Chapter 10
When Myles returned to the house from helping Annie feed the goats, Tara was slowly and carefully making her way across the spacious living room. Myles could see she was in obvious pain, but the grim determination on her face told him she was going to make it to her destination.
"What are you doing up? You're supposed to be resting," Myles barked, cringing when he saw her visibly jump.
"Jeez, Myles," Tara snapped, one hand going to her bandaged arm while trying to steady herself. "I'm a grown woman. I think I can go to the bathroom by myself," she glared at him. And I almost made it! she thought regretfully.
"Under normal circumstances I'd agree with you," Myles scolded, moving to her side to help her the final few feet to the door.
Concentrating on placing one foot in front of the other, without falling over, Tara tried not to think about his arm around her waist. She wasn't used to his concern. He seemed to have changed into a different person since the accident.
When they got to the bathroom door, Tara stopped and looked up at her co-worker. Her lips parted to say something, but it was lost in the look she found in his eyes. Her heart started to pound in her chest as she realized no man had ever looked at her this way before.
"Th-thank you," she stammered, quickly looking away. "I can take it from here," she said quietly, relieved when his arm dropped from her waist.
"Okay, but take it nice and slow," Myles halfheartedly agreed. "Don't lock the door and call out if you need help," he demanded as she shut the door between them.
Closing the door, Tara sagged against the sink thankful to finally be alone. She couldn't believe the reaction she was having to Myles. Must be the head injury, she thought ruefully trying to control her erratic heartbeat.
Slowly she looked into the mirror, scowling at the reflection staring back at her. Under the material of the sling, she could see the bluish-purple bruise crawling up the side of her neck. Shadowy circles under the bloodshot eyes highlighted her ashen face.
With a sigh, she turned from the mirror easing the sling off her shoulder. Even with the limited movement, she would need both arms to get everything done she needed.
She jumped again when Myles pounded on the door calling, "Are you all right?"
So much for a little peace, she thought. I wish he'd just go away and let me be!
"I'm fine," Tara replied stiffly suddenly feeling anything but. "I'll be out in a minute."
Leaning up against the door, she felt a wave of dizziness envelop her. Grabbing the sink, she admitted to herself that she really didn't feel well at all.
The small room felt like it was closing in on her as she gasped for breath. Tara felt the overwhelming urge to lie down. I can't get sick now, she told herself, struggling for control.
"You've got five seconds, Tara," Myles shouted through the door. "Or I'm coming in after you."
Now that is the Myles she knew and loved! she thought with a smile hearing the irritated tone of his voice. Loved? she wondered as those butterfly feelings returned. Myles?
Before Tara could think anymore about it, the door opened and the object of her thoughts came through. From her perch against the sink, she saw him take in her pale face, beads of sweat covering her forehead.
With a small sigh, Myles covered the distance between them, sweeping her up into his arms. Her chest and shoulder throbbing with pain, Tara could only lean into him as he carried her back across the living room as if she was a child.
"Back where you belong," he murmured carefully, laying her down on the couch.
Too exhausted for a clever retort, Tara rolled her eyes, easing herself into the pillows of the couch with soft moan of relief. She closed her eyes as Myles tenderly brushed her hair back, turning her cheek into his cool palm oblivious to the effect she was having on Myles.