He snatched it from her outstretched arm. "Jake. Take clothes next time if you are going to be doing stuff in your girlfriend's room."
"Hush and thanks."
"All right," Elizabeth laughed. "I'll see you."
"Baby?" Jake entered the room and froze. Stephanie was completely nude, the water washing over her curves as she held herself up in the middle of the shower. Her arms had a slight shake to them, and she obviously didn't hear him as she lifted her face under the spray.
He had never seen such a beautiful creature in all his days. He turned to leave, and she softly called his name. "Yeah, baby?" She lowered herself back down on the bench and slumped forward, cutting off the water. "I forgot a towel."
"I'll get one."
"Thanks, you can take a shower after I get in bed."
"Sounds good."
He helped Stephanie get situated with all her things and went to take a shower himself. When he finished, she was already asleep on her side. Her hair laid dampening her pillow. Her phone was charging on the side table with several more ignored calls from her parents.
She needed to deal with that. And yes, he was hypocritical. He pulled the blanket more squarely on her frame, placed a kiss on her temple, and left her alone. He had a few more emails to answer, and then he was taking something to help him sleep in his office.
Chapter 19
Stephanie took a couple of steps, stopped, and adjusted her grip.
"You doing good, hot stuff?" Matt asked her.
"Right as rain," she gritted out as sweat ran down the side of her face. She took a deep breath before taking another step.
"You can take a break, you know. This is a marathon, not a sprint."
"It's a freaking sprint."
"Why?"
"I only do sprints."
"Stephanie."
"I want to try crutches."
"It's too soon for that."
"I'm paying you, right?"
"I guess technically, yes."
"I want the crutches."
"Yeah, and if you hurt yourself, you could sue me, or better yet, your boyfriend is my boss; he'll fire me. I've already pushed my luck with him."
"I'm not going to sue, and I won't let Jake fire you."
"So, you admit he’s your boyfriend. My work here is done."
"Shut up. You goofball."
Matt laughed as the doors opened, and Elizabeth walked in, looking worried.
"Hey, your, um, there is a boy here who wants to see you. Says he's your brother. He's not on the list."
"Matt, get my chair and roll me there."
"He's sitting in the lobby."
Matt handed her a towel to wipe her face and wheeled her down to the hall.
"Shane?"
"Hi, they wouldn't let me see you."
"Yeah, there's a list." Stephanie looked at Elizabeth. "Put him on the list. You want to follow me to my room?" she asked him.
"I didn't mean to interrupt."
Stephanie waved him off. "Follow me."
Matt helped her into the recliner. "Do you need me to stay?"
"No, I'm good. Thanks."
"Call me. We can finish your appointment later." Matt nodded at her, shot Shane a look, and walked out the door.
"Shane, first off, I want you to know you can visit me anytime. I'm sorry, I didn't think to put you on the list. Secondly, shouldn't you be in school? What grade are you in?"
"I'm a senior. I'm in accelerated classes, and I didn't have any afternoon classes today."
"How old are you?"
"Seventeen."
"I like your hair."
A small smile appeared on his mouth. "Thanks, I play in a rock band."
"What instruments? Do you sing too?"
"All of them, and yes."
"Do you play sports?"
"No."
"I played basketball in college."
"I know. My mom has every newspaper clipping you have ever been in."
"She didn't recognize me."
"She wasn't expecting you. She feels bad she didn't know who you were, although you looked familiar to me; it's been a long time."
"Are you saying I'm old?"
"Ancient," he quipped.
Stephanie grinned at him. "Does your...our mother know you're here?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"She doesn't like me driving this far."
"I probably wouldn't like that either. Would she want you to see me?"
"She wouldn't care. I think she wants to come to see you. I overheard her and dad talking last night."
"I'll put her on the list."
"Are your parents nice? Did you grow up happy?"
Stephanie went silent and let out a shuddering breath. Her little brother was so bright. "Yes. They are the best."
"That's good. My mom has worried that you didn't go to a good home. She has depression sometimes. Usually gets sad around your birthday. Takes her days to get out of it."
"I've been angry at my parents. They didn't tell me I was adopted, and I felt betrayed. Like my life is a lie."
Shane went silent and looked out the window. He bent forward, took his wallet hooked to a chain out of his back pocket, and flipped through his cash. "Would you mind if I bought you lunch? I got paid on Friday."
Stephanie hated to take his money, but it seemed important to him, so she nodded. "Sure, what's your favorite thing?"
"Well, I like pepperoni pizza, burgers, tacos. I'm a growing boy. I like everything. I take that back. Guacamole. No, just no."
"Same. Guac is yuck."
His phone dinged in his pocket, and he took it out to check the message. "It's mom. I have to tell her where I am, or she'll worry."
"Will you get in trouble?"
"No. She'll huff and puff but won't blow anything down."
He texted her back; it dinged immediately, and he grinned. "See?" He held up his phone, showing her a message in all caps. It dinged again. "She said to tell you hi and be careful driving home."
"Tell her hi back."
He texted the message and put it back in his pocket. "Where's the pizza joint?"
"Across the street from the gas station at the end of the street."
