The Long Road Home

by Cheyenne Meadows

  Her eyes widened as she stared at him in astonishment. "I can't believe you remember him!"

  How could he forget? She came to class one day with a guy trailing behind her. Her face told the whole story, full of anger and worry. Gwen refused to spill the beans until he put two and two together. Seems Harvey had a big crush and wouldn't take no for an answer, following Gwen all over campus, and rattling her sense of security. He gave her a hug, promised to take care of the problem, and followed through, right after class let out. The punk knew a more alpha male when he saw one.

  "How could I forget your shadow that day?"

  "Yeah, such a jerk, too." She blinked at him and tilted her head. "What did you say to him? All I know is he never came near me again."

  A smile teased his lips. "I don't remember exactly. I'm just glad it worked."

  "Me, too. It seems I'm always attracting creeps." Resting her chin on her hand, she looked down at him. "I don't remember if I thanked you for intervening."

  "No problem."

  "Seems you were my hero well before last night." A sincere grin brightened her face.

  His face heated, a rarity for him. Crude and brash talk didn't faze him in the least, but avid praise cornered the market on embarrassing him.

  A bit awkward with the revered label, he quickly changed the subject. "Do you still dance?"

  She shook her head. "Nah. I lost my dance partner, and it wasn't the same." Her eyes twinkled.

  His ego escalated with the gentle compliment.

  "Besides, I sucked at it."

  "Hey, I thought we did pretty good for a couple of newbies."

  "You're right. If I remember, I pulled a 'B' out of the class." She shot him a grin. "Thanks to you." Wiggling, she rested her cheek back on his sternum and closed her eyes.

  She reminded him of a cozy kitten, finding a comfortable, warm spot to curl up for a long winter's nap.

  "You mentioned something about calling Walter Reed."

  His stomach tightened a notch. "Yeah."

  "Can I ask about it?"

  "Sure." Supposedly, talking about things helped, according to the shrink back at the base in Germany. He preferred to avoid chatting too much about his leg but couldn't deny Gwen answers to her questions.

  "Is that where you'll go for rehab?"

  "Yeah. I'll have to call to get signed in and find out my appointment time. From what I understand, it's a few weeks of hardcore therapy, getting used to the final prosthesis, and basically learning to deal with pretty much what life sends your way."

  "Will you stay at the hospital?"

  "Probably not. The orders said outpatient therapy. I'm not sure if they have hospitality rooms or what. If not, I can drive back and forth or take the train if need be."

  She lifted her head to stare at him. "Why don't you just stay with me instead? I live in Bethesda, just a few blocks away from Walter Reed. Walking distance if you have to, a short car ride if you prefer."

  He blinked and looked away for a long moment. She offered an ideal solution to his living arrangements for the period of time he attended rehab; however, that put him with her for another several weeks. As much as he enjoyed their twenty-four hours together, he dared not think too far ahead. Things change. People change. She might regret her offer later. Once she realized what living with him entailed and catching sight of his war injury.

  At the same time, his heart thudded against his ribs. She returned humor and laughter to his somber and serious life, something he rarely experienced since the bomb detonated and changed his life forever. He couldn't let her walk away at the airport and refused to let her hightail it to her car and drive over precarious roads today because his gut clamored at him to hold her close, hang on to a dream.

  Her brow furrowed. "I lived with my great aunt through college. Got a scholarship to the University of Maryland, full ride for books and tuition. Given the chance to go to school for free and see another part of the country, I jumped at the opportunity. Well, my great aunt passed two years ago, leaving me the house in her will. It's not huge but it is comfortable with three bedrooms and two baths. I swear there's plenty of room for you to stay. You won't be an inconvenience." She brushed her fingers across his cheek. "To be completely honest, I'd like the company. I could repay you for letting me stay here and have someone to come home to, for a while, until you're ready to leave."

  He searched her face and deep brown eyes, finding truth to her words. Either she felt especially obligated, or she seemed to want to cling to the link between them this time as much as he did. Logan hoped for the latter. Yet he grappled with an appropriate answer.

