by Joanna Blake
That's weird.
I grabbed the magnesium oil I'd brought with me and followed him into his bedroom. He was already facedown on the bed when I came in. He looked over his shoulder at me.
"Shirt on or off?"
"Off is better but it's up to you."
He gave me an odd smile and pulled his shirt up and over his head. I stared, the spray bottle forgotten in my hand. He was... perfect.
His broad back was wide and carved with defined muscles. He had scars too- which only made him look more manly I thought. He wasn't a gym rat. This was a soldier's body.
Gabe was a lean, mean, fighting machine. My hands literally were itching to reach out and touch that perfection. Feel his soft looking skin, touch his meaty shoulders... his back... maybe the top of his absolutely perfect ass which was almost visible where his jeans had slipped a bit.
Pervert.
This was wrong. So, so wrong. He was a patient! The man was injured and he needed my care. I should not be ogling him.
Even though he seemed to just love ogling me.
I pulled myself together and sat on the edge of the bed. I poured the oil onto my hands and exhaled deeply. Be professional T. You can do it.
I rested my hands on his shoulders, shocked at the thrill that went through me at the feel of his skin.
When was the last time I had touched anyone? Or hugged them? I still talked to Jackie and Den, but they were both far away. Jackie lived in Paris of all places, and Dennis was in Jacksonville. Gran and I had hugged plenty, but she was gone.
I was completely alone, and had been for a while now.
If I wondered from time to time if I was starved for human affection.. well, this proved it. I was. This was a simple backrub. It was no reason to get all... goosebumpy about it.
I closed my eyes and pretended he was an old man. No- an old woman. Anyone but Gabe Jackson, spread out in front of me like a man buffet.
Focus Tabby.
Just... rub.
Gabe
The woman was trying to kill me.
I was stretched out on the bed while Tabitha rubbed the soreness out of my muscles. I had tension I didn't even know about until she found it. It felt good. Too good.
I was afraid I was going to come all over the damn sheets.
As long as she didn't ask me to roll over… maybe I could try to enjoy this.
I tried to relax as her hands kneaded my shoulders. Hmmffff... her hands were strong and silky. Pleasantly cool. I felt hot everywhere they touched me though.
I imagined them slipping around to my stomach and lower, gripping my cock. In my fantasy, she wanted me as much as I wanted her. She'd bite my shoulder as she stroked me until I was close. Then she'd lift her hands away. She’d make me wait.
Not too long though.
She would turn me over and strip her clothes off slowly, letting me grab her glorious breasts as she straddled me and-
I stifled a moan as her hands slipped to my lower back. My cock ground into the bed. Thank the good lord for pillow top mattresses...
I rocked my hips, a little, desperate to come. How the fuck had that happened? A hard on was one thing, though I hadn't had so much as a semi in public since I was a teenager.
But I was ready to pop, just from her hands on my back.
My fucking back.
Not my cock.
I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to think about kittens. And nuns. And nuns holding kittens.
The nuns were rubbing the kittens’ soft little bellies and one of them looked like Tabby. The Tabby nun smiled at me and lifted her habit revealing her long silky legs-
I snapped my eyes open.
Nope. That was not helping. I could not block out the sweet vanilla scent of her, or how her long hair brushed over my skin as she leaned over me. The outside of her hip pressed against mine. It was so good, I had a feeling I was going to come in my pants.
And that had never ever happened to me before.
"Hmmfff..."
Her hands stilled immediately.
"Is that too hard?"
Yes honey, my cock is rock hard.
"No."
"Okay, good. It's especially important when I work on your leg that you tell me if it hurts. We'll go slow, don't worry."
"My leg?"
My voice almost cracked.
"Your thigh."
This time I did moan, and it definitely sounded like a sex noise. She stopped again, her voice sounding suspicious.
"Are you sure I'm not hurting you?"
Fuck yes you are hurting me. Wrap those pretty little hands around my cock instead for the love of God.
"No- I'm fine. You were right, I'm ready for a nap."
"Do you want me to bring in a drink?"
"I think I'll just sleep a little. If that's alright."
"Of course."
She stood up and I fought the urge to call her back, flip her on the bed and screw her into the mattress. She might not like the caveman approach. Then again, she might.
I knew I sure as shit would.
For now though, my imagination would have to do.
She shut the door behind her and I reached for my cock.
Tabby
I added filtered water to the soup I was making. Leftover chicken and veggies, with lots of dill and freshly ground pepper. My patient needed healthy, soothing food.
Never mind that something about him made me want to take care of him.
It smelled so good, I was tempted to have a bowl myself.
The kitchen was so warm and homey, with faded green and white gingham curtains and matching dishtowels and potholders. The white cabinets and tiles matched the marble countertop. It wasn't super fancy, and had little nicks from being used. But it was the nicest kitchen I'd ever cooked in.
I tried to imagine growing up here. Eating breakfast, or dinner. Doing my homework in this spot while my mother cooked a healthy supper. It must have been nice.
Not that Gran hadn't done her best. But still, I never stopped missing my mom, even though I barely remembered her.
