While Joy napped, Drew made several phone calls, including one to his mother. When he explained what had happened, she sent Drake over with a box full of food and a promise she’d come over tomorrow since the café was closed on Sundays. Drake had helped Drew shovel off the front and back walks and spread ice melt over the steps.
Drew had been surprised when Pete rushed up to him the moment he stepped into the backyard. The donkey rubbed against him like he was an old friend and gave Drake a wary look when he reached out to pet him. Ten minutes later, Pete was following them both around, playfully nudging them with his head when he wasn’t ignoring Bacon’s attempts to engage him in a chase.
Drake had teased Drew mercilessly the whole time he was there, accusing him of sweeping in to play the big, strong hero the moment he found a damsel in distress.
“Snooze and you lose, bro,” he said as he walked his brother outside to Drake’s SUV.
“Call if you need anything else,” Drake said, thumping him on the back before he left with a jaunty wave.
Drew had returned to the house, uncertain what to do. He didn’t feel right wandering through the house, so he played with the dog between checking on Joy and icing her knee. Whatever medication the doctor gave her really knocked her out because she didn’t rouse at all when he iced her knee multiple times as she slept.
He probably could have watched television and not disturbed her, but he opted to read. A shelf full of books rested beneath one of the family room windows. Most of them were romances, but Drew had found a few mystery novels and chose one of them.
When Joy awakened, Drew had wanted to hold her in his arms and kiss her. Then she started to cry. He hated to see any woman cry, but this particular woman’s tears twisted his heart into a knot and threatened to shred his composure. He’d held her and wondered how his world had taken such an abrupt turn in the last dozen hours.
Now, as he backed away from Joy, he wished he could hold her again. Everything about her felt right, from her soft skin to the silky ribbons of her hair. Her fragrance, a blend of something that made him think of his grandmother’s rose garden and Christmas, thoroughly ensnared his senses.
Yet, the last thing the poor girl needed was some big oaf ogling her as she slept. “Get it together, man,” Drew chastised himself as he left her room and pulled the door shut to keep the puppy from bothering her.
Drew knew Joy had bedrooms upstairs, but he returned to the family room and settled down on the couch. If he curled onto his side, he almost fit. He set the alarm on his phone to wake him in a few hours to check on her. After flicking the throw blanket over his legs, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep, unable to rest when visions of Joy’s smile kept floating through his mind.
He rose at a quarter past two and filled a resealable bag with snow, wrapped it in a towel, and carried it to Joy’s bedroom.
She slept peacefully and he hated to wake her, but the doctor had been quite insistent ice was vital in the first few days of treatment for her leg to heal properly.
Drew knelt by the bed and gently touched Joy on the shoulder. She didn’t stir at all. He brushed his knuckles across her smooth cheek, but instead of opening her eyes, she turned her face and nuzzled against his hand.
“Joy,” he whispered and shook her shoulder with a little more force. “You need to wake up, baby.”
“Mmm. Drew. Kiss me again,” she muttered in her sleep.
He snapped upright from his bent over position and stared at her, taken aback that she’d said his name. Presumably, she was dreaming about him. He supposed that was logical since he’d been around in her hour of need and remained with her throughout the evening. It probably didn’t mean a thing.
However, when she reached out to him and pulled him close, pressing her lips against his, Drew accepted the kiss then engaged in it.
Joy’s eyes popped open and she jerked back, pulling the covers up to her chin. “What are you doing?” she yelled. “Why are you in my house?”
Drew flicked on the light beside her bed and tried to rein in the longing running rampant through him. That kiss had left him plenty rattled and he needed a second to gather his composure.
“The doctor said you needed to ice your knee at least once during the night.” Drew held up the bag of snow.
Joy sighed and visibly relaxed. “So everything that happened was real? I wasn’t just dreaming?”
“Nope. If you’re referring to falling down the steps, hurting your leg, and getting stuck with me as your own personal Nurse Nancy, then yes, that’s all real.” Drew lifted the covers and tried to ignore the fact her nightgown was up to her thighs, revealing an expanse of shapely legs. He focused on the one encased in a heavy brace and set the ice pack on her knee.
