Amy frownedat the seriousness of his tone. Two days? How was she supposed to take care of Kallie and go to work? A nurse walked in carrying a boot and crutches, and Amy groaned.
Fifteen minutes later, Ben insisted on lifting her into his truck. She wanted to argue, but she had a feeling he was every bit as stubborn as his cousins.
The short ride from the hospital back to Ben’s parents’ house passed quickly.
Moments before they arrived, Amy spoke up. “Ben, what I wanted to say earlier was... I envy you, your family. You have a wonderful family.”
Ben pulled into his parent’s driveway and shut the engine off. He sat still for a moment before speaking. “You’re right, I do. They’ve helped me through some dark times, even when I didn’t want their help. I think I take them for granted most of the time.”
“I can tell they really care about you. I know you’ve been through a lot, but I hope you realize how lucky you are.”
Amy reached to open her door to get out, and Ben glared at her, making him look like his father. “Stay put!” He climbed out and hurried around to her side.
“I’ll use my crutches if you’ll get them out of the back for me.”
Scowling, he put his keys in her hand and lifted her out of the truck.
She let her breath out in a dramatic huff, then chuckled. “I wonder if Debbie is peeking out her window by any chance.”
“Maybe you’d better lay your head on my shoulder, just in case.”
She didn’t dare look at his face—it was too close. But she could hear the smile in his voice. “I better be careful, I’ll get a bad reputation in this town,” she said before resting her head on his shoulder.
Ben carried her into the family room and laid her on the couch. With efficiency, he took off the boot, propped her foot on the ottoman, and found an ice pack.
“Now, how about something for the pain and inflammation?”
“I’ll be fine. Your dad gave me a few pain pills, but I don’t like taking anything that strong.”
Ben walked out of the room, returning a few moments later with a glass of water and some ibuprofen. “Here.”
“I’ll be fine—”
“Take them already so we can relax and watch a movie.”
Yes. He looked like his father with that scowl.
She scowled at him before taking the glass and pills.
Ben was usually distant and withdrawn, but not tonight. She liked the change but couldn’t help but wonder what had caused it.
* * *
Instead of turningon the television, Ben sat on the other end of the couch. He didn’t want to watch TV; he wanted to talk to Amy. To get to know her better. Why, he didn’t understand.
“Are you doing okay? Other than the broken toe, I mean. Do you and Kallie need anything?”
“No, Ben, we’re fine. By the way, thanks for gassing up my car.”
Ben waved away her thanks. Unsure of the best way to steer the conversation, he decided to jump right in. “So, have you heard from Lance?”
Amy scowled. “He called a couple days ago, to ask if I was coming back.”
“Please tell me you told him no.” The thought of Amy returning to that jerk made his insides churn.
“Emphatically.” She lowered her eyes. “You know what bothers me the most? He didn’t say he missed me, he didn’t beg, didn’t even demand I come back. I mean, we were together for three years, and we have a daughter together. And his only concern about me leaving is whether he’s actually going to have to come up with the rent.”
Ben reached out and squeezed her hand. It felt delicate and fragile in his, and warmth radiated up his arm. The urge to protect her from everyone and everything that could ever hurt her surged in him again. “I’m sorry, Amy. Any man who would look at another woman when he’s got an amazing woman like you at home is a jerk. You’re better off without him.”
