When Hearts Collide

chapter 9

It was a good time to make a necessary phone call. Pearce was sleeping, and Molly had a few minutes before his next antibiotic dose. She needed to call Carmen and find out what was happening at Saint Christopher’s. Had they found out who took the Percocet? It wasn’t Molly, but she couldn’t image it being any of the other nurses she worked with, either. Molly slipped into the family room. Her hands shook as she dialed the number.

Hey, Molly, how are you?” Carmen asked.

Surviving.”

We miss you.”

I miss everybody, too. Is anything happening?”

No. I’m keeping my eyes and ears open, but nothing yet. Randy is being his usual pompous self, making sure he has us dancing to all his new rules and regulations.”

Molly cringed at hearing her ex-boyfriend’s name.

Did you talk to a lawyer yet?” Carmen asked.

I’ve got one looking into it.”

If I hear something, I’ll let you know,” Carmen promised.

Molly replaced the receiver. Had she made the right decision leaving Hillsborough? Maybe she should have stayed and fought the suspension, instead of running away and leaving it to a lawyer she barely knew. Too late, though. She’d already committed to taking care of Gracie, and now Pearce.

She glanced at her watch. It was time for Pearce’s antibiotic. Molly crossed the hall to the office and approached the bed where Pearce lay snoring softly. His hair had grown during his illness, and soft tendrils curled at his nape and spread across his forehead, reminding her of a shaggy Bouvier.

Molly had a sudden urge to stretch out her hand and brush away the errant black strands that veiled his eyebrows. Resisting, she crossed to the table where her medical supplies were stored. Molly, what are you thinking? This man is your patient. Adding sterile water to the vial, she shook it until all the particles dissolved, then injected it into the mini intravenous bag.

Would she be able to run it without disturbing him? He’d been having pain, and she’d given him something for it so he didn’t have another restless night. The intravenous lock in his left hand was covered with a blanket. Easing back the cover, she exposed the lock. She was connecting the intravenous tubing when his eyes flickered open. It took him a few seconds to get his bearings, then his lips curved into a smile. “Molly, my guardian angel.” His hand reached out and touched hers.

Her shoulders stiffened at the contact, but her heart began to beat erratically. Her skin burned, and a thousand tiny electric shocks radiated up her arm. He smiled up at her, unnerving her with the sudden flash of heat in his eyes. She secured the intravenous line before turning away. She didn’t want him to see the flush burning her cheeks.

You need to go back to sleep.” She tried to keep her voice professional.

I will. Perchance to dreams of angels.”

Molly started at his words, but when she looked back at him, his eyes were already closed. Crossing to the sideboard, she gathered her supplies for his next dose of antibiotics. Her fingers trembled, and she found it hard to concentrate as her mind kept recalling the potency of his gaze and his dreamily spoken words. She needed to focus on what she was doing instead of letting her emotions run wild.

She should race out of the room, away from this man, away from the feelings he roused in her. But she was trapped. She had to wait for the antibiotic to finish infusing. Then she could sprint out of this house as fast as her feet could carry her. But she knew they would bring her back before the next dose was due.

Molly answered Doctor Graham’s knock on the front door.

Hello, Molly. How’s our patient this morning?”

He’s been doing his physiotherapy and is getting more sensation back in his foot and toes.” Molly led him toward the converted office.

That’s wonderful. He’s doing much better than I anticipated. He may regain mobility in no time.”

Yes, he is doing well.” Molly grimaced. “But he’s not the easiest patient I’ve looked after.”

No?” Doctor Graham raised one eyebrow and his blue eyes twinkled. “Pearce has a mind of his own. This immobility must be driving him crazy.”

He resists taking anything for pain, says it makes his thinking fuzzy. Then when he can’t take it anymore, it takes longer for the medication to work. Can you talk to him about not waiting so long?”

Doctor Graham chuckled. “I don’t think he’ll listen to me any more than he will you. And he’ll be less polite to me.”

Molly shrugged one tanned shoulder. “Well, if you could try.”

Will do, though I don’t know how much good it will do.”

I’m glad you’re coming to check on him. It saves me bundling him and Gracie into the car and going to the hospital.”

Gets me out of the office. Can’t stand being trapped there all day. Let’s go see our patient, shall we?”

Pearce, still in bed for Doctor Graham’s visit, looked up when they walked in.

Can we get this exam over with so I can get up?” Pearce barked.

Let’s get on with it then,” Doctor Graham said after directing a raised eyebrow at Molly.