"I'll be back. I won't have trouble getting back in, will I?"
"Nope, on the list."
"I'll see you."
Forty-five minutes later, Shane strolled back through the door. His combat boots clomping on the tile alerted her of his presence. "Look, Steph. They had garlic knots." He practically drooled. "I almost got wings too. I regret that decision. I should have."
Stephanie laughed. He laid the pizza box on the bed, opened it up, and rubbed his hands together.
"I have plates and drinks over there."
"Oh, that might help." He got them drinks and handed her a plate with a piece of pizza and some knots. "Do you like ranch or marinara with that? I got both."
"Both, but I mostly do ranch."
"Awesome."
They ate in silence for a while before Shane looked up at his sister.
"What is it?"
"Does it hurt? Did it hurt to get shot? That was rude. You don't have to answer that. I'll shut up."
"It's okay." She wiped her hands on a napkin and took a drink before answering. "I fell unconscious pretty quick. This punch to the face hurt." She pointed to her scar. "Funny story, my friend has a matching one of these."
"That's not funny."
"I guess not. Let me tell you something, Shane. I have to laugh, or I will spend my days crying."
"Do you hurt now?"
"Every day," she answered sadly.
"I'm sorry."
"Me too." She cleared her throat. "Where do you work?"
"I work after school and sometimes on weekends at a gas station. It used to have a working garage attached. But the owner let my friends and I clean it out so our band can practice there."
"That's cool."
"Yeah, he's really nice. Older guy. I'
m surprised he likes our music."
"Do you have a girlfriend?" Stephanie watched his cheeks pink.
"No. That guy with you yesterday. Is he your boyfriend?"
"I think so. Yes. Yes, he is."
"You don't sound so sure."
"We haven't labeled it."
"You need to label it."
"Why?"
"A guy needs to know you're theirs."
"You are wise."
He shrugged a shoulder and stuck a piece of pepperoni in his mouth.
The door opened, and Jake looked around the room. "Hey, guys. What's up?"
Stephanie looked at him and smiled. "Look who came to visit."
"Hi, Shane. Nice to see you again."
Shane wiped his hands on his pants before standing and sticking out a hand to shake. "Nice to see you, too." He looked at his sister. "A doctor? Way to go, sis."
Stephanie blushed, and Jake chuckled. "I was just checking on you. Annie, I'll see you tonight?"
"I have to finish up with Matt."
"Oh, okay. Well, I'll see you. I have to go." He walked over and kissed her before walking out.
"So, maybe you don't need to label it."
Stephanie laughed and wiped at her warming cheeks.
Shane grinned. "Thanks for seeing me. I need to go, though. It gets dark early, and Mom will worry." He gathered the garbage and set it neatly on the counter before walking back over to her.
"Thanks for coming to see me. Please come again, and I don't know, maybe one day, you can visit my house."
"Count on it." He bent toward her and stopped; he seemed unsure. She pushed herself forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, and he hugged her. "Later, sis." His eyes looked watery.
"Bye, bro."
He smiled at her before turning and walking briskly out the door.
She looked over at her phone. No missed calls or messages. Her parents finally had finally gotten the message that she didn't want to talk to them, it seemed. And now she felt like crying.
The first tear tracked down her cheek when Jake entered the room and kneeled in front of her. "What's wrong? Did Shane do something?"
"No. He's great. I always wanted a younger sibling. He's so sweet."
"Then what's the matter?"
"My parents finally stopped calling," she sobbed and fell forward on his shoulder, and he wrapped his arms around her.
"They are staying at your house. Do you want to go over there or have them meet you on neutral ground somewhere?"
"I don't know what I want. Well, besides you. I want you."
"I want you too. Hey." He grabbed her chin and made her look at him when her eyes dropped off his face. "When we finally get to what I want to do to you. It will be so worth the wait."
She bit her lip, and her eyes dropped back to the button of his shirt. "I have to finish with therapy. I need to call Matt."
"Okay, I have a few minutes. The guys started on the kitchen today."
"Is Dylan with them?"
"I didn't see him."
"Okay."
"Do you want to go down and see what they are doing? I can drop you off if Matt's available to finish up with you."
Stephanie nodded, and Jake grabbed her wheelchair.
"Text and wheel."
*******
Stephanie glared at Matt. His jaw was set. "I am not giving you crutches right now. Maybe next week."
"We've been over this."
"Stephanie. Tell me. Did you go to school to be a physical therapist?"
"You know I didn't."
"So maybe, on this one thing, I know better than you."
"As soon as I get my crutches, I'm hitting you over the head with one."
"That is not making me want to give them to you."
Stephanie couldn't help it. She laughed.
Matt grinned at her. "Look, I know you want to hurry this up. I get it, but we don't want to undo the progress you've already made. What if you fell the wrong way?"
"You win. Dammit. You win," she spat.
"One more trip down and then hot tub and meds. And then I'll see you Wednesday."
"Fine."
By the time she made it back down to the end of the line, Stephanie was exhausted and was gladly lying back on a jet that hit her mid-back. Matt was standing in the corner scrolling through his phone. His phone dinged. "I'll be back," he told her and left the room.