  "I…"

  His cell phone rang, breaking in at an opportunistic time. Stretching his arm, he plucked the device from the coffee table. "Hello?"

  "Logan! I've been waiting to hear from you. When does your flight come in?" his mother rambled in excitement.

  Gwen got up, heading to the bathroom, presumably to give him a bit of privacy for his conversation. He missed her warmth and presence almost immediately. "I got in last night. At the apartment now."

  "What? Why didn't you tell us? We would have met you there. Flown in early."

  "No use. Big ice storm here. The airport shut down last night, and the power's out here now. Last news I heard, they expected electricity to be down up to a few days."

  "But it's Christmas. You shouldn't have to spend it alone."

  A small grin appeared on his face. "I'm not."

  "Oh?" He heard his mother's curiosity snap on.

  "An old college friend needed a place to stay until she could get back home."

  "She?"

  He rolled his eyes, preparing for the questions to begin rapid fire. "Yes, she."

  "Oh my."

  "When are you flying in?" He pried her away from her probable matchmaking thoughts.

  "Tomorrow afternoon. The airline thought everything should return to normal by then."

  "I can meet you there."

  "No sense in getting out in the cold, dear. We'll take a taxi and meet you at home."

  "Okay." He sat up and shoved his fingers through his hair. "I'll see you then."

  "Love you, Logan."

  "Love you too, Mom." He clicked the phone off, his gaze immediately searching for Gwen.

  She returned a minute later. "Everything okay?"

  "Yeah. Mom checking in. They're flying in tomorrow."

  "Oh. That's good. I know they must miss you." Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

  He empathized.

  Reality in the form of his mother intruded on his magical winter wonderland, reminding him his time grew short before he'd once again have to face daily life as a disabled warrior to the rest of the world.

  As much as he wanted to see his parents, he preferred to stay, albeit in the cold apartment, alone with Gwen, reliving times gone by and feeling like a whole man again. To determine if they were compatible, to explore the first stages of a potential relationship, to enjoy a woman's company for the first time in forever. They had twenty-four more hours. Enough time to come to terms with what fate had in store for them. If they ignited a spark, he could always accept her lodging offer.

  Things just might work out. Except for one big detail. His wound. He had to show her his ugly stump. She wouldn't run or freak, no, but he knew she'd react badly, even a momentary flash, which would dash his hopes. He released a long sigh. Better to learn the hard truth now than to wait and suffer more letdown later.

  Before she leaves, I'll show her. That way the rest of this day won't be awkward, and we can part ways right after. Today, he could enjoy existing in the world of perfection for a bit longer.

  Confident in the decision, his blue eyes found Gwen once more.

  Chapter 10

  Gwen felt Logan's stare and forced a teasing grin on her face. No sense in letting their limited time together turn sad and morose. They had one more day to enjoy and she would throw herself into each minute with enthusiasm.

/>   Truth be told, despite the harsh conditions, she enjoyed herself far more than she expected. Logan's sense of humor meshed well with her own, a trait she recalled from their short time together before. They both had to return to the real world soon, but until then, she intended to have as much fun as possible. Maybe enough for a lifetime as Logan hadn't appeared too eager to stay with her during his rehab. The frown marring his face just a minute before didn't promise longevity between them, either.

  When life gives you lemons…

  Seizing hope in her mother's favorite phrase, Gwen kicked her sluggish mind into gear. "What to do with a sexy Adonis for the rest of the day?"

  His eyebrows shot up before a slow smile replaced his unhappy expression.

  Her face immediately heated, as she realized she'd spoken those words aloud. "Ummm."

  "Sexy Adonis, huh?"