“Oh, that is cold.” Joy burrowed deeper into her blankets.
Drew dropped the covers over her knee and rose to his feet, moving away from the bed. He’d probably scared her half to death when she finally woke up and came to her senses. She had been the one, though, to kiss him.
He turned toward the window to hide his smile. Outside, huge, fluffy flakes slowly drifted downward, illuminated by the neighbor’s yard light. The world outside appeared hushed in a magical winter blanket, which seemed crazy since it was only the second week of November.
“It’s beautiful,” Joy said, following his gaze out the window. She turned off the bedside lamp and craned her neck to better see outside the window.
Drew would have carried her over to the window for a better view, but he was still recovering from that amazing kiss. Even asleep, Joy’s kiss affected him more than any he’d ever received. The last date he’d gone on had been back in the summer when he and Drake had taken a week’s vacation to the coast. They went out with a couple of girls they met, but neither of them had a great time and they left for home the next day anyway. Drew’s last girlfriend had been someone he’d dated when he was in college.
He definitely needed to get out more. His reaction to Joy was exactly why he had to make it a point to get a social life. A few smiles and one mind-boggling kiss and he was practically ready to propose.
Amused with his crazy thoughts, Drew continued to stare outside.
“It looks like a scene from a winter romance,” Joy said in a soft voice.
He turned and grinned at her. “I get the idea you enjoy reading romances.”
“I do. I know some people think it’s silly, but there’s nothing wrong with reading a story that makes your heart dream and encourages you to believe in the existence of real love.”
“No. There’s nothing wrong with that at all.”
Joy sighed and pointed to the window. “Just look out there. Can’t you picture two lovers standing in the cold, snowflakes clinging to their hair and eyelashes? They’ve been torn apart for years and finally make their way back to each other. Her soft lips brush against his in welcome as they cling in an embrace that chases away the chill while the past falls away, revealing a happily ever after.”
Drew took another long look out the window, wondering if he’d ever look at snow the same way again. Would he stand at a window and look out at snowflakes dancing in the dark and remember this moment with Joy, of how badly he wanted to hold her, kiss her, love her?
Probably for the rest of his life.
Disturbed by the intensity of how much his lips tingled to kiss her again, he had to get his act together before he morphed into some cavedweller who swept her into his arms and…
Drew inhaled a sharp breath then moved to the bed and took the now-melted snow off her knee. “I’ll get you another pain pill and be right back.”
Joy nodded as he left the room. He held the bag of slushy, cold liquid against his neck, hoping to cool the ardor he felt for the woman in the other room. Did it make him some kind of perverted sicko to imagine kissing her when she was so painfully injured?
Unable to answer his own question, he filled a glass with water and got one of the pain pills the doctor had given her then
returned to her room.
“Here you go,” he said, handing her the glass and pill.
Joy took several sips of the water before setting the glass on her nightstand. “Thank you.” She settled back against her pillows and pulled the blankets up to her chin.
“Do you need anything else? A snack? Something hot to drink?” Drew had no idea what she might want or need.
“No, I’m good, but thank you, Drew. For everything.”
Her eyes fluttered closed and he left the room. He nearly tripped over Bacon as the puppy raced over to him and whined when he stepped into the living room. “Need to go out?” he asked and walked through the kitchen to the laundry room. He opened the back door and Bacon raced outside. The puppy did his business and zoomed back up the steps. Pete slept in a three-sided shelter over by the garden shed where a bed of straw kept him warm and dry from the elements.
Bacon shook snow from his coat as he trotted into the laundry room. Drew snagged a towel from on top of a basket and used it to dry off the puppy before he tracked snow all over the house.
“Now, go back to sleep, buddy.” Drew made his way to the couch and tried to relax, to get some sleep, but all he could think about was Joy and that unexpected kiss.