I heard a noise downstairs and ran down to check on Gabe. He was just coming out of the bathroom. He'd changed his clothes and his hair was wet.
"Hi."
He gave me a lopsided grin. There was something absolutely endearing about it, like a little boy reveling in the act of being naughty. He looked just like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
"Hi."
"Did you shower? I need to help you with that."
"You want to help me with showering?"
He looked thrilled with the idea. I crossed my arms and shook my head at him.
"I would help you get into position on the shower stool and then wait outside. You would be- um- covered up until I left."
"Oh."
Was I crazy, or did he look disappointed?
"Well, I just splashed water on my head anyway."
I nodded.
"Good. I know it's annoying but you really shouldn't try anything like getting in and out of the shower without help."
I gave him an apologetic look.
"Not yet, anyway. Okay?"
He nodded and I sighed at the dejected look on his face. He really was like a big kid in some ways. He was surprisingly more emotional than I'd thought back in high school. I guess I'd seen him as indestructible- someone who had it all together.
It was weird seeing him vulnerable like this. And it wasn't just the injury either.
There was something.... sweet about Gabe Jackson I'd never noticed before.
Probably because he'd made me so damn nervous that I'd spent my time running away. I’d been busy ignoring the overwhelming mutual attraction between us. I'd avoided him from the first day I saw him watching me from a distance.
His eyes had been burning into me ever since, way too intensely for just a schoolyard crush.
He had been the golden boy, perfect in every way.
Handsome. Tall. Nice. A jock but not a bull
y. Popular but not on purpose. Smart enough but not a nerd.
And he'd never been mean to anyone as far as I could tell.
I sighed, forcing myself back to the present.
"Did you sleep?"
His cheeks went bright red. I stared, pretty sure Gabe was blushing. I rushed forward, pressing the back of my hand to his cheek.
"You're flushed! Do you have a fever?"
He stared up at me and I froze, still touching him. I had a crazy impulse to run my fingers along his jaw. To really touch him. Maybe even... kiss him.
Lord knows what he was thinking. Probably that I was crazy. But he wasn't looking at me like I was nuts. More like... he wanted to kiss me too.
His voice was husky when he replied.
"I'm fine. And yes, I, um, slept a little."
He kept staring at me and I pulled my hand back belatedly, feeling foolish.
"Thanks for the rub, by the way. My back feels great."
I nodded and turned away, trying to look busy.
"Good. I'll bring down your soup in a minute and then you can take your pills."
"Sounds good."
"Be right back."
I ran upstairs and checked the soup. It was still simmering nicely. I turned the gas off and moved the pot to an unused burner. I found a deep soup bowl and ladled some soup in, squeezing some fresh lemon juice on top.
"Oh, you're still here. Hi Tabitha."
"Hi Mrs. Jackson."
She smiled at me, looking tired. She waved me off.
"It's Ms."
"Got it."
I smiled. I'd always liked her. She always said hello when she saw me in town. And she'd served with Gran on some committee or other once upon a time.
Gabe's mom nodded and looked at me.
"Well, it's the end of your shift. I'm sorry I wasn't home earlier. I meant to be, but a client called me as I was walking out the door."
"It's fine. It's only ten minutes. I won't put it on my timecard."
"Oh, you should. Please do."
I looked away, feeling like a jerk for even mentioning the overtime. It was only ten minutes. And honestly, I'd forgotten.
I'd been... enjoying myself, I guess.
"I was just bringing down this soup. Then it's time for his meds in about twenty minutes. It's best to take them after eating."
"Thank you so much, Tabby. I'll bring it down."
"Okay."
I stood there, feeling very foolish.
"So, we will see you on Sunday yes? You don't mind working weekends?"
"Not at all. I would work everyday if the service needed me to."
"Alright, well I hope you enjoy your Saturday."
"You too, Ms. Jackson."
I scooped up my things, and stopped.
"Oh and-"
She paused at the top of the stairs.
"Yes?"
"Please say goodnight to Gabriel for me."
"I will. Goodnight Tabitha."
"Goodnight."
I grimaced as soon as I was outside. Why had I said that? He was going to start to think I liked him. Then he'd really turn on the charm. Or worse, he'd feel sorry for me.
Poor delusional Tabitha. The girl who rejected the one guy she liked and missed her chance. The girl who was too afraid to let anyone close.
I sat behind the driver’s wheel of my cruddy old car, rubbing my neck. I did like him. That was the problem.
This morning I'd wanted to run. Now I wanted to stay. This was work. A job. How crazy was that?
I don't think I'd felt this way since Maryanne's Coffee Shop shut down. That had been my worst paying job by far, but the young owner of the shop had become a friend. Someone who treated me as an equal.
Plus it smelled so good, with all the teas and pastries. It had been warm and inviting, kind of like going home. Except it was much cozier than our home had ever been.
I sighed, realizing I owed her a phone call. And Dennis. And Jackie.
Of course, if I wanted to catch Jackie I had to stay up late. She went out most nights, since hosting fund raising events was her job. And Paris was way ahead of Eastern Time. But on the nights I worked late and came home keyed up, we'd message online or video chat.
