He handed her the cup and sat on the bed. “I’m glad.” Leaning over, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Erica will stay with you this morning, Maddy this afternoon. I’ll be back as soon as I turn in my paper.”
She reared back, gasped, and closed her eyes. Jacob held her hand, watching her color turn from gray to rose. After a moment, she opened them. “There’s no need for everyone’s schedules to be upended. I’m perfectly fine on my own.”
“Don’t be stubborn, Avs. You’re still sore. You need help.”
“I’m fine!” She pushed off the bed and swayed.
Jacob held her steady and ignored her glare. He was more concerned with her ability to focus. After a moment, she was able to do both. Progress.
“I’m fine.” She tottered toward the bathroom.
“Do you need help?”
“In here? You? No.”
He fisted his hands and tried not to take offense. She was tired, sore, getting over a trauma…she was female. A light bulb went off. He hurried out of the bedroom.
“Erica? Maddy?” Their doors opened, and they popped their heads out. “Can you help Aviva? She’s in the bathroom.”
Both women hurried past. Muffled voices assured him they took care of her. He rubbed the back of his neck and stifled a yawn. All he wanted to do was lie down. Aviva definitely didn’t want him around right now. He walked into her bedroom, his steps slow.
“Aviva? I’m going home to get some things done. I’ll call you later.”
Erica popped her head out the bathroom door. “We’ve got this, don’t worry.”
Chapter Seventeen
“He’s gone.” Erica opened the bathroom door wider.
Aviva let out a sigh. “Okay, now it’s time for you to go too.”
“Maddy’s leaving, but I’m staying.”
“This is ridiculous. I don’t need babysitters. You both have things you need to do. I’ll be fine here.”
“Yup, and I’ll hang out here this morning. The more you argue, the less stuff I get done.”
“You’re annoying, you know that?”
“Too bad. Now say good-bye to Maddy. I’ll get you some breakfast.”
She started to open her mouth to protest, but Erica’s glare convinced her to shut it. She appreciated the thoughtfulness, but all this attention wasn’t necessary. In fact, she was getting a little claustrophobic.
Opening the dresser drawer, she pulled out a T-shirt and sweatpants, clean underwear and socks. She brought everything into the bathroom and sat on the toilet seat to catch her breath. Leaning over, she turned on the shower.
I need to keep my arm dry. Never mind dry, I need to get out of these clothes.
She tried to pull them off, but the movement made everything hurt. Fighting tears, she started at the knock on the door.
Erica peeked around the door. “Want some help?”
With a silent nod, she stood as Erica helped her undress and wrapped her arm in plastic.
“Call me when you’re done.”
The warm water pelted her back. She winced, but seconds later groaned in pleasure as it melted away the myriad aches. The fresh bar of soap gave off a fresh, clean scent. She scrubbed away the last of the hospital smell. A one-handed shampoo left her clean and almost brand new. She turned off the water and wrapped a towel around herself. One-handed, she was awkward and clumsy, but proud to do this alone.
“Can I come in?”
“Yes.”
“Feel better?”
“Much.”
Erica helped her hook her bra. She put the T-shirt over her head. When Aviva was dressed, they walked into the kitchen and ate breakfast.
“Thanks for all of this,” Aviva said. “I appreciate it.”
“No problem. You relax. I’ll get some work done I brought home for the weekend. If you need anything, holler. I’ll be here.”
“Oh, I should check in with work.”
“Just don’t overdo it.”
The women separated. Aviva made the bed her workspace for the day. After a call to Meryl, who was glad she felt better and passed along work she could do from home, she checked in with Hannah. Some press releases, a review of the menu, and Aviva was exhausted. She lay against the pillows and tried to sleep.
“Knock, knock.”
Aviva woke with a start. “Afternoon already? I swear I only just closed my eyes.”
Maddy shouldered her way into the room, a lunch tray in her hands. “I thought you might be hungry.”
Aviva’s stomach growled. “I am, but I could have gotten it myself.”