Bacon’s barks woke Drew the next morning. A glance at the clock on the wall assured him it was still early. He sat up and rubbed the grit from his eyes before he let the dog outside. While Bacon romped in the snow, he made his way to Joy’s room.
She slept peacefully, so he closed the door and returned to the kitchen. His mother had sent over several cinnamon rolls and muffins, so Drew poured a glass of milk and warmed two cinnamon rolls in the microwave. He ate them then pulled on his boots and coat, making his way outside to feed Pete. The donkey and puppy played a game of tag, barking and braying at each other.
Drew put out feed for Pete and picked up the snow shovel he’d left on the back porch. He cleaned the steps and the walk, then went out front and cleared it before he returned to the backyard.
Pete was finishing the last of his breakfast while Bacon busied himself digging a hole near the back steps.
The puppy bounded over to him, nose coated in snow.
“You look like you’re trying to grow a beard, Bacon,” Drew said, picking up the puppy and carrying him inside the house. After wiping him off with a towel, he set him down and filled the dog’s food and water bowls. Bacon put one paw in the water dish while he eagerly tucked into his food.
Drew chuckled as he removed his coat and hung it up to dry then removed his boots.
He started to go back to check on Joy when the doorbell rang. He hurried through the family room and down the hall to the front door.
“Hey, Drew. I should have thought about Joy needing some help yesterday. I thought I’d come over this morning so she could get a shower,” Melody said, walking in the house carrying a shower seat.
“It’s nice of you to come over, Melody. The clinic isn’t open today, is it?”
She shook her head. “No, but Doc and I thought about some things Joy might need after you left yesterday. I’ve got more stuff in the car. If you bring it in, I’ll see how our patient is doing. I have to leave in an hour though. Roy and I are taking the kids to church then we’re going skiing this afternoon.”
“Sounds like a fun day,” Drew said, taking the shower seat from Melody. She removed her coat and boots then followed him to Joy’s room.
Joy was just starting to stir as they walked into the room.
“I’ll leave you to it,” Drew said, handing Melody the seat and hurrying from the room.
He put his boots and coat back on then carried in the crutches that were still in his Jeep. He also brought in a lightweight foldable wheelchair and walker with a seat that Melody had brought over.
He set the equipment in the family room then went to the kitchen and made a pot of coffee. Melody appeared just as it finished brewing. “That smells wonderful,” she said, taking a seat at the counter while Drew poured two mugs of coffee and handed one to her.
“How’s she doing?” he asked, taking a sip of coffee.
“Very well. With the seat in her shower she can take care of herself. I’ll help her get ready for the day, but the best thing she can do is just rest for the next few days.” Melody gave him a long look. “Are you going to stick around today or will she be here alone?”
“I’ll stay as long as she needs help. My mom said she would round up some volunteers today, too.”
Melody grinned. “I didn’t know you and Joy were dating. In fact, I’d had no idea she’d moved here. She doesn’t get out much, does she?”
Drew shrugged. “We aren’t dating. I just happened to be at the right place at the right time yesterday to help her. As for what she does, I really can’t say. I haven’t seen her around town, though.”
“Hmm. I see.” Melody gave him a knowing look. “I suppose you’d do the same for anyone in need of help. Spend the night and look after them, I mean.”
Drew frowned. “Of course.”
“You’ve always been a nice guy, Drew, even when stupid little girls made fun of your kindness when we were younger.” Melody patted him on the arm. “Don’t change who you are. Not for anyone. The girl for you will really appreciate it.”
Melody left the room before he said anything, which was probably best anyway. He’d gone out with the nurse a few times when they were in high school, but Melody was a little on the wild side back then and Drew had been far too boring for her taste. It was nice to hear her say it was a good thing now that they both were grown up.
Before Melody left, she showed Joy how to move into the wheelchair from a sitting position and had Drew pick up any area rugs that might get in the way.
Joy wheeled herself into the family room and managed to get situated on the couch without his help.
“I think you’re all set, Joy,” Melody said, smiling at her patient.
