“Come on, Limpy,” I teased, walking alongside him while he used the crutches to help him move.

“Not you, too,” Elijah chuckled. “You’re lucky I can’t do what I wish I could do.”

“Oh yeah?”

As if the crutches were an extension of his arms, he wrapped them around me, pulling me into his chest. “Much better. I’m a little handicapped, but it doesn’t mean I can’t show you I’m still a man.”

“There was never a doubt, Mr. Cooper,” I said, enjoying his lips brushing against mine.

“I have something for you. I bought it before the accident. Take out the big box inside my closet.”

“Really? You got me something?” I started to walk backwards to his closet, keeping my eyes on him. Upon opening, sure enough there was a box. Opening my gift, I took it out and the smell of leather tickled my nose in a pleasant way. “This is beautiful, Elijah. I don’t know what to say.” I held up a black leather jacket.

“Try it on. Let me see it on you.”

I stood up, slipped it on and modeled for him. “What do you think?”

“It’s perfect. I knew it would be, but I think it would fit better if you were naked underneath it. What do you think?”

I practically jumped on him, causing him to plop onto the bed. “Thank you so much. I never had a leather jacket before. I love it,” I said, kissing all over his face. Straddling him, I pinned his arms over his head. My hair cascaded down the side of my face. It created a tunnel and I saw nothing but his beautiful, happy smile.

“I can really get used to this,” Elijah chuckled. “I should buy you gifts more often.”

I let out a laugh. “No need for a gift. I can do this every day. But it’s time for you to get to bed. Nurse Weis’s order.”

Elijah shifted his body while I helped him get into a comfortable position by plumping pillows behind his back. “There, that should do it. I’m going to wash up. I’ll be right back.”

“I’m so tired.” Elijah closed his eyes and yawned. “I may be asleep by the time you get back.”

“That’s okay. You had way too many visitors for your first day back home.” I pulled the blanket up to his chest and gave him a tender kiss on his lips. When I stood up from the bed, Elijah pulled me back down. “One. More. Kiss.”

With a smile, I happily obliged and then walked away. “Before I forget,” I started to say, but stopped speaking when I looked back. His head was tilted and his eyes were shut. Elijah was already fast asleep.

Chapter 41

Alexandria

“Freckles, give me my backpack,” Elijah ordered. Stepping out of the car, he used his crutches to help himself up, and then slammed the door.

“I’ll hold it for you.”

He raised one of his crutches up, preventing me from moving ahead. “Alex,” he said calmly, “If you don’t give me my backpack, I’m not moving. I’m standing right here. There is no way in hell I’m letting you carry my pack and yours. I may be a gimp right now, but that doesn’t mean I’m not capable.”

I raised my brows. “You just don’t want to look like a wimp in front of your friends,” I teased, helping him sling it over his shoulder.

“That’s right,” he chuckled. “They’ll be calling me Wimpy Limpy.”

I snorted loudly. “Come on Wimpy Limpy. I’m going to be late for class.”

“I may be limpy, but I can still be speedy.”

He was.

Just like on the ice, he maneuvered the crutches gracefully, as if they were an extension of his legs. He moved faster than me. We didn’t have any classes together, but Elijah insisted on walking me to class.

“I guess this is where I drop you off,” he said. “I have a class after you get out, so I’m going to hang around here for an hour. I might be sitting in the campus café.” He looked to his left at the small structure.

“Okay, don’t miss me too much.” I tippy toed to give him a quick kiss, but my lips never left his.

Elijah held on tightly, giving me a kiss I would dream about all through class. It was the kind of kiss that made me tingle everywhere, making me see shooting stars. I lazily opened my eyes, feeling dazed when he let go, and planted my feet firmly on the ground.

“But I want you to miss me,” he growled in that low sexy tone against my ear.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to concentrate in class after that kiss.” Taking a deep breath, I looked into the warm brown eyes that held so much love for me.

“Hey, Alex. Hey, Limpy,” Seth called, breaking our connection. He slapped Elijah lightly on his back. “It’s good to see you out and about.”

“You have class, Alex?” Seth asked.

“Yes, I’m on my way.” I pointed at the door.

“Doesn’t it start at ten?” Seth looked at his watch.

“Why? What time is it?” I panicked, taking out my cell from my back pocket. “Shit. I better go. I’m ten minutes late.” I gave Elijah another quick peck and ran.

“I’ll take good care of Limpy,” Seth cracked up.

Elijah

My class ended at twelve. I told Alex to meet me at the school’s dining hall. I felt like eating Lexy’s super-sized burrito. When I got there, Alex was sitting down at a table with Lexy, Seth, and Dean.

I nodded my greeting to everyone, dropped my bag, and sat on the chair next to Alex. Sliding my crutches under the table, I settled in, getting as comfortable as I could.