out her tongue to catch another.
One landed in her mouth.
Nature’s own snowcone. No flavoring needed.
Christmas Magic on the Mountain Page 7