Molly turned away so Pearce wouldn’t see her responding grin.

After his abdominal incision had been examined and declared to be healing well, Doctor Graham checked his vital signs and added more exercises to his physiotherapy regime. Together, he and Molly assisted Pearce into the wheelchair.

You’re doing well, Pearce. You’re lucky your wife’s such an excellent nurse. You’ll be back to your old self in no time.”

Not soon enough,” Pearce muttered.

Patience.”

Patience was never one of my strong suits.”

Right now you don’t have much choice.” Doctor Graham laughed and glanced at his watch. “I have more calls to make, but I’ll be back in a couple of days to check on you. We should be able to switch from the intravenous to an oral antibiotic. You’ll be able to start walking on crutches soon.”

Finally. When can get out of this wheelchair?” Pearce asked.

Give it a few days. You’ll have to be careful, no weight bearing,” Doctor Graham warned. “I’ll be on my way now.”

I’ll show you out.” Molly accompanied him to the front door.

You’re doing an excellent job of looking after him. Your husband is progressing well.”

Molly couldn’t keep up the lie any longer. Pearce was home and Gracie was safe. “Doctor Graham.” Molly hesitated. “I have to tell you something.”

He tipped his head, concern in his eyes. “Is something wrong?”

Not really wrong.” Molly shrugged. “Pearce and I aren’t married.”

Doctor Graham grinned and his eyes cleared. “Molly, I’m not judgmental. Living together isn’t a sin anymore.”

No, that’s not it.” Molly brushed red strands away from her face and looked away. “I just feel that I’m living a lie.” She paused and looked him in the eye. “I just met Pearce. I saw the accident and rescued him from the car. He begged me to pretend to be his wife so no one would take Gracie away.”

One eyebrow shot up. “Take her away?”

I guess she was in foster care when she was a baby. He was desperate it didn’t happen again and begged me to pretend to be her mother.”

No wonder he calls you his angel.”

Please don’t say anything. I just felt I needed to tell you the truth. Once he’s better, I’ll be on my way.”

You could always stay in the area, get a job at the hospital. They’re always looking for good nurses. I’ll give you a reference.”

Molly grinned. “That might be something to consider.”

I better go. Old Mrs. Parker will be having a fit if I don’t get to her soon.”

Molly waved him goodbye and went back to check on her patient. While she was gone, Pearce had wheeled himself to the large casement window overlooking the garden. He turned when she came in and watched her cross to stand beside him.

You were a long time. Is there something I need to know?”

Molly started. She hadn’t thought Pearce would be timing her absence. She shook her head too quickly. “No. We were just chatting.” Why couldn’t she tell him she’d told the doctor the truth about their relationship, that it was all a pretense?

His hand reached out and closed over hers. “Molly.”

Her breath caught in her throat, forming a great lump that made it difficult to breath. She stood shy and awkward, the heat of his hand sending a flame up her arm. Tingles shivered up and down her spine, and her heart was doing a funny little pitter-patter. She had a sudden urge for his hand to touch other parts of her body, an urge she needed to suppress. He was her patient. This shouldn’t be happening. Molly wanted to pull away, but another part of her wanted to lean close and let her lips taste the sweet wine of his.

There was a commotion at the door, and Gracie raced into the room. She made straight for her father. “Daddy, Daddy, come and watch. Trooper is playing ball with me.”

Pearce laughed. “Okay. Let’s go see what this mutt of yours is doing.”

Gracie pouted. “He’s not a mutt, he’s Trooper.”

Pearce ruffled her blond hair. “Let’s go see Trooper.” He turned to Molly and smiled invitingly. “You’d better come, too. It’s your dog.”

Molly smiled at the thought. Her dog. She had never in her life been able to call a dog hers. It had always been the foster family’s dog, or a neighbor’s dog, never hers. Was Trooper hers? The dog was better now, his wound healing, and he’d gained weight. She’d called the local humane societies and veterinarians, but no one had reported a missing dog matching Trooper’s description.

Hop up here.” Pearce patted his lap and winked at his daughter. “Maybe, if we ask nicely, Molly will give us a push.”

Gracie clapped her hands. “Please, Molly. Please, push us.”

Molly bowed, and after a Musketeer wave, she grabbed the rubber grips of the wheelchair. “Your wish is my command.”

Pearce raised an eyebrow. “All my wishes, Molly?”

