Winter wanted to melt into the floor. She could not believe he was talking this way in front of a pastor.
“I am sure you are feeling embarrassed but I have to agree with Viper. I hate for you to delay your recovery because you’re regretting your actions of last night. If you don’t want to attend the parties I am sure Viper has no intention of forcing you to do so, nor into doing anything else that you’re uncomfortable with.”
“Of course not, she can stay in the bedroom. I will even keep her company.” Viper agreed with a smile of intent.
“Good, then it’s settled.” Pastor Dean stood up preparing to leave. “Winter, I hope to see you back in church soon.”
“Wait,” both men ignored her. What was happening here? A man of the cloth should have been shocked at what he had heard, instead, he was shaking Viper’s hand and walking out the door. Viper walked back into the kitchen after seeing the Pastor out and all Winter could do was stare in bewilderment at losing the opportunity to escape from his grasp.
“If you want to exercise while I make breakfast for us, I can carry you downstairs.” Winter was smart enough to know when she had lost the battle.
“Thank you, I have some venting I need to do, so I think a few minutes with the punching bag is just what I need.”
Viper lifted her easily into his arms, carrying her down to the gym. Winter changed into her workout clothes and did exactly what she had told Viper she would do; worked all the aggravation he was putting her through out of her system.
Viper came and took her back upstairs when the food was ready. Everyone slowly began coming in as they ate their breakfast. Viper had made a lot of food. A few ate what he had prepared but many stuck with toast and coffee. At first she felt self-conscious around them, especially when Cash and Train entered and found a place at the table to drink their coffee. Gradually she relaxed when neither man paid any attention to her. Viper, who was sitting next to her, placed his hand on her thigh giving it a squeeze. Winter stiffened but when he didn’t move it she reached down intending to do so herself. He took it in his hand and linked his fingers through hers. Winter gave up trying to get her hand back and simply let it lie within his grasp.
“What’s everybody doing today?” Beth asked after her and Razer finished eating. Winter wasn’t surprised when the general consensus was sleep.
“Winter, Lily and I are going into town to get an early start on our Christmas shopping. Anyone else want to go?”
Winter really wanted to go but didn’t know if she wanted to be seen around town in her chair.
“I’ve been looking forward to shopping but are you sure I won’t be intruding?” Winter asked, eager to get out and go shopping. She hadn’t been out since before her accident.
“Not at all. Lily is dying to see you. Her friend is dropping her off at noon. We can be here to pick you up at one.”
“Thanks Beth, I can hardly wait.”
“Don’t worry about picking her up. We can meet you in town. I promised Ton that I would take him to the grocery store. We can all meet up at the Buy/Low market.” Viper said, finishing his breakfast.
Viper packed Winter upstairs to get showered and changed. He went to his desk, sorting through scattered paperwork as he waited for her to get dressed. She was going into the bathroom when she stopped.
“Viper, thank you for helping me recover. I also appreciate you hauling my ass up and down the steps.”
Viper gave her a sexy grin. “It is a very sexy ass, I don’t mind at all, now go get changed.”
Beth and Lily met them in the parking lot of the Buy/Low Market. Viper and Winter had stopped on the way to pick up his father, Ton, at his home. When Viper and Winter had been dating, she hadn’t really gotten to know Ton well. Viper had never encouraged any invitations she had wanted to extend. Looking back now, that should have been a big warning for her. She had obviously missed a lot of those signs.
“Ready?” Both sisters were patiently waiting.
“Yes.” Winter answered Beth after Viper had helped her into the wheelchair.
“Let’s roll.” Lily joked taking the wheelchair handle.
“Let’s meet up at the diner in two hours.” Viper suggested.