Maddy laughed. “Erica said you’d be like this. Relax and eat. You can run a marathon when you’re finished if you want.”
Aviva rolled her eyes at Maddy, but took the tray. She ate the sandwich and fruit. When she was finished, she brought the tray into the kitchen.
Maddy looked up from the table where she was spread out working. “Feeling any better?”
“Yeah, thanks. Sorry for before.”
“Don’t worry about it. But you might want to get your grumps out before Jacob gets back.”
Aviva nodded. “I will.”
She spent the rest of the afternoon working and watching TV. By dinnertime, she was crotchety and restless. Aviva didn’t want to be ungrateful, but she was tired of being an invalid, tired of staying at home, and tired of not being able to do anything for herself. Erica, Maddy, and Jacob had been considerate, but she felt guilty keeping them from their work and their studies.
When Jacob buzzed to be let into the apartment building, she counted to ten. If one more person coddled her, she would scream.
“Hey, good, you’re up.” He stopped in her doorway. “Want to go for a walk?”
She stared at him, certain she’d misheard. Did he suggest a walk? He’s kept me practically under guard all day and barely let me out of bed. He must have said talk.
“Sure, we can talk. How was your day?”
Jacob frowned. He folded his arms across his chest, crossed one bent leg in front of the other, and leaned against the doorjamb. “Better than yours, obviously, since you don’t seem to hear well. I said walk, not talk. As much as I’d love to talk to you, I thought you might enjoy some fresh air.”
Who was this man, and what had he done with her boyfriend? She squinted at him. Same wavy brown hair falling across his brow; same cognac-colored eyes; same deep voice that sounded like it was trying to placate the crazy person. Was she crazy? There was only one way to find out.
“You really want to go for a walk? With me?” She pushed the covers away and sat on the side of the bed. With satisfaction, she noted he hadn’t moved from his perch in the doorway. She stood. The room remained stable, as did she.
“Well, it was either you or Adam. You’re prettier.”
She walked to him. “Before you wouldn’t let me out of bed. You’ve had Bonnie and Clyde over there, guarding me all day.”
His face lightened as he pushed off the wall. He cupped her face. His skin was warm, and his thumbs caressed her cheeks. She was consumed with an unbearable desire to lean into him and go to sleep. But she was tired of being needy. She threw back her shoulders, standing tall.
He drew her into a hug, and she allowed herself to rest her forehead on his shoulder. But, only for a moment. She didn’t want him to decide a walk was a bad idea.
“We wanted to take care of you,” he said. “To make sure you were okay. They didn’t hold you hostage. They helped out so I could finish my work. So you had someone around if you needed anything.”
She pulled away from him but looped her fingers through his belt loops. “I know. I appreciate it, but I’m not used to all the hovering. It’s making me claustrophobic.”
“Which is why I suggested a walk. The fresh air will do you good. Some exercise will help you get ready for tomorrow, since I assume I’d push my luck forcing you to stay home again.” He pointed to her bed, where her work was spread out.
She nodded. “You�
��re right. I have to go in tomorrow. There’s a lot to do.”
“So, let’s walk now and make sure you’ve got your sea legs.”
She wanted to protest. On second thought, with his bloodshot eyes, he’s the one who needed to go home and rest. She wanted time alone, time she hadn’t had since the car accident. But the idea of taking a walk, of getting out of the apartment, was too tempting. So she walked with him out of the apartment.
The late May evening air was cool and fresh, or as fresh as Hoboken air got. A faint perfume from the loamy soil and the flowers planted near the building wafted toward her. She took a deep breath. “This is wonderful.”
“Great, let’s go inside now.”
“What? No!”
He laughed. “I’m just teasing. Come on.” He tucked her hand beneath his arm. Because of the warmer temperatures, the sidewalks were filled with people. They jostled their way through the crowd until Jacob steered her onto a quiet side street. “You okay?” he asked.