The water sloshed as someone entered the tub, and Stephanie's eyes popped open to see Jake's sculpted chest as he slid between her legs. "Hi, baby," he said and placed his hands on her hips under the water.
"How did you get in here?"
"I have a key to the side door."
"Where's Matt?"
"He left."
"Did you make him leave?"
"I strongly suggested it," he answered and moved even closer. "How do you feel?"
"I'm okay for now. I'll take something, I promise. I'm so glad you're here."
"Why do I get the feeling something is bothering you?"
She sighed heavily. "I'm sick of this place. I don't want to stay here anymore. I want to go home and get a dog." She laughed sadly. "I'm serious."
Jake frowned. "Is your house wheelchair accessible?"
"No. Which is why I begged Matt to let me try the crutches, and he wouldn't do it. He says it's too soon."
"I think he might be right."
"I know, but I hate it here."
"Until the pain doesn't leave you gasping for breath, I'm not sure you should move home."
"What if that never goes away, though? I don't want to live here, Jake."
He hugged her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as her tears soaked his shoulder. "We can make the house work. I happen to know some construction guys." He laughed at his own lame joke. "Do you want to go and have lunch with my grandfather and me on Saturday? He would love to meet you. He's always after me to court a nice girl. Plus, I think you need out of here every so often. I think you are going stir crazy."
"All right."
"How's the back?"
"Loose right now, but I'm exhausted, and I just want to sleep." A beeper went off on the tub, and Stephanie stabbed at it, cutting it off. "Time for me to go to my room, take meds, and lie down."
"Let's go." Jake stood, turned off the jets, helped her stand, and held her up in the tub as she held him around his neck.
She laid her head on his chest and listened to his strong heartbeat as he swayed back and forth. "When I get out of here, I want you to take me dancing."
"It's a date."
"What if I never walk again?" The thought had been hounding her since the incident, but this was the first time she voiced it out loud.
"Then I'll hold you like this and still dance with you."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Chapter 20
Jake watched Stephanie drum her fingers on both of her knees as she looked at the apartment. He had never seen her so nervous before. He watched her before every sporting event she'd ever played in, and she never acted like this. He reached over the console and stilled her hand. "Baby, he's going to adore you." She shot him a shy smile just as another car pulled in the driveway, and Jake went pale. "What are my parents doing here?"
"You weren't expecting them?"
"Not until next month at the earliest. I'll help you in a second." Jake opened his driver's door at the same time both doors opened on his parents' car.
His mom was at his side and hugging him before he fully exited the vehicle. "Jake Stone. You have bags under your eyes. Have you not been taking your pills?"
"I'm trying, Mom."
"Have you lost weight?"
"I don't think so."
"Leave him alone, Gloria," Michael said as he stood from the car. His pant legs covered his prosthetics, and his gait was a little awkward as he walked over and engulfed Jake in a hug. "How's my boy?"
"Good. I need to help my girl out of the car. She's in a wheelcha
ir right now."
Gloria peered past Jake's arm; her eyes widened. Stephanie shot her a shy smile and a little wave. Jake popped the trunk, grabbed the chair, and went to the passenger side. He held her chair as she slid onto it, and then he circled the car back to his parents.
"Is that little Stephanie Waterford?"
"Gloria," Michael's tone held a warning.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Stone."
"You can call us Michael and Gloria as I'm pretty sure I have told you this since you were a teenager."
The door to the apartment opened, and Gramps came out. "There are perfectly good chairs in here, and I need help in the kitchen." Jake knew he did not need help. He was just trying to get them inside.
"Is he talking really loud, or is it just me?" Gloria asked out the side of her mouth.
"No, he's loud. He needs a hearing aid."
"Hi, Dad," Gloria said and hugged her father.
"Hi, Glo. I can't wait until you guys move here."
"That's why we came early. We have news to share over lunch." Gramps gave her one more squeeze before shaking Michael's hand.
"Good to see you, Mike."
"You too, Jake."
"Inside with everyone!"
They all went inside, leaving Jake and Stephanie alone with him by the front door. "Hello, Mr. Lance."
"Nope. None of that mister stuff, young lady. It's good to meet you. Just call me Gramps, like Jakey."
Stephanie smiled and nodded her head.
"Now, come inside. Football is on!"
Jake had no trouble getting her through the door since the apartment had no steps. Stephanie was wringing her hands, bringing his thoughts back around to her nervousness. He blocked her from the kitchen, where his mother was stirring something on the stove. His dad had already parked himself in the recliner and was watching the football game on TV. He kneeled in front of her and grabbed both hands. "Relax and breathe," he told her softly.
"I've never met the parents before."
"You've met my parents millions of times."
"This is different."
"Why?"
She stared at her hands.
"Why, Stephanie?" he prompted.
She bit her lip before speaking. "I wasn't yours then. I'm yours, right?"
"You've always been mine; I was just too stupid to realize it." He leaned forward, his lips caressing hers as her hand threaded through the back of his hair.
Broken Ties (The Healing Series Book 5) Page 14