I wondered what Jackie would say about the Gabe situation. She had noticed me watching him years before he'd even approached me. She'd teased me about Gabe exactly once. Before she realized how bad I had it.
The girl from the wrong side of the tracks and the jock. Ha ha. But now... well, things were different. We were more than our labels. I guess, we always had been.
Especially Jackie, who everyone had called 'alternative'. Now she was in Paris, dating the owner of an art gallery and wearing the chicest designer clothes on the planet.
I debated about calling her tonight.
I knew what she would say anyway.
She'd probably tell me to go for it. Which was terrible advice. I could not go for it. I needed the job and the money if I ever wanted to get out of this town.
Most of all I needed to protect myself from heartbreak. I had no doubt that's exactly what Gabe Jackson would do. He wouldn't mean to, but a guy like him would move on eventually, even if he was still interested in casually dating me.
I gripped the wheel, forcing myself to focus as I drove home.
I had all day Saturday to get my head on straight. To forget those old dreams of finding someone to love. Someone who didn't see me as a poor, slutty girl from the wrong side of town. Someone strong and sweet like Gabriel.
He was out of my league though. He always had been. A guy like that could have anyone. When he'd wanted me, it had just been because he thought I was easy, just like everyone else at school did. Which was ironic, considering I had been and still was a virgin. No. It was better just to forget all about him and do my job.
And I better.
I had to if I ever wanted a better life for myself.
Even in my small way, I allowed myself a few dreams.
A home of my own. A job I liked. Friends and co-workers who respected me. Who saw me as more than Shabby Tabby, the girl with the porn star body.
It could happen. I knew it. But if I messed up, I'd be stuck waiting tables in this town for the rest of my life.
And I'd never find someone to love.
Gabe
I grumbled as I pulled on a sportcoat. I had zero desire to do this. To go out. But my mother had gone to a lot of trouble to arrange it.
And she said that hiding at home was no way to live.
So I was going.
Topher and Lyle were going to be there, as well as a few of mom's friends. Ladies I'd grown up with, who thought of me as a second son. All of that was fine.
I just didn't like where we were going.
Mom just happened to have reserved a party table at the most popular place in town. All the guys went there for pints and gourmet wings on Saturday nights. And after dinner, well, the place was a bar.
A classy bar, but still, it hopped. I knew because I went there every time I was home. But those times I'd been on two feet. This was different. This time I was in a chair.
And everyone who was still around was likely to be there.
The second we got inside my fears were justified.
Pete Chimileci and his entire crew were here. Guys I'd played ball with back in the day. They got up when I came in, making a beeline for us while we waited by the front door.
I reminded myself that I was just as big as them. Just as strong. I was just sitting down.
It wasn't a sign of weakness to be in the chair. It just was what it was. And it wasn't forever.
No one seemed to notice I was self-conscious. They all seemed impressed that I'd gotten injured, calling me a bad-ass and shouting hooyah, even though it wasn't really a combat injury. I got slapped on the back more times than I could count.
Finally, the hostess showed us to our table. I waved as I rolled myself towards the back, grateful for the escape. My mother fussed aroun
d, making sure the welcome home centerpiece was perfect and pushing my chair into the place of honor at the head of the table.
"We're early. Perfect."
Yeah, great. I was not happy but I didn't want to upset my mom. Now that I was out, I realized I'd been right to worry. I didn't like it too much, with everyone looking at me. It was one thing to be handicapped at home, but here, there was no getting around it.
Everyone else in the place could walk. And I couldn't.
I wasn't about to feel sorry for myself though. I just didn't like the way people stared. I grit my teeth, determined to do everything in my power to get better.
Even if it meant doing whatever Tabitha told me to do.
Hopefully she'd do a few things I wanted too.
A lot of things. Dirty things.
I was staring into space when I saw a gorgeous girl bussing a table. Or rather, I realized I'd been staring at her all along. I knew who she was without her having to turn around.
I sat up straighter. Tabitha worked here? How many fucking jobs did the girl have?
I frowned, realizing she must really be struggling to get the money together to finish school. The thought didn't sit right. Hell, a lot of things I was learning about Tabby didn't sit right.
"She's a lovely girl."
I glanced at my mother. She must have caught me staring. Oops.
"I was surprised you hired her. Did you know who the service was sending over?"
"I did."
I raised my eyebrows. My mother was a stickler for manners and doing the right thing. It seemed weird that she'd hired the sexiest girl in town. Even if I didn't think she'd earned it, Tabby had a reputation.
The girl looked like a porn star. Not that she dressed trampy, but there was no hiding that body. She was a walking boner factory. Everyone said so. I realized it was in the back of my mind too.
Though, that wasn't really fair now, was it?
"Now you listen to me Gabriel Jackson. Just because a person isn't born with money, doesn't mean they are less than. That girl has more grit than most."
I held up my hands.
"Whoa mom, I didn't say anything bad about her."
She made a harrumph sound but she settled down a bit.
"I saw the way you were looking at her, young man. Get your mind out of the gutter. I never believed those rumors about her. And for the record, I've never once seen her with anyone."
