A Shattered Moment (Fractured Lives 1)

Relief filled me as laughter trickled up through my throat. “That’s what you got from that whole spiel? Are you telling me I could have stopped after the first sentence?” I asked as his eyes moved to my lips. His

thumbs stroked my cheeks.

“Well, you just kept talking. Besides, it was pretty enlightening. Except for the part about Sherman. I am not scared of him. I just don’t like that bastard,” he said, dropping a kiss on my lips.

I relaxed in his embrace. My body felt ready to collapse from exhaustion. He swept me up in his arms, cradling me against his chest. I broke the kiss, looking up into his eyes. My fingers traced over the planes of his face. “Does that mean you forgive me?”

“Babe, there was never anything to forgive. That’s why I went to your parents’ house. I owed you an apology for not being more sensitive. I’m a mule sometimes, as my dad likes to remind me.”

“You went to my house?”

He nodded. “I had to.”

“You shouldn’t have to apologize for wanting to talk about your job.”

“Can I ask you a question?” He suddenly looked serious.

“Yes,” I answered apprehensively.

“What the hell happened to your cane?”

A giggle rippled through me, making me shake in his arms. “It’s a long story. One I’ll tell you another time. I’d rather be doing something else,” I said, pulling his head close, claiming the lips that were mine again.

epilogue

Bentley

“You sure you want this one?” She had to be yanking my chain. Over the last few months I learned Mac loved to play practical jokes. She and Chad had a running contest going on who could pull the best prank.

“Absolutely. It has just enough bling.”

“It’s definitely eye-catching.”

“Does that bother you?” she asked, reaching for it.

“No way. If that’s the statement you want to make, who am I to say anything?”

“Whatever, jerk.” She slapped me. “I just think it’s time to retire my superhero stick. It’s way too boyish. This cane screams girl.”

“It screams, all right,” I coughed.

“Careful or I’ll buy that one,” she said, pointing to the neon orange cane on the rack.

“This one is fine,” I choked out, herding her away as she laughed. Her face lit up with happiness. I’d once thought she couldn’t possibly get any more beautiful, but over the last few months I’d discovered a new level of confidence in Mac, and she practically radiated from it. “You’re sure about this?” I hesitated, handing the blinged-out cane to the cashier.

“You said you’d buy me any present I wanted,” she reminded me, taking the cane off the counter while I paid the total. “Are you trying to welch?”

“Not on your life. I’m looking forward to your thank-you later on.” I chuckled when her face turned a delicate shade of pink as she glanced at the clerk. She was so damn cute. It was easy to embarrass her.

She changed the subject. “What time is the party?”

“Your mom said six. That means we have time to stop at the beach first. Are you game?” She nodded her head with excitement.

The drive didn’t take long, and before I knew it, we were pulling into the small vacant lot near the private stretch of beach we had now deemed “our spot.” How could we not, considering the pleasant experience we had shared here previously? Climbing from the vehicle, I hurried to Mac’s side to carry her down to the sand. She rolled her eyes, but stood ready, knowing I wouldn’t give her a real choice in the matter.

“You know, eventually I won’t need you to carry me. Jake says climbing all those stairs at your apartment is making my leg stronger.”

“Well, good for Jake,” I muttered. I’m sure Mac’s physical therapist was a nice guy, but he was screwing with my happy time.