“It’s great to be out. I feel like I’ve been locked up for days.”
“Let me know as soon as you get tired. We don’t want to overdo it.”
She yanked her arm out of his. “Will you stop? I’m fine.”
He held his hands in surrender. “I know. I just don’t want to have to carry you home. You’re a little heavier than my books.” His mouth twitched.
She didn’t see what was funny. Well, maybe a little. Okay, a lot. Laughter bubbled from her chest. He joined her, his laugh deeper, his warm body touching hers. For once, they were united.
Straightening, she glanced at him. “I’m sorry I’ve been such a bear.”
“You’re entitled.”
“You’re awfully reasonable…about everything. Why?” They started walking again. He put his arm around her shoulders. The weight felt good, steady.
“Why not?”
“That’s not much of an answer,” she said.
He exhaled. She thought he might finally yell at her. But he didn’t. “Look, you were injured. Now you’re recovering. Part of your recovery includes emotions you’ll just have to get out of your system. Plus, I’m honestly too tired to jump at every cross word or inflection you might make.”
Stabs of guilt pierced her. “I’m sorry.”
“What for?”
She shrugged. “Everything, really. For not calling you, for not being grateful, for keeping you away from your studies, preventing you from sleeping…”
He pulled her against him, rested his chin on her head and rubbed her back. “You need to get something straight. I care about you.” He pulled her away from him to stare into her face. “That means, I care about all of you, even the parts that might infuriate me, or frustrate me, or tire me out. It also means you’re worth losing a little sleep, or not being able to study quite as much as I might otherwise. You don’t need to feel guilty. You shouldn’t apologize for it. Got it?”
She nodded, unable to speak. It was as if the world paused for a moment, or her heart stopped beating, or the heavy silence after a loud concert. His instruction was foreign to her. This man whom she’d known for a little more than a month was making sacrifices, ignoring his own needs as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She’d always been the one to sacrifice for others. No one had ever done so for her. What in the world did this mean?
****
“It means he loves you,” Hannah said the next day. They sat at Aviva’s desk drinking tea Hannah had brought.
“He can’t love me, Han. We haven’t dated long enough.”
“That means nothing. Do you love him?”
“How should I know? It’s only been about a month.” But she paused, turned her mug around, rather than meet Hannah’s knowing gaze.
Her stomach fluttered each time she thought about him. She’d never felt more cherished than when she was with him. He put her needs first. It used to be Hannah whom she’d call when something happened. Now she wanted to call or text Jacob first.
Did she love him?
“You know, don’t you?” Hannah sipped her tea, hiding her grin behind the rim of the mug.
Aviva opened her mouth to protest. What was the point? “I don’t know if I love him or if I’m falling for him. Or maybe I just realized I could fall in love with him. Crap.”
“Why crap? Falling in love with someone, whether you already have or are going to soon, is a good thing. Isn’t it?”
“Of course it is. I just don’t want to lose myself.”
“Why would you?”
Aviva fiddled with her mug. She tried to get her parents’ relationship out of her head.
“You’re not like your parents, Avs. Jacob’s not like your dad.”
“Wow, was I that obvious?”
Hannah raised an eyebrow.
Aviva sighed. “I know Jacob and my dad are nothing alike. No matter how out of it I might have been over the past few days, even I saw the difference between the two.” She raised her hand to stave off any comments. “I don’t want to make judgments on my dad here. He is who he is. I love him anyway. But it doesn’t mean I want that kind of person for my husband.” At Hannah’s look of shock, she continued. “Eventually. Not now. But I also don’t want to just fall for the first person who isn’t like my dad.”
Hannah reached across the desk. She put her hand on top of Aviva’s. “I really don’t think you’d do that.”
Aviva sighed. “I hope not.” She looked at Hannah’s wrist and gasped. “I hate to kick you out, but I’ve got to get to work. I didn’t realize how late it was.”