  At least he seemed to perk right up. "Uh huh." She stepped forward and caught a glimpse out the floor-to-ceiling windows. The view shocked her. Power lines lay across streets even as more than one tree lay half on the ground, snapped under the weight of the frozen liquid. Not a single car moved along the side street, those parked looked like a mound of frozen sculpture. Ice covered everything in generous amounts. Even the blades of grass bore thick layers, making them look like clear spikes sticking out of the ground. As far as she could see, no lights were on, just dreary clouds and a busy city locked in.

  "Pretty. Brutal but pretty." Logan ambled up beside her, staring out over the world. He turned his attention back to her. "It'll be dark soon. By the looks of the mess out there, power won't be returning tonight or maybe not for a few nights."

  Gwen nodded. "Worse than I imagined. I'm glad I stayed today instead of took my chances on the roads."

  He wrapped an arm around her waist and gave her a squeeze. "Me, too."

  "Let me find some candles or flashlights or something." Logan swiveled around and headed down the short hall.

  Drawers and doors opened and closed. The reality concerned her. What were the chances the roads would be better in the morning? His parents' flight arrived in the afternoon. She couldn't linger. He needed time with his family, without her hanging out as an interloper. But by all that mattered, she wanted to stay.

  "I found a couple of flashlights and a handful of candles." He flicked the switches, sending a beam of light across the room. "That should hold us for the night."

  She plastered a small grin on her face. "Always resourceful."

  "That's me." He shot her a genuine smile.

  Maria's apartment would be pitch-black unless she borrowed one of the candles or flashlights from her host. No, not the candle. What if she fell asleep and it started a fire? Too risky. She could use the flashlight, but who knew how long the batteries would hold. The next door apartment proved awkward enough with the lights on, let alone in the dark, especially lacking the larger windows of Logan's home.

  A shiver shook her body. She crossed her arms over her chest and tucked her fingers against her shirt. "It's getting colder." Next door wouldn't be any warmer, either.

  "Yeah." He headed to the thermostat. "Fifty-five and dropping."

  "No wonder."

  "Whoever decided to install electric thermostats with gas heat should have their butt kicked." He looked at her, blue eyes raked her from head to toe, as if trying to ascertain some important facts. "Clothes, blankets, and body heat."

  "Huh?" She blinked at him.

  "Do you want to go back next door?"

  She shook her head. "Not really. Especially in the dark with no lights."

  He inclined his head toward her. "True. How about cold turkey sandwiches? Then, we'll jump under the blankets and hang out?"

  She gave him a relieved smile. "I think I'd like that."

  Chapter 11

  "I'm stuffed." Logan rubbed his stomach, then plopped on the couch, repressing a shiver with the blaring chill in the room. Despite wearing heavy sweats, he wouldn't consider himself anywhere near warm. He knew she felt the same since her attire mirrored his, comfortable sweatshirt and pants.

  They had eaten leftovers, then placed them back in the fridge, even though the temperature in the apartment probably served more than adequate to keep the food from spoiling and the appliance didn't work since the power remained out. They both brushed their teeth, then returned to the living room as the sun set over the horizon, bringing shadows both inside and out.

  "Me, too." She wrapped her arms around herself, a sure sign she felt the cold.

  Guilt settled on his shoulders. He hated to see her suffering when he was supposed to be taking care of her. "Do you want one of my shirts or jackets?" Her brown eyes met his.

  "That's okay. But you did mention something about blankets?"

  He grinned. "Yep. I have those. Heck, we can snuggle in like before. That was pretty toasty."

  The corners of her mouth hitched up.

  A sharp pain stabbed him in his left thigh, taking his breath and making him clutch the area in a moment of agony. "Shit."

  "What's wrong?" Gwen rushed over, her voice filled with concern.

  "Muscle cramps." He sucked in a breath and tried to get a handle on the intense throb. "Happens now… and again."

  "Sit down on the couch. Let me help."

  "It'll pass…"

  "Just sit down. Please."

  A vise encompassed his leg and squeezed tight. He half fell, half plopped down, immediately yanking his sweats down in order to tug his prosthesis off, quickly followed by the sock. Just as he grabbed the area, Gwen's hands found his.

