A sarcastic laugh jumps from his chest, and I immediately know I said something that’s annoyed him.
“Sure. It could be less. Either way, I’m missing the playoffs.”
I stay silent after his response, feeling my ears starting to ring and cheeks begin to feel flushed.
The nurse in me immediately grabs another pillow to prop up under his leg and he doesn’t protest as I push the pillow underneath him and then grab another one and prop it up behind his head.
“Thanks,” he breathes out in a deep sigh. “You’re not at work, though, you can relax.”
“Habits.” I shrug, taking a seat on the loveseat opposite him.
“I brought some snacks, a few activities for CeCe. They’re in that bag,” I say, pointing to the plastic bag hanging by the chair. “Do you want me to cook dinner for you tonight?” I offer.
“No, that isn’t necessary.”
I nod at his answer. Trying to talk to him right now feels like pulling teeth and I don’t know if I should keep trying, if we should just sit in silence, or if I should just leave.
“Should we watch something? I’m sure we can find a documentary that neither of us have seen. I tend to steer clear of any that are about reptiles, because gross. But I’ll build up the courage for you if you want.”
A noise leaves his chest that sounds like it could be a laugh, but also a grunt at the same time. He shakes his head back and forth, pulling both hands over his head in a stretch.
His arms flex under the t-shirt he’s wearing and I can see a bruise under his arm, assuming another reminder of the hit.
“You don’t have to sit here with me, Kincaid. I’m on pretty limited activity. There’s nothing for you to do here.”
“I wasn’t expecting a lot of activity,” I say, standing from the couch and walking toward him. I take a seat next to him on the couch and run my hand over his cheek before placing it on top of his hand resting on his thigh. “I was just hoping to see you. Maybe help with a few things that you might need help with. I can also just be quiet, moral support too, if that’s what you’re looking for.”
“You? Quiet?” He chuckles to himself, and even though it’s a slight insult, I’ll take it because it’s more than he’s been giving.
“I mean… I’ll try my best.” I shrug, and he pulls his hand out from under mine.
“I’ll be fine, Kincaid. I don’t need a babysitter.”
I scrunch my face together in confusion. It’s like one minute he seems accepting of me being here and the next he’s bothered by it. It’s very pre-kiss Chase.
“I—I know that. I’m just here to offer help or at the very least check in. That’s what friends do, that’s what people in relationships do.”
His lip twitches. “Right.” He sighs and attempts to pull himself up from the couch. He gets to his feet and steadies himself before he moves. He barely bends his left knee as he makes his way to the kitchen island.
“Is there something I can get for you?” I don’t understand why he’s being this stubborn. A little stubbornness wouldn’t shock me, it’s Chase. But refusing my help completely is just… stupid.
“I’ve got it,” he says, reaching for the laptop on the counter and tucking it under his arm as he walks himself back to the couch.
“I’m going to say this as a nurse, not as your friend or girlfriend. But you need to keep your weight off of it and keep it elevated. Tell me everything you need by your side and I’ll bring it to you so you can stop getting up so much.”
“I’ve got it,” he says again with force.
I watch his footing stutter as he stops just steps away from the couch. His face turns away from me, but I can still see the wince. His eyes squeeze together and his breath snags.
I walk over to his side and take him by the elbow to help him back down. His body feels rigid and resistant, but he keeps his mouth shut.
“Sit down, I’m going to get some ice for you. We’ll do fifteen minutes on and off.” I get the pillow back under his leg, lifting his thigh gently.
The ice machine makes an unnecessary amount of noise as I fill a Ziploc bag and I’m kicking myself for not just bringing over one of my many ice packs I have.
“Thanks,” he mumbles. “But I—I think you should go, Summer. I’m still just battling with myself over this and you don’t deserve the crossfire of my piss poor attitude.”
Well, that’s honest. I take a step back, hands on my hips as he rests his head back on the couch.