The mischievous gleam in his eyes sent more flames up her arms, flowing up to her cheeks. Molly hoped they weren’t as crimson as the blouse she wore. Tightening her grip on the wheelchair’s handles, Molly jerked the chair into motion. Pearce’s low chuckle kept the heat blazing.

Every time Pearce closed his eyes, he saw her face. The riot of red curls, the rosy cheeks, and those long sooty eyelashes. Were they natural? He would have expected her to have fine red lashes, not the thick black ones that framed her green eyes.

When she wore her hair pinned back, the severe, simple style accented the already high cheekbones, highlighting her beauty rather than detracting from it. He thought of the feel of the silky strands and the overwhelming urge he had to reach out and pull out the pins holding her hair so tightly in place. His fingers tingled as he imagined it tumbling like autumn leaves, floating around her shoulders, creating a crimson headdress.

Why did this woman have such an effect on him? Her beautiful face seemed to be imprinted on his consciousness. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw a vision of her bending over him, her smile soft, sweet. He could feel the hot breath of her lips against his ear and hear the whisper of soothing words.

She’d enchanted him with a witch’s love spell. Molly, his very own angel, and she’d cast a spell on him. His mind drifted. An image came out of the blackness, a white-robed priestess with a wreath of rosemary, lavender, and violets entwined in her red tresses.

She waved a slender hand and stroked his cheek with an alabaster feather. The vision disappeared into the darkness. Pearce stretched out his hand, the action rousing him from his dreams. The bed felt lumpy, and he couldn’t get comfortable. Every movement sent shooting pains down his legs. He moaned.

Pearce, are you okay?”

Opening his eyes, a vision of his angel manifested in front of him. Her red hair hung in soft curls around a porcelain petal skin. Her eyes shimmered like smoky topaz gemstones.

When had she come in?

Pearce stared at her, at the generous curve of her mouth, at the soft hazel eyes, at the high sculptured cheekbones. He stared, unable to draw his gaze away. He felt lost in the depths of her luminous eyes.

She bent across him to adjust the flow of the antibiotic. Her hair fell in a crimson curtain over her profile. He wanted to touch the silky strands, draw them back so he could feel their softness. She was so close the scent of her lavender soap sent his hormones soaring. Unbidden, his hand reached out to stroke the red waves caressing her bare shoulders.

He hadn’t thought about kissing her. He was so tired all he could think about was drifting back to sleep. Yet, here she was, so close, so tantalizing, so tempting. One minute he was gazing at the cascading waves, inhaling the intoxicating smells, and the next minute his fingers were entwined in the soft strands of hair, and his hand guided her face to his.

Their lips touched. He kissed her, and she was kissing him back, her mouth opening as he drew her closer. She pulled away, her cheeks as crimson as her hair. She shook her head, but the heat of passion in her eyes told him another story.

I’m sorry, Molly. I guess I got used to the taste of your lips.”

You’re home now. We don’t have to pretend anymore.”

But what do I tell my body?”

What?”

What do I tell my body when it yearns to feel the touch of your lips again?”

He turned, and the sudden movement caused pain to shoot down his leg. A groan came unbidden from his lips.

You need something for pain. I’ll get it now, then give you your antibiotic.”

He smiled weakly. “Please.” The pain medication worked quickly, and he relaxed into the sheets. He was whispering her name as sleep overtook him.

Pearce’s fist hit the mattress. “Molly, I want to get out of this damn bed.”

Can you wait till the antibiotic finishes? It will just be a few minutes.”

I’m so tired of being confined. I want to get up, get active again!”

I’ll get the wheelchair ready, and your shaving gear. By that time, the antibiotic will be done.”

Sorry. I’m not used to immobility.”

No, I can see that.” Molly grinned at him.

She brought the wheelchair close to the bed, transferred him to it, and wheeled him to the bathroom where his shaving supplies were set out. By the time he was done, the last drops of the antibiotic were draining out of the intravenous bag. Molly disconnected the medication tubing.

The soft material of her blouse shifted seductively as she bent to re-tape the lock. It brushed against his forearm sending shivers of arousal up his arm. As if a flame had torched his dormant emotions, desire like a forest fire out of control blazed through his body. His heart raced and he could feel the testosterone sparking out of every cell. He reached out, but she had already slipped away.

He jerked his hand back. What was she doing to him? Damn these feelings. And what was wrong with him? He needed to get well, not fall for some woman. When he spoke, his voice was gruffer than he intended.

I want to try the crutches.”

He saw her startle at his tone, but she said nothing, only raising her eyebrows as she replied, “Are you sure you’re ready.”

