Chapter 263
My phone buzzes as I step out of the car. I put it against my ear, balancing it between my shoulder and cheek and answer it while I grab my bag.
“Please don’t tell me you’re late,” Adrian says, his voice warm and amused.
We’d talked yesterday, and I’d told him I’d be getting my cast off today. He said he’d call before my appointment and I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t quite believe him.
“I’m not late,” I argue, smiling despite myself. “I’m precisely on time. The universe just hasn’t caught up yet p>
He laughs softly. “Really? You were supposed to be at the hospital at two… It’s almost two thirty p>
I glance up at the hospital entrance, people moving in and out, the familiar smell of disinfectant already creeping in. “It’s not my fault at all. I put all the blame on you, by the way. We stayed up, talking p>
Not that I’m complaining. Talking to Adrian is honestly one of the highlights of my day and it still amazes me that no matter how many times we talk, we never seem to run out of things to say.
“You loved it, though,” he says, and I can practically picture his grin.
“Obviously… I love hearing your voice p>
Am I the only one who finds it wildly attractive listening to a man explain things with so much passion? Add a deep voice like Adrian’s and I’m an absolute goner.
“And here I thought the sound of my voice bored you,” he laughs, the sound low and warm.
“Your voice does a lot of things to me, Adrian,” I say without thinking. “But boring me isn’t one of them p>
I clap a hand over my mouth the second the words leave me, even though he can’t see me.
Smooth, Sierra. Real smooth. You’ve officially embarrassed yourself and made it sound like you’re a horny mess
The full sound of his laughter travels straight south, and my desire for him flares instantly.
“Oh lord,” I murmur, my cheeks burning. “This is so embarrassing p>
“You don’t have to be embarrassed, Sierra,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice. “I love that you’re not afraid to say what you feel.
I hum and then change the subject. “Anyway, I can’t believe this day is finally here. I’ve been waiting for ages p>
“You sound excited p>
“Excited doesn’t even begin to cover it,” I say.
“It can’t be that bad,” he says.
“Try living with one functional hand for weeks. It’s humbling. I’ve had to accept help with things I never thought I’d need help with p>
“Like p>
“Like tying my hair. Opening jars. Pulling up my pants p>
There’s a pause. Then, amused disbelief. “You’re kidding p>
“I wish. That’s why I stuck to dresses. They were much easier to put on p>
He chuckles. “I still think you’re handling it better than most people would p>
“That’s because I’m amazing p>
“That’s because you’re stubborn p>
“That too p>
I push through the sliding doors, the cool air hitting my skin.
“You know,” he says suddenly, his tone shifting just a little, “I would have helped with any of those things p>
I can’t help but tease him, “Which ones exactly? Opening cans or pulling up my pants p>
He laughs. “Every single one of them. All you had to do was give me a call and I’d be there p>
We’ve been on four dates so far, each one better than the last, but I still haven’t invited him over to my place. He hasn’t either and I think it’s intentional. Like he wants me to feel comfortable, to move at my own pace.
Maybe it’s that. Maybe it’s the way he speaks to me, the patience in his words.
Or maybe this is simply the sign I’ve been waiting for to finally invite him over for dinner.
“You’re serious?” I ask in a low voice as I walk towards the reception desk.
“As a heartbeat.” He answers seriously. “If you ever need help, all you have to do is call.
I shake my head, smiling as I check in. “That’s really sweet, Adrian p>
“I don’t know about sweet, but it’s the truth p>
I open my mouth to say something when a nurse steps out and calls my name.
“That’s me,” I murmur. “I have to go p>
“Alright,” he says. “Call me when you’re done p>
“I will p>
“And Sierra p>
“Yes p>
“Try not to flirt with the doctors p>
I laugh as I hang up. “No promises p>
The appointment is quick. The doctor checks my arm, asks a few questions, and then carefully removes the cast.
The relief is instant. It almost feels like taking off your bra after a long day. My skin feels strange and sensitive, but free.
I flex my fingers, smiling. “This feels so amazing… Thank you p>
“You’re welcome, Sierra,” she says, then reminds me. “Take it easy for a few days, okay? No heavy lifting p>
“Will do, because I don’t want that thing back on,” I reply, making her laugh.
After paying my bill, I step back outside, feeling like I’ve finally been set free. I decide to stop by the grocery store on my way to Lilly’s. We’re having dinner and a sleepover tonight and I always bring something even though she insists that I don’t have to.