Free LIGHTNING by Sandi Lynn

weren’t any different.
    “I’m sorry, Logan, but nothing has changed. The nerves in your leg are still severely damaged.”
    “What about surgery?” Brandon asked.
    “To be honest, with the extent of the damage, I’m not sure surgery would even help at this point. Nerves can regenerate themselves, but it will take many years and, even then, they won’t be fully functional.”
    “So you don’t believe he can fully recover, Dr. Morgan?” Brooke stood up.
    “No. I’m sorry. The damage is too severe. Even with the amount of physical therapy you can give him, I’m afraid he’ll never be able to get back on the ice. This condition can be managed but not cured. Being a physical therapist, you should already know that. I’m sorry, Logan. I wish I had better news for you. My best advice is to have your therapist do what she can to make you comfortable.”
    I had no clue why Brooke would even ask that and it really pissed me off. Dr. Morgan walked out and Brooke looked over at me.
    “Remember my rule about not listening to what the doctors tell you. Let’s get home and get that leg cleaned up.”
    “How the fuck am I supposed to walk when I can’t feel my leg?” I shouted. “I’m not getting back in that fucking wheelchair!”
    “Logan.” Brandon walked over and placed his hand on my shoulder.
    I jerked away from him. “Don’t, Brandon.”
    Brooke left the room and returned moments later with a pair of crutches.
    “Really? You think I’m using those?” I spoke in a sharp tone.
    “You don’t have a choice. Now get up and let’s go.” She grabbed hold of my arm. “They’re temporary.”
    I grabbed the crutches from her and carefully lifted myself from the table.
    Saying goodbye to my brothers, I climbed into the sedan and Brooke slid in next to me. The ride back to my apartment was silent. Apparently, she didn’t have anything to say. She was pissed and I wasn’t standing for it. She had no reason to be so angry. I was the one who had a reason.
    “What the hell is your problem? Why are you giving me the silent treatment?” I asked as she stuck the key into the lock.
    “I don’t have a problem. I’m giving you your space.” She held the door open for me.
    “Why?”
    Throwing the keys on the table, she turned and looked at me.
    “Because you’re extremely upset. I knew this would happen if you had that test done. Why do you think I said there was no need for it? You didn’t need to be reminded about how serious things with your leg are and you most certainly didn’t need to hear the doctor say that you’ll never step on the ice again.”
    The way she stood there and stared at me with her blue eyes made me tremble. I wanted nothing more than to kiss her right at that moment. To taste her lips and feel how soft they would be when pressed against mine. As angry as I was about what the doctor said, her being with me at this moment made me forget everything. As I placed my hand on her cheek, she slowly closed her eyes.
    “I’m sorry. I know I haven’t said it yet, but thank you for being here.”
    She opened her eyes and softly spoke, “You’re welcome.” Taking my hand from her cheek, Brooke brought it to her lips. “Now let’s get you in the shower and get that leg cleaned up.”

Chapter 13
    Brooke
     
    While Logan was in the shower, I waited on the couch. I couldn’t stop thinking about how his hand felt on my cheek and the riveting pulses that shot through my body. Pulses that were new to me. Pulses that I had never felt with anyone else before. I needed to prepare myself because helping him was going to be tough as it was and I couldn’t let personal feelings get in the way. He needed to recover without any distractions.
    “Brooke!” I heard him yell from the bathroom.
    Jumping up from the couch, I ran to the door.
    “What’s wrong?”
    “My leg. I’m in so much pain and I can’t get up off the fucking shower floor!” he spoke through gritted teeth.
    Opening the door and