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Chapter Two, Recuperation

Back at Jess' flat, Becker was ordered to lounge on the sofa. She even propped his leg onto the coffee table, placing a pillow under it.

"Stay," she said.

He sat uneasily as she puttered around in the kitchen. "Can't I help?"

"No."

"Jess, I feel useless."

"Oh. I'm sorry. You're not. Besides, you are doing something."

"Recuperating," he said, spitting it out like it was a curse word.

She giggled as she carried a tray out. "I know it's very hard for you. I'm very proud."

He looked up as she handed him a plate. He suddenly felt a warm flush inside. "Thank you."

She smiled sweetly. "You're welcome."

"I mean 'thank you' for everything Jess. You've donated your time to getting me on track. I appreciate it."

Jess blushed and sat beside him. "I'm happy to help. We need you back at the ARC."

He nodded.

"Now, I didn't want to make anything too heavy but I know we need to replenish our carbs and protein."

Becker looked at the meal: baked skinless chicken and side sides of carrot sticks, rice, and broccoli. "Wow. What's this? You didn't have time to make this."

She giggled. "Becker, you're so funny. I keep premade things on hand. I get these awesome chicken breasts at the store. They're cooked already so all I do is microwave them. The nice produce people chop the veggies for me. I just rip open the packages and dump them onto a plate."

"Smart. Of course a fashionista like you would be prepared. I imagine you'd rather be shopping than cooking."

She giggled as she nibbled on a carrot. "Yes, definitely. Now you know the secret to my brilliant style: I shop constantly."

He laughed. "It wasn't that hard to figure out, Jess."

She chuckled. They ate in silence for a while, sitting side by side.

"This is nice," Becker said.

She smiled. "It is. I'm glad you let me help you."

"So am I. I'm afraid you've got a big job on your hands though."

"I'm not worried," she said. "As soon as your leg heals completely it will go much faster."

"I know. I just hate waiting."

She nodded. "Oh! I forgot. I got something to help your leg muscles. I'll show you after we eat."

"OK," he said. "Is it going to hurt?"

She nearly choked on her chicken, she laughed so hard. "You big coward!"

He laughed. "Hey, I'm completely in your hands. I don't know what you've got planned for me."

She wiped her eyes and tried to stop giggling. "It will be painless. Mostly." She winked at him.

After dinner she came out to the couch with her hands clasped behind her back. She looked at him with a coy smile.

"I'm afraid," he said.

She smiled. "Don't be. I'll be gentle." She sat beside him and pulled out a bottle.

Becker's eyebrows went up. "Massage lotion?" He blushed. "Jess, um…what are you thinking?"

"What?" she asked innocently. "It's for your legs! Stop being dirty!"

"I'm not sure I'm the one who's dirty."

She lightly smacked his shoulder. "Well it certainly isn't me! Now, hold still." She grabbed his legs and moved them, twisting his body onto the couch in a lying position. She gently pulled his pant leg up.

Becker lay still, unsure how to react.

Jess herself felt awkward. She hadn't expected it. After all she was simply helping a colleague get better. There was no reason to feel uneasy. She did though. She felt warm and self conscious.

She looked up and saw that Becker's face was red. She quickly bent down over his leg. "It's supposed to be therapeutic," she said defensively.

"Um…good," he said, trying not to sound uncomfortable.

Jess blushed as she began to slowly massage the lotion into his muscles. "Let me know if I hurt you."

Becker didn't reply. He watched her work her fingers carefully into his leg.

"Is it OK?" she asked, risking a look at him.

"Yeah…it's fine."

She nodded. They both looked at each other, red in the face and embarrassed.

'Maybe this was a bad idea,' she thought. Then Becker moaned. "Too hard?" she asked.

"No. Uh, it feels good…actually."

"Good," she said with a slight smile. She blushed.

He smiled back. As she rubbed her thumb deeply but slowly into his calf, she kept her eyes on his.

He caught his breath as the sensation deepened. They were both flushed. It was awkward but…sweet. She smiled to reassure him even as her own heart beat fast.

"I thought if we could wake up the muscles…"

"Oh, they're awake," he said with a smile.

She laughed and looked down. She tried to steady her nerves. "I think that's good."

"Yes, it's brilliant," he said with a smile.

She laughed again and looked up at him. "Should I try the other leg? I don't want to hurt the wound."

Becker smiled. "You'll be careful."

Jess immediately broke into a relieved smile. "I will."

She lowered his pant leg and moved to the other one. Slowly she inched the fabric up, being extra careful over the wounded area. "Now you be sure to let me know if I hurt you."

"You won't."

She blushed and smiled. "I'm a bit nervous at your confidence in me."

He laughed. "Don't be. I trust you because you've earned it."

She smiled. Slowly she massaged along his calf, avoiding the wound. "Thank you," she said. She looked up and their eyes locked.

The massage continued slowly and silently. Becker closed his eyes. He could feel the pressure working through the tension in his legs. Her touch was gentle even as it was firm and he relished it.

"Ah," he sighed.

She giggled. "I guess it feels good?"

He nodded. "It does. It's…."

"Brilliant?"

He opened his eyes and smiled. "Exactly."

She blushed. "I'm glad. I was hoping it would help."

"Oh…yeah…"

She giggled again. "I think that's enough."

"Aw…"

"He he. Becker. We don't want to overdo it." She pulled his pant leg back down, minding the wound.

Becker stayed in his relaxed position. His face was peaceful. She giggled as she straightened up. "You know. I should make you repay the favor."

His eyes flashed open. He smiled slowly.

Jess blushed as she giggled. "However, you're the one who's injured."

"Maybe you could stub your toe or something."

"Becker!" she cried as she giggled and blushed.

He laughed. "Sorry, but the idea of…massaging….you… It's not an unpleasant idea."

"No, it isn't," she said.

He smiled and reached out to grab the lotion. She blushed and sat timidly. Her heart beat against her chest. Becker sat up and squeezed some lotion into his hand. He then gently picked her leg up.

Jess thought she'd faint as he gently rubbed his fingers into her skin. "Ah…" she moaned.

He smiled as he watched her go limp, falling into the back of the couch. He slowly moved up and down her leg, massaging gently.

"Mmm…"

He laughed. "I told you. It's brilliant."

She giggled as she lay helpless. "It is."

He continued the massage. He loved the feel of her soft, delicate skin. His mind began to wander. He thought how he'd like to massage other areas.

'Get a grip, Captain,' he reprimanded himself.

Jess was in a similar state, wondering how his fingers would feel along her back, her neck, and down her chest…

Suddenly it was like she woke up. She grabbed his hand.

He looked up, wondering if he'd made her feel uncomfortable, but she smiled. "Thank you," she said.

He chuckled. "Sure. It's dangerous, huh?"

She laughed. "It is. I feel so…relaxed, maybe a bit too much."

He laughed. "Yeah. I know what you mean."

She smiled and sat up. "Well…um, I guess we should…"

"Call it a night?" he suggested.

She nodded. "But tomorrow we resume recuperation."

"Yes, boss."

She giggled and helped him up. She walked him to the door.

He turned and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Jess."

"You're very welcome, Becker."

They stood at the door. Becker wanted to move in and kiss those rosy lips.

He didn't. "Good night."

"Good night. See you tomorrow."

He nodded and walked out the door.

On the other side, Jess was giddy. "That is what I call therapy," she whispered.

End of Chapter Two