I need to get moving. Doctor Graham said I could start walking on crutches soon. I want to do it now.”

I’ll get you in the wheelchair. Then we can walk in the hallway.”

No. I’m tired of that damned thing. I want to walk now.”

Do you think you’re up to it?”

He grinned sheepishly. “No time like the present to find out. I’d like to surprise Gracie.”

Molly grabbed the pair of crutches leaning against the wall. Pearce rotated the wheelchair and took one crutch from her. Molly leaned over him, sliding an arm around him. The scent of her cologne made his senses reel, and he had to balance himself as she assisted him to a standing position. His head towered above hers.

Holding onto the crutch on one side and Molly on the other, Pearce took slow, testing steps. They were as far as the sliding patio door when he winced in pain. He felt the muscles of his face tightening, as if the pain sucked in the hollows of his cheeks. Even in the meager reflection of the glass door, he could see his sudden paleness, and he white-knuckled the crutch. He felt her arm tightening around him.

Should we stop for a bit?” Molly asked.

Sounds like a good idea.” His voice sounded labored, and his chest heaved with each breath. From the concerned look on Molly’s face, Pearce knew she was feeling his pain, and he knew she didn’t want to push him. He tried to ignore the discomfort, but he needed exercise to regain muscle tone he’d lost since the accident.

Do you want something for the pain?” Molly asked.

No!”

His voice was short, and sharp as a dagger. He saw her face tighten, and his voice softened. He leaned on one crutch and reached a hand to cover hers.

I’m sorry. I don’t want to be doped up on painkillers any more.”

I know. But you still need them. You don’t want to be in so much pain you can’t do your physiotherapy.”

They make me drowsy. I can’t think straight. I don’t want to get addicted to them.”

We can cut down on them, but don’t let the pain get so bad it won’t work.”

Pearce loosened his grip on the crutch. He felt stronger, and the pain faded. “Can we try again?” Molly nodded and he took another step on the crutches. “I’ll let you know when I need something.”

Molly muttered, “Martyr.”

I heard that.” His face relaxed into a grin. “I’m no martyr, believe me.”

He grinned at her. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and something else. It was the something else that made his heart beat at such a break-neck speed that he felt suddenly dizzy and had to clench onto the crutch. Molly looked away, as if trying to hide the blush flooding her cheeks. She tightened her hand on his elbow.

Are you sure you’re ready?” Molly asked.

He hoped he was ready and they wouldn’t both end up on the ground. Her closeness was doing crazy things to his mind, not to mention what it was doing to his body. He was relieved they didn’t have far to go because his legs felt as unsteady as brittle twigs. By the time they reached the patio, they were both breathing heavily. Molly settled him on one of the lounge chairs and flopped down beside him.

Am I too much for you, Molly?”

Instead of words, Molly shook her head and smiled. He raised a questioning eyebrow, but Molly was saved from answering his question by the arrival of a laughing child and a barking dog.

Pearce caught on quickly to walking on crutches, and Molly was relieved when she could let him maneuver on his own. The closeness of helping him practice using the crutches had taken a toll on her senses. His body had been tense and stiff. Was he feeling the same attraction to her as she was to him? Was he trying to fight it too? Or was he just glad not to have to be dependent on her anymore?

But the effort exhausted him, and he rested frequently. He was sitting at his desk after a particularly strenuous session.

I can’t believe how much this accident has taken out of me. Sometimes I feel as weak as a newborn kitten.”

Give yourself time,” Molly said.

I’ll be okay soon, and able to manage on my own.”

You’ll have that cast on for another several weeks, and you can’t put any weight on it for a while. You’re going to need someone to help you.”

I’ll manage.”

What about clothes?” She pointed at the split she’d made in his jogging pants so he could pull them over his cast.

My legs aren’t as attractive as yours.” Pearce shrugged. “But I could wear shorts.”

They are hairier.” Molly laughed. “But what about Gracie? How are you going to get her dressed? You can’t manage all those stairs to the second floor.”

Molly saw Pearce’s shoulders slump and knew he felt defeated. The bed he’d had moved into his office worked for him, but he couldn’t move Gracie’s bed and all her things downstairs.

Maybe Gracie could sleep in the family room. You could bring anything she’d need down before you left,” Pearce said.

It sounds feasible, but I don’t know how it would work in reality. What if she, or you, needed something else?”

I know it’s crazy.” Pearce shrugged. “But you can’t stay forever.”

