She allowed herself a casual flirtation with Conner. She could tell he was attracted to her and he made her feel something that she hadn’t felt in a long time. He helped her feel normal again. Despite the wheelchair, she was beginning to do things on her own. Winter didn’t feel like an invalid anymore.
Every morning Viper would carry her downstairs before Connor arrived and would show up at the end of her therapy to pack her back upstairs. Conner and Viper didn’t talk, merely giving each other the bare minimum acknowledgement. It was Friday night and Winter was becoming stir crazy. The book she was reading was unable to divert her attention. Sighing, she closed the book. It was almost dinnertime and she would have Evie’s company for a few hours. When Evie brought her tray, she was dressed in booty shorts and a laced red leather top with nothing underneath. Winter looked at her in surprise.
Evie gave her a smile. “It’s Friday night. We always have a party downstairs to unwind.”
Winter tried to keep her expression neutral so that Evie wouldn’t know her feelings were hurt.
“Maybe next week, Winter, when you’re stronger,” Evie said, sensing Winter’s emotions. Winter smiled hesitantly, picking up her fork. She could tell Evie was in a rush to leave so she chased her away, picking up her book to read after she left. She could hear the music, the laughter from the men and giggles from the women coming from downstairs. Finally, unable to focus on her book, she got herself ready for bed. Sliding into the cool sheets, she turned the light off and went to sleep.
A hard bang against the wall startled her awake during the middle of the night. A small scream of fright escaped before she could prevent it. A warm hand circled her nape, bringing her back down to Viper’s chest.
“Shh... go back to sleep,” he murmured.
“What was that?’ she asked sleepily.
“Nothing, go back to sleep,” his hand rubbed her back until he felt her go back to sleep.
Saturday, Winter woke early and dressed before Viper. She was sitting in her chair by the window reading when he stretched lazily awake.
“How long have you been awake?”
“Not long. I thought I would read until you woke.”
“I won’t be a minute.” He was quick and Winter was downstairs eating breakfast before most of the others dragged themselves out of bed. Evie came in with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, wearing sweats and a t-shirt. Jewell and Ember also took a seat at the table, all with dark circles under their eyes.
“I take it you all had fun.” Winter said with a smile.
“You could say that.” Evie smiled. Beth and Razer entered the kitchen, which surprised Winter. They fixed their plates then joined Winter at the table.
“We were just telling Winter we had a good time last night.” Evie said while Beth took a bite of her eggs.
Beth blushed, refusing to take her eyes off the plate. Winter looked at her curiously.
“I told her she could come next week if she’s stronger.” Evie said watching for everyone’s reaction.
Beth and the others looked at Viper to see his reaction.
Hastily, Winter cut in. “That’s alright, I don’t want to intrude. I already have taken over so ..”
“I think it’s a good idea.” Viper inserted, taking the bacon she had left uneaten off her plate.
“Good, I have just the outfit you can borrow.”
“Oh, no you don’t.” Beth shook her head. “She can borrow one of mine, and I will have a discussion with her beforehand. I will not allow a repeat of my first experience.” Winter was getting the message this was no simple party. “Perhaps I may give it a pass. Thanks anyway.”
“I think you would enjoy it, it won’t be as crowded as it usually is. Some of the members will be leaving Wednesday to go home for Thanksgiving. We always have a dinner here where everyone pitches in but some members always go home,” Jewell replied. Her dark hair, loose around her face and combined with her green eyes gave Jewell a sultry appearance that Winter feel plain and washed-out.
“I will think about it,” Winter said while playing with her food.
“Let’s get to your morning exercises.” Evie worked her hard that morning and Winter was happy with the results she was seeing. She had quit taking her pain meds, preferring to deal with the tolerable pain versus staying on the medication for longer than necessary. They decided to forgo the hot tub, choosing to sit at the kitchen table and drink a cold beer instead. Razer had been working out so Evie had enlisted him to carry Winter upstairs to the kitchen. Evie then ordered Train to carry her to the living room sofa, who politely did as he was told before returning to the kitchen for his meal. She was still wearing her shorts and pink sports bra but as no one was in the room, Winter didn’t let the exposure bother her.