Hayden clears his throat and averts his gaze. “I mean, I can help you get to the bathroom. I’ll give you privacy once you’re inside.”
Of course, he’s only trying to help again. Nothing more. I mask my disappointment with a playful grin. “I’ll probably need helpundressing. And in case I fall, can you stand in the shower with me?”
“I… Arrhh…” He swallows hard.
I laugh softly. “I’m kidding.” Or am I? I won’t deny the thought is appealing. I just needed to say something to lighten up the situation.
He gives me an unsure chuckle and can’t quite look me in the eyes. I wonder if he’s thinking about it too.
I dab the towel carefully over my tights, avoiding my injured knee. “You need ice on your ankle and a patch on your knee.” He points toward the adjoining kitchenette. “Do you have an icepack in the freezer?”
“I’m a dancer. There’s always an icepack in my freezer. I’ll get it.” I stand without putting pressure on my ankle.
Stepping in front of me, he places his hands on my elbows. We’re so close I have to tilt my head back to look into his eyes. With our chests almost touching, the heat from his body sizzles toward me, burning off any lingering chill.
A flash of desire lights up in his eyes. Is he going to kiss me? I lean a little closer to test whether he’ll follow through. All too soon, the look disappears and he shakes his head like he’s clearing away his thoughts.
Guiding me to sit back on the sofa, he says, “I’ll get the icepack. Prop your foot on the coffee table and rest. Do you have a first aid kit?”
“On top of the fridge.”
He heads into the kitchenette. With a sigh of frustration, I sink into the sofa, tilt my head back, and stare at the ceiling. Am I imagining the attraction between us? The looks Hayden has given me are enough to melt my panties off. Something is holding him back. But what?
Before I can think too much about it, he’s back with the icepack and first aid kit. Hayden kneels in front of me andassesses my leg. “I need to take your boots off. I’ll be as gentle as possible. Are you ready?”
I nod. My body tenses, waiting for the jolt of pain.
He unfastens the thick, black laces from my boot. I’m always wearing ballet and tap shoes or stripper heels; biker boots make me feel badass. They also go with the black cargo pants I usually favor.
Hayden opens the boot as wide as it can go. “Tell me if I’m hurting you.” Slowly, he slips it off my foot.
My body relaxes when the pain doesn’t hit. He’s so gentle. “You’re not,” I say.
After removing the other boot, he wraps the icepack around my ankle.
I hiss.
“Did I hurt you?” His gaze flicks up at me with concern.
I shake my head. “It’s cold.”
“It’s an icepack, it’s supposed to be cold.” He grins. That smile hits me straight in the chest.
I roll my eyes. “Ha-ha.”
Pointing to my ankle, he says, “It’s swollen and bruised. You should have someone look at it in case you’ve done some serious damage.”
“It’s fine. I’ve done worse. It will be back to normal in a day or two.” I hope. I have dance classes, work, and of course auditions I need to get back to as soon as possible.
Next, he looks at my knee through the frayed edges of my tights. “I need to get the grit out of the wound, or it might get infected.”
“That’s okay. I can manage.” He’s done so much for me already; he shouldn’t have to clean me up too.
“Relax. I can get to it better than you can.” He unzips the first aid kit, removing saline spray, antiseptic wipes, and a bandage, placing them next to me on the sofa.
Relax!How can I relax with him kneeling between my legs? What would happen if I let them fall apart? Would he look? Touch?
Why am I feeling like a horny teenager? I need to get a grip. He’s here to help me. Nothing more. I plaster on a smile and say, “Thank you.”