“I still wouldn’t sneak up on me though,” I warn him, pointing my finger towards his face.
“Noted. So you’re a virgin? You and Jake never…” he starts, wiggling his eyebrows.
“No, Seb,” I shake my head.
Seb gets a look of mischief in his eyes, opening his mouth to say something else, but E puts his hand over it. “Nope. I recognize that gleam in your eye. New topic.”
“Aww, you’re no fun, E,” he sulks for a moment but quickly moves on. “Ok Sunshine, how are the legs doing after two runs? Are you jogging or actually running? How fast are you?”
“Sore. Running. No idea,” I respond. Speaking of my legs, they’re pretty tight right now.
Seb looks me over critically for a minute before standing up. He comes over, picks me up, and gently sits me down beside E. He takes a seat and lifts my feet onto his lap. “I’m giving you a foot rub now, Sunshine. Just enjoy.”
“You don’t need to do that, Seb,” I argue.
“I want to. I’m sure your feet are sore after running too,” he says. His hands are magic. I didn’t even think my feet hurt, but the massage is wonderful. He goes all the way up my calves after finishing each foot, and I’m a big puddle of goo by the time he’s done.
E picks me up and carries me to bed. Seb turns the covers down so E can place me gently on the bed. They both say goodbye, but I’m already drifting off.
Chapter 27
Zander knocks on my door to wake me on Wednesday morning. Wait, why didn’t my alarm go off? I shuffle through my memories of last night. I must have fallen asleep after the massage. Rolling over, I wince. No arnica, ibuprofen, or stretching happened last night. “Shit,” I mumble.
“Are you okay, Summer?” Zander comes in, scanning me from head to toe.
“Sort of,” I grimace. “I fell asleep, so I didn’t take care of my legs last night, and they seized up.”
“That’s not good. How do I help?” Zander offers.
“Can you get me some ibuprofen and maybe run me a hot bath? Epsom salts are on the counter in the bathroom.”
“Sure. I’ll be right back.” Zander quickly grabs the ibuprofen and a glass of juice for me. Swallowing the pills, I try to stretch out my legs in bed as I hear the water start in the tub. “How much Epsom salts do you want, Summer?” Zander calls from the bathroom.
“About a cup, please,” I holler back. Shoot, my legs are a mess this morning. Today is going to be painful.
I hear the water turn off, then Zander is back. “That should be plenty deep for your legs. Do you need help to get up?”
I try to sit up and swing my legs over the edge of the bed, but they aren’t cooperating. “Yeah, I might,”I groan.
Zander swings my legs over the side of the bed and immediately grabs my hands to pull me upright. I wobble a bit but stay standing. “This is bad, Summer. Is the coach pushing you too hard? Do I need to call her?”
“No,” I shake my head. “This is on me. I’m running on my own. This happens when I don’t take care of myself. I know better. It’s my fault.”
Zander still doesn’t appear happy, but nods, helping me shuffle into the bathroom. The next problem is getting into the tub. “Um, can you lift me, clothes and all, into the tub, please?”
Zander gently picks me up and lowers me into the water. It feels weird with my clothes on, but the heat from the water is outstanding. “Can I get you anything else?” He asks.
“No, I’m good now. Can you yell in a half hour so I know when to get out?” I wiggle myself backward to rest against the curve of the tub.
He nods, “Holler if you need anything else. I’m hopping in the shower, but I’ll be in the kitchen after that so I can hear you.”
“Thanks, Zander,” I smile. Once he leaves, I wrestle my pajamas off and plop them onto the tile floor and massage my thighs, trying to get them to loosen up. A deep tissue massage would be perfect right now, but that’s not happening with my aversion to touch. When I’ve massaged as best I can, I bend my thighs upwards gently. I’ve nearly got both bent to my chest when Zander knocks, saying it’s been a half an hour. I’m able to stand on my own, which is a good sign, so I carefully step out of the tub. My legs are still stiff and sore, but usable. I dry off and throw my robe on. Zander is waiting in the hallway for me. “I’m okay now. Thanks for the help.”
“Are you sure?” He seems skeptical a half hour can do much good.
“Yup, I’m good. Promise.” I hobble into my bedroom, apply the arnica, and get ready for school. It feels like a comfy clothes day with Jake’s hoodie and leggings. It’s the first time I’ve worn one ofhis hoodies since getting here, but it doesn’t make me sad thinking about Jake, only happy for the memories and comfort instead. I put the arnica and ibuprofen in my backpack for today.
Zander drops me off at school, telling me to take it easy. Seb sees me hobbling up the steps and rushes over. “Sunshine, you’re hurt? Want me to carry you? Give me your bags. Is it your legs from running? What can I do?”
