The Amendment (The Contract 2)

His gaze dropped, and his shoulders slumped.

“I can’t believe you would even think—”

He scrubbed his face. “I didn’t. I’m sorry. I was being an ass. I get frustrated with everyone making plans and not being part of them.”

“I was going to discuss it with you when I came back. However, you were berating a nurse and throwing out attitude, so that took precedence.”

“I’m sorry, Katy.”

I shook my head. “We’re all doing our best for you, Richard. I’m hurt you would even think something so terrible.”

I turned and he reached out, grabbing my arm. “Katy, baby, please.”

I shook off his grip. “I know you’re upset. But even thinking that…”

He pulled on my arm, dragging me close. He lifted my hand to his mouth, kissing my knuckles, his expression contrite.

“I thought you were going to die,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face. “I thought I had lost you, and I didn’t know how I was going to cope. How could you think that of me? Of Maddox? After everything he did for you? For our family?”

“I didn’t mean it.”

I lifted my gaze to his face. “Then why did you say it?”

“I have a lot of anger, and I can’t seem to control it. I lash out without thought,” he admitted, his voice low. “I know you would never… That Maddox… Fuck. I’m such an asshole. Katy, baby, please forgive me. I’ll do better, I promise I will.”

Doris walked in, pushing a machine.

“Okay, Mr. VanRyan, let’s get you cleaned up. Maybe that will help brighten your outlook.”

I shook off his hold, still shocked at his inference.

“Maybe it will.”I stood back, watching Richard argue with Doris the entire time she got him ready for his shower. I refused to apologize. If this was his way of doing better, life was going to be hard for the next while.

In the private bathroom, Doris lowered Richard into the enclosed bath chair.

“Are you sure you can do this?” she asked me. “I can get in a male orderly if you prefer.”

Richard hated strangers touching him, which was one reason he was being such a difficult patient. “No, I’ll be fine.”

“All right, I’ll leave you to it. Hit the call button when you’re ready, and we’ll get him settled back into his room.”

She pulled the curtain closed, giving us privacy. I undressed, then slipped Richard’s gown from his shoulders, turning on the water and making sure it was warm. I adjusted the seat for him and let the water rain down on his head. He slumped forward, all the tension leaving his body. My anger slipped away at his posture, and I ran my hand over his shoulders. He grabbed it and kissed the palm in a silent apology. I bent down and met his tortured gaze.

“I’m sorry,” he begged. “I didn’t mean it.”

“You hurt me.”

“Forgive me. I’ll try harder. I will, Katy. I promise.”

His gaze was tormented, his words sincere. I exhaled.

“Try very hard.”

“I will.”

“I know.”

He cupped my face and kissed me. It was soft and gentle, filled with regret and trepidation. I kissed him back, straightened up and reached for the shampoo. I stood in front of him, washing his hair. He wrapped his hands around my hips, his long fingers pressing into my skin. Although I was still upset, I felt the familiar shiver as he touched me. He kissed my stomach, and my muscles clenched.

I wondered if he felt my shiver and was feeling the need to explore. I longed to feel his touch again, and I was ready for whatever he wanted to try, even if we had to go slowly due to his healing ribs and restricted mobility. Richard had always been a fan of sex in the shower, the pool, or the hot tub. Even if we got caught in the rain.

“I love seeing your skin wet, Katy,” he confessed to me once, his lips grazing across my throat as his tongue lapped at the water on my neck. “It turns me on more than I can express.”

I rinsed his hair, picked up the soap, and smoothed it over his skin, massaging it into lathers of foam. Up and down his arms. I stroked my fingers around his neck and shoulders, sliding the soap on his wet skin, being careful around his incision area, wincing at the bruised flesh. I glided my hands to his upper back, pressing and kneading on his tight muscles. He made a low sound in his throat, and as I peeked over his shoulder, I watched his cock stir and lengthen. My fingers tightened on the soap.

I knew he had spoken to the doctor about sex. Alan had assured Richard he was capable of erections and intercourse, although things might feel different now. He told Richard we would have to be creative in our positions, but when he was ready to let his body guide him as to the limits.