Do you have anyone at all that can help you?”

He turned to look out the window, then back at her. His shoulders had slumped another notch and his lips formed a pencil thin line. “I had Bridget Flynn, a woman from town, coming in four days a week to look after Gracie and clean the house, but her mother broke her hip and she went to take care of her. I’ve worked from home since then. I don’t know when she’ll be back.”

I could stay for a bit.”

Don’t you have somewhere you have to be?”

Well,” Molly paused, “I can delay my leaving for a while.”

You would do that for us?”

She shrugged. “You need help. I can put my plans on hold till you can manage, or until your Mrs. Flynn is back.”

The smile she gave him lit up her green eyes. “If it’s not too long.”

You are an angel.”

I’m not an angel, but thanks.”

Well, Molly, you are my angel. I couldn’t manage without you.”

I’m doing it for Gracie.”

Pearce tipped his head and grinned. “Don’t I count in there, even a little bit?” He chuckled when he saw the blush rise in her cheeks. Reaching out, he closed his hand around hers. Her hand was warm and soft and he didn’t want to let go, but he forced himself to give it a quick squeeze and then released it. “Don’t worry, Molly, I’m not going to take advantage of the situation.” He winked. “Not that I wouldn’t want to.”

When she grinned back, a grin that set her emerald green eyes twinkling, she reminded him more of a mischievous elf than an angel. He didn’t want to add how difficult a task not taking advantage of her might be.

He needed to change the direction his mind was traveling before he couldn’t hide the evidence of his raised testosterone levels. “You want some coffee?” he asked. I think I could manage to make some.”

The crutches made a hollow clip clop on the ceramic tile as Pearce made his way to the kitchen. He could do this. He was capable of making coffee, and a simple lunch.

He leaned his crutches against the counter and started opening cupboards. He pulled down the coffee and a couple of plates. After setting the coffee going, he slid a crutch under one arm, grabbed the plates, and turned to put them on the table. The rubber tip of the crutch caught on the floor, then the plates were slipping out of his sweat-covered palm. The crash of the plates shattering into a hundred jagged pieces almost covered the sound of his cursing.

He slumped against the counter and used the crutch in an attempt to gather the broken pieces into a pile. The crutch flew out of his grasp, went spiraling across the floor, then he was following. Another loud crash as he hit the floor, another curse, then came the sounds of running footsteps.

He had to get up. His leg hurt, his butt hurt, and worse than both, his pride hurt. Was he not even capable of making a simple lunch? He looked around. Where was that cursed crutch? It lay on the floor several feet away. Could he shuffle across the floor on his butt and get it? Could he reach it and be back on his feet before Molly found him and his pride suffered even more? He bent his good knee and did a clumsy shuffle across the floor.

But Molly was at the doorway, her face etched with concern. “Are you okay?”

He glared at her. “I’m fine. I like pretending I’m a crab.”

Do you want help?”

No!”

Pearce glared at her. But she must have dealt with worse patients than him, for she just stood at the doorway, unfazed. He could see the grin she tried unsuccessfully to control. He must look quite the sight, but he wasn’t in the mood to laugh at the situation—feeling helpless was definitely not something he enjoyed.

Just leave me alone.”

He saw her grin fade and the hurt look in her eyes. He even saw the tear that threatened. Pearce shook his head. How could he be so cruel? She didn’t deserve his outburst. She’d done so much for him, and none of this was her fault.

I’ve got to learn to do this myself.” He could feel his facial muscles tighten.

You do.” She nodded. “But you don’t have to learn it all today. I can see you’re not used to needing, or accepting, help.”

What was your first clue?”

Molly shrugged her shoulders and tipped her head to one side. Her green eyes twinkled, and her laugh was like the tinkle of fine crystal. “It might have been the string of foul language, or the thunderous look on your face, or the pleasant tone of your voice.”

He sighed and looked up at her. “I guess you’re right. Anything else you’ve learned about me?”

You’re determined, stubborn.”

She opened her mouth as if to say more. Pearce wondered if she had more attributes to disclose and whether they would be positive or negative. But she must have thought better of getting too personal as she changed the subject.

I told you I could stay until you get on your feet and learn to manage better on crutches.”

I’m stubborn. I’m grumpy. And I’m determined to beat this.” He waved at his cast and the abandoned crutch. “I’ll learn.” He smiled up at her. “But I am grateful you’re staying on.”