“I can’t thank you enough for coming over this morning. It was so kind of you.” Joy gave Melody a warm smile.
“It’s what we do around here. If someone needs help, we lend a hand.” Melody turned to Drew. “You keep her out of trouble and don’t get into any yourself.”
“Who me?” Drew slapped his hand against his chest in feigned innocence. “Never.” He walked Melody to the door, thanked her for coming, then returned to the family room where Joy had stretched out on the couch.
He picked up a pillow and propped her leg up on it then got her another cold pack of snow for her knee. Bacon came in with him and sat on the floor next to the couch, whining for Joy to play with him. She rubbed his head and scratched beneath his chin.
“Can I interest you in some breakfast? My mom sent cinnamon rolls and muffins and I made coffee.” Drew picked up the puppy when he kept pawing at Joy’s arm, wanting more attention.
“A cinnamon roll and coffee sound great. Thank you.” Joy’s smile as he left the room warmed him all the way down to his toes. He set Bacon down and got the puppy interested in a chew toy then took Joy her breakfast. He wondered if she recalled the fact she said she loved him or had kissed him, but doubted she’d remember anything from last night.
“You know, even though we’ve spent the night together,” he said, waggling his eyebrows suggestively as he handed her a warm cinnamon roll and set a mug of coffee on the end table, “I don’t even know what you do for a living.”
Joy grinned. “Well, considering you saved my life, I suppose I can tell you that much.”
“Joy, I think you are giving me far more credit than is necessary. If I hadn’t come along, you would have figured out a way to take care of yourself.” He sat down in the side chair and propped his elbows on his knees.
“I’m not so sure about that, but I do appreciate you and all you’ve done for me.” Joy took a bite of the gooey cinnamon roll. “Oh, that is delicious. Once I can get around, I’m definitely going to have to visit your parents’ café more often.”
“Why do
n’t you go out much?” Drew asked, curious why she spent so much time at home.
She shrugged and licked frosting off her fork. “I work from home, so I don’t really have a need to go out much. And before you ask, I’m a certified medical transcriptionist.”
“So, what does that mean?” Drew asked, leaning back in the chair and stretching out his long legs. Bacon jumped on his right foot and started to gnaw on his toe, so he leaned over and snapped his fingers. The puppy rolled over and stared at him. Drew shook his head and said, “No.” Bacon sat up and looked at him then scampered off to find one of his chew toys.
“Wow. That’s impressive,” Joy said. “I might need some lessons in training him. He doesn’t usually listen that well.”
“You just have to make sure he knows you are the boss and mean what you say.” Drew leaned back again. “Now, tell me about your job.”
Joy sipped her coffee. “There isn’t much to tell. I listen to the recorded dictation of doctors and healthcare professionals from a large clinic in California. I interpret and transcribe the information into patient history or notes, operative reports, referral letters, discharge summaries, and other documents.”
“Wow. Isn’t it hard to do, sit and listen to others talk while you type?”
“No, I enjoy it and it allows me to work my own hours while paying the bills.” Joy took another sip of coffee. “I also work as a product tester.”
Drew’s brow furrowed. “That’s why you get so many deliveries. Is that right?”
She smiled. “Bingo. I get products from a variety of companies, test them, and write reviews. I get to keep the products regardless of the review, and most of the companies pay me for my time, too.”
“That’s awesome.” Drew reached down and took the end of the rope Bacon dragged over to him and pulled on it. The puppy growled and shook the rope, happy to engage in another game of tug-of-war. “But that still doesn’t explain why you don’t go out much.”
“Other than groceries, I get most of what I need in test products. I’ve got enough shampoo to last for four years, I think.” She grinned and subconsciously fluffed her hair. “And because I do try to keep regular office hours with my transcription work, I don’t really have a reason to be out and about. I do go to the bank and the grocery store once a week. And I try to be at church every Sunday. I’ve even been to the post office a few times, but I haven’t run into you there.”
Tidings of Joy Page 5
