Page 16 of Highland Stars
“That would be nice.” I pull a soft navy blanket over my legs.
“Would you like some toast? I bought gluten-free bread and can make it in the oven.”
“I’d like that. Thank you. Iamstarting to get hungry.”
Malcolm heads to the kitchen, and I lean my head back on the sofa and rest my eyes. Before I know it, he’s back with my toast.
I take a bite. It’s pretty good for butterless toast. Wait …
My eyes fly up to Malcolm. “Are you sure this is gluten-free?”
He grins, pleased. “Aye, it is. Mam’s friend says it’s the best.”
“Ahh. Okay. Good. I thought it was a little too good to be gluten-free. I guessit isthe best.” What a relief. The last thing I need to do is gluten myself on top of surgery recovery. “Thank you.”
“You’re so welcome.”
We spend a few minutes looking around on his TV, then settle in forThe Mark of Everlore.I’ve been wanting to see this movie since it came out several weeks ago, and surprisingly we’re already able to rent it!
“Ya need anything before we start?” Malcolm asks.
“Nope.” I smile at him lounging on the other side of the couch. “Hit that play button!”
“Where’s your bathroom?” I whisper like we’re in a movie theater, not sitting in his living room, alone.
He pauses the movie. “The top of the stairs. Middle door.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back.” It hurts to stand and I make an extremely embarrassing groan. Malcolm jumps up like he’s been electrocuted.
“Are you alright?”
“It hurt when I stood, but I’m alright now.”
“Maybe you’ve been sitting too long. We should get you up and moving periodically.”
“That sounds like a plan.”
“For now, though, I’ll carry you up the stairs.”
You’re getting a little soft around the middle.
That new gym is just five minutes from your place. I called and a membership would only cost you twenty bucks a month.
He’s going to carry me up the stairs.I can’t help my laugh. “I’ll be fine.”
“It hurts to stand, and you want to climb an entire flight of stairs?”
“Yes. I can handle pain.”
“But why should you when you don’t have to?” He steps closer, like he’s going to grab me and run us up the stairs. As if he could.
“Look. I’m sure you’re strong, but I’mnota dainty flower.”
He looks me up and down, and I’m suddenly very self-conscious about the sweats and t-shirt the nurse helped me into this morning.
“We’ll do just fine.” He left no space for further argument as he put his left arm behind my back. “Grab around my neck.”
I do just that because the look he gives me says there’s no other option. Man, he's handsome.