Pearce knew he needed help, not only for himself but also for Gracie, yet for some reason he couldn’t understand why he was so reluctant to have Molly leave. He would like to get to know this woman who had rescued him. Was it more than her help he was grateful for?

It’s not easy, but you’ll get the knack of it.”

Her voice distracted his wonderings and it took him a few seconds to realize she was talking about the crutches. “Is that your professional speech?” He arched his eyebrows. “Or is that from experience?”

Both.”

She grinned at him, and he felt as if the sun had suddenly come out on a cloudy day. His irritation slid away. He leaned back against the cupboard and stretched his legs out in front of him. With an audible sigh, he let the tension slip away. This was ridiculous. Here he was sitting on his kitchen floor like a beached whale having a conversation with a gorgeous woman and it seemed the most natural thing in his world. “So, Molly,” he said, grinning back, “when did you get to experience walking on crutches?”

The first time?”

Have you needed them often?”

Molly put her hand against the doorframe and stretched out one shapely leg.

Nice leg.”

Thank you.”

She laughed, and returning her leg to the floor, she shook her head and grinned at him.

Well, this leg has a bum ankle. I was in track and field as a kid, sprained it several times, and had to be on crutches.” She tipped her head to one side. Sometimes I think I just liked the attention.”

The attention?”

Yes. Do you know how much sympathy a kid gets when they’re on crutches?”

Pearce laughed. “I would never have thought about that. Do you think I might be able to play on your sympathy?”

Molly raised her eyebrows. “That depends.”

What was it about the way she said ‘depends’ that sent his senses reeling? He couldn’t help his teasing tone or the wink her gave her. “Depends on what?” He was pleased to see the flush darkening her peaches and cream complexion.

We’ll have to work out the terms.”

Well, maybe I should swallow my pride, avoid my crab walk, and let you retrieve my crutch.” He pointed to where it lay several inches beyond his reach. “That is, if you have any sympathy you could muster for an old guy like me.”

Do you want me to get the wheelchair?”

No,” he said, shaking his head. “If you could just help me get upright again.”

As she bent to retrieve the crutch, Pearce couldn’t keep his eyes off the shapely length of her legs. She wasn’t model material. No, this woman had too many curves for that, and all of them in the right places. A treat to the eyes, and he’d definitely enjoy having her around for a while.

Pearce braced himself, hesitated, then held out his hand. “Mind giving me a leg up?”

Molly crossed the room and gripped his hand. Hers felt so soft and delicate in his rough one—its softness, a soothing salve against the anticipated pain.

Did she have the strength to get him off the floor? She looked like a porcelain doll, too fragile to be able to propel a lug like himself back on his feet. Yet she was bending over him, slipping behind him, sliding her arms around him. Her eyes questioned his readiness.

With a nod, Pearce leaned forward, took a deep breath, and bent his good leg under him. Her arm tightened around his waist, and he arched toward her. With a measured heave, Molly hoisted him upward until both feet were beneath him and the crutch again in place.

Pain shot down his leg, then radiated from his toes back up to his thigh. He gripped the crutch until his knuckles turned white. Closing his eyes, he waited for the spasm to pass. Her arm tightened around him. Despite his pain, he felt the heat of her body seep through his cotton shirt. Like a moth drawn to a flame, he leaned into her.

Should I get the wheelchair?”

Just give me a minute.”

When he tried to move, another shaft of pain shot down his leg. He grabbed for her arm. Pain and nausea overwhelmed him. He closed his eyes and fought the dizziness threatening to send him to his knees.

That was all he needed. It was bad enough that this woman had to see him dealing with weakness, pain, and infirmity, without the ultimate disgrace of passing out on her. He slumped against the counter.

He felt as if every vestige of color had left his face. His shoulders slumped and his knees felt like overstretched rubber bands. Molly was grasping a kitchen chair and shoving it beside him. Reaching her arm across his back, she wedged her body against his and eased him onto the chair. Then she was bringing the wheelchair, transferring him to the chair, and then to his bed. He was in too much pain to protest.

As she laid him back in the bed, her body was soft against him, and the scent of vanilla filled his nostrils. He was tempted to keep his head against her chest, rest against the supple fullness of her breasts, to remember what it felt like to bask in the warmth of a woman’s body.

Just a few days ago, his life had been organized, predictable, conservative to the point of humdrum. Now, he felt like he’d staggered on a treadmill with no shut-off switch and definitely no speed controls. He’d never felt this powerless.

The pain medication began to work, and he drifted to sleep with the sensation of softness and the scent of vanilla.