“Almost.” I peer into his eyes. They seem focused. And clear. That’s a good sign, I’m sure. “Are you feeling okay? No dizziness or anything?”
Chapter Ten
Grant
I stare up at Aspen. She looks like an angel, the light creating a bright, coppery halo around her head. I thought I must’ve gone to heaven when she hovered over me in the examination room, too. Because having Aspen fussing over me is my idea of heaven. Well, sex is up there too, but I doubt the angels strip and fornicate with the mortals who’ve recently arrived.
I should definitely get some reward for my restraint, though. I considered faking an accident just to get her to come into the shower. But that might have made her freak out, so I thought about coming out in nothing but a towel instead. That’s what I normally do, anyway. However, that would probably make her extra skittish. I didn’t miss the way she stayed in the corner while Sadie did her best to stake a nonexistent claim to me. I know Aspen feels something for me, but she isn’t acting on it. Not sure why.
I haven’t done anything to repel her, have I? Or am I simply not as appealing without my parents’ radiance behind me? Ugh, I’m not giving that thought any credence. It’s too depressing. Besides, I’ve done a lot to make up for my initial standoffishness.
Aspen’s eyebrows pull together, creating three lines between them. She slips her hand under my head, runs her fingers through my hair and traces the curve of my skull. I don’t know what she’s doing, but it feelsgreat. Maybe this is why cats and dogs like to have their heads scratched.
Thank God Will and Heath are out of town. They’d ruin the moment. Especially Heath, who would have a temper tantrum because he’s still bitter that she wouldn’t sleep with him. I wouldn’t sleep with him either if I were a girl. Guys like him are the reason women have vibrators.
Aspen frowns. “I’m not feeling any bumps.”
“Iwaswearing a helmet.”
She withdraws her hand, leaving me feeling bereft.
“So? That doesn’t mean it can completely block the impact from a fall. Not to mention a horse rolling over you.”
“Well. Starfire is a big girl, so it probably looked worse than it really was,” I say, with all the affection I feel for the mare.
“You know horses weigh, like, two tons, right?”
“Starfire actually weighs a little more.”
Her lips tighten. “I don’t think that’s something to smile about.”
“Sure it is. She’s a healthy girl.”
Aspen rolls her eyes. “Do you fall off horses a lot?”
“No. Those two guys who were flanking me are known for playing dirty. They’re mad because we beat them last time.” And they don’t care if the horses get hurt during a match. I do.
“Is there anything I can do? Maybe get you something?”
“Nothing yet. Just sit with me.” When she looks around, I pat the bed next to me. “Just stay here for a little bit.”
“Okay.” Her gaze drifts toward the desk. “Are those moving boxes?”
It’s my chance to let her know I’m not Will and Heath’s buddy. At least not close enough to want to room with them if I had a choice. Although she didn’t seem to recognize Heath’s mountain bike in the living room, she might hear that we’re rooming together later.
“Yeah. And they’re not getting unpacked,” I say casually. “Not while I’m here.”
“How come?”
“Because this place is temporary. I actually have an apartment off-campus, but it got flooded a few weeks ago.”
“How?”
“One of the toilets broke. Anyway, I needed a place to crash, and this was the best I could find. Their third roommate is gone for the semester. So as soon as my place is fixed or my realtor finds me something, I’m moving out.” I should text Mom and see if she’s found anything.
Aspen nods. “That explains a lot.”
I quirk an eyebrow.