Hannah walked down the hall. When she turned the corner, Aviva returned to her computer. For the rest of the day, she waded through the work she’d missed, met with Meryl about the gala and didn’t come up for air until Meryl stuck her head in the door at the end of the day. But it didn’t stop the seeds of a plan from being planted in her brain. A plan to thank Jacob for his care of her. To celebrate the end of finals. Maybe to admit her feelings for him.
****
“So you’re not going to tell me what we’re doing?” Jacob waited for Aviva to finish getting ready.
It took a little longer than usual since she could only use one arm. A week after her accident and she felt better. Not perfect, but better. By the time she fully recovered, Jacob would be in the midst of studying for the Bar exam. If she was to execute her plan, it needed to be now.
“Nope. It’s a surprise.” She finished applying makeup, grabbed her keys and purse, and ushered him out the door. Downstairs, she directed him to the PATH trains. They took one to 34th Street. Once out of the station, she hailed a cab.
“Fifth and 72nd, please,” she said to the driver. She gripped the door handle as he pulled away from the curb.
“You okay?”
She looked at Jacob. Concern etched his face. “Yeah, it’s just this is the first time I’ve been in a cab since the accident.”
“Come here.” He drew her into him, his arm around her shoulders. Resting his cheek on the top of her head, he cocooned himself around her. She felt safe. Expelling a breath, she settled in for the ride.
Jacob looked out the window. “Central Park?”
“You’re right,” she teased.
He shook his head as they exited the cab. When he reached into his pocket and drew out his wallet, Aviva stopped him.
“Nope, your adventure, my treat.” Before he could protest, she paid the driver and threaded her arm through Jacob’s.
They entered the park, crowded with tourists and natives alike. Kids shrieked and ran around, parents yelled words of caution, tourists spoke in a variety of tongues, and lovers walked arm in arm on the paths. Deeper in the park, the traffic noises receded, replaced by tweeting birds and buzzing insects. Crossing the lawn, the grass was soft beneath their feet.
“You don’t have a picnic blanket, so I guess we’re not laying out here,” Jacob said. He pointed to some of the other couples who picnicked and relaxed on the grass.
&nb
sp; “Nope.”
“I never knew you were secretive.”
She winked. “I have my moments. Come on, we’re here.” She brought him to the Boathouse. They approached the ticket booth. “Two tickets for the gondola, please.”
He turned in a circle. His mouth dropped. “How did you know I love boat rides?”
She kissed his lips briefly. “I didn’t know for sure, but since you like pirates, it wasn’t too big of a stretch. I would have done the ones we paddle, but with my arm, we’d end up in circles and dizzy. My luck, someone would fall overboard.”
He looked her up and down. Although she wore jeans shorts and a white T-shirt, she suddenly felt exposed. Her heart pounded.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing you in the water.”
She covered her chest with her one hand, though she was bone dry and he couldn’t see anything.
He stepped forward, took her hand. It was hard to breathe, but in a good way. His eyes darkened. He smelled good. She wanted to kiss him. Rising on tiptoe, she leaned against him. He bent his head, touched her lips to his. This was where she belonged. She opened her mouth, but he pulled away.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he whispered as he rested his forehead on hers.
“You won’t.”
“Excuse me.”
She turned toward the awkward sounding voice in the ticket booth. “Your gondolier is ready.”
She wanted to hide behind Jacob and let him deal with everything. But this was her treat so she took Jacob by the hand and led him toward the water.
The gondolier and Jacob helped her settle into the boat. The day was warm. A light breeze caressed their faces as they glided on the lake. From the shore, people waved. Jacob waved back. Aviva’s attention was focused on him.
They floated along the lake, and the stress practically melted away. Jacob’s eyes, which had developed a squinty focus, widened. The crease between his eyebrows flattened. His shoulders lowered. His mouth softened. If she’d wondered about her choice of excursions, she wondered no more.
She rested against his shoulder.
His arm tightened around her. “I’m not hurting you, am I?” he asked.
“No.”
Five Minutes to Love Page 16