  He spared her a glance.

  "Trust me." Her hands began a gentle kneading motion, working the muscle, easing the tautness with masterful caresses.

  The horrid sensation began to dissipate almost at once, leaving him surprised and vastly relieved. "Where?"

  She grinned at him, still massaging. "I earned my massage therapist certification while in college. Never really used it, though."

  "Until now." Good thing he wore boxers or he'd be sitting there butt naked. That would certainly put a rosy stain on her cheeks.

  "Until now," she agreed.

  Logan studied her face, finding nothing remotely related to pity or disgust, as were his fears. Instead, he found concern mixed with a hint of pleasure.

  Unable to quite believe her quick acceptance, he voiced the question eating at his gut. "Don't you find it… ugly?"

  Her gaze met his and held steady. "Not at all." She moved her hands slightly upward, then back down, going over the entire leg with warm fingers. "Just because it's different doesn't mean it's ugly. It's your leg, part of you."

  He frowned, puzzled and perplexed.

  "Logan, you're a good man, inside and out. Handsome as the day is long with a heart of gold. You're brave, smart, so very strong, and possess a great sense of humor. So you have a prosthesis, which takes nothing away from the rest of you. It only makes you more special."

  His heart buoyed at her words, the total acceptance he saw in her face and felt in her touch. Unaccustomed to such praise, he looked away, taking a moment for everything to sink in.

  "If you want, I'll be more than happy to give you a full body massage."

  "You don't have to." His attention returned to her face. But the suggestion sounded like downright heaven. To have her hands roaming his body would prove a sensual torture full of future promise.

  "I want to." She grinned, the action radiating her beauty. "Besides, I haven't gotten to practice my technique in a long time. I used to love doing massages, found them relaxing for me, too."

  Her innate giving nature pulled at his heartstrings. Most women would shun him for his disability, not offer to rub away cramps, then follow through with a full spa treatment in the aftermath of a severe winter storm.

  "Just call me a guinea pig." He found his spirits revived, as relief washed over him in waves. In her eyes, he could be a complete man again. A priceless blessing.

  "Good deal." She l
ooked around. "Bed or couch, you'll have to pull your shirt off, but I think I can work around the blanket without you getting too cold."

  Cold? With the heat spreading where her hands touched, he'd forgotten about the igloo they presently inhabited. His manhood started to take notice as well. He ignored the natural reaction, eager to flip over on his stomach so she could begin her gift, hoping the new position might hide the growing tent in his underwear. For a split second he considered the bed but tossed out the idea. Gwen might be a bit nervous in a more intimate setting, less free than she seemed right now.

  "If you think there's enough room here?"

  "Sure. I'll push the coffee table back, kneel on the floor beside you. Works just fine."

  His brows furrowed. "That's hard on your knees. Why don't you grab the foot stool over there instead?"

  She followed his gaze. "That'll do." Jumping up, she grabbed the small ottoman and carried it over. After rearranging the table, she scooted her seat right next to the couch. "There."

  Logan couldn't take his eyes off her. Her petite form, remarkable rear, and pretty face shot flaming arrows straight to his groin, making a quick pit stop at his heart first. While her outer beauty captivated him, her attitude and matter-of-fact reaction to his disability compelled him all the more. A man could do a lot worse. He took the opportunity to pull up his sweat pants. If she wanted to work more on his stump, she could work around the clothing. Besides, it was damned cold to be sitting around in just a pair of simple boxers.

  Grabbing one of the candles, she sniffed, then gave a brief nod. A quick trip to the kitchen produced an everyday dinner plate. Setting the candle in the center of the kitchenware, she lit the wick, and the room began to fill with the aroma of lavender. The small flame also put out a marginal amount of heat, enough to produce a dent in the descending temperature of the room.

  "You ready?" She sat down next to him, her legs spread with each knee braced against the couch. Her position resembled a secretary facing her computer with hands free to busily type away at the keyboard.