Free Every Breaking Wave by Megan Nugen Isbell Page A

drive on my pain medication and Jeremy said he’d worry about his SUV in the morning.  Noah nodded in and out of sleep as we drove home, but it was quiet in the car and I found my eyes drifting to Jeremy, his profile outlined by the lights of the dashboard.  He was being so good to me and Noah and I couldn’t understand why.  I’d been an outright bitch to him upon our first meeting, but he’d forgiven me for that and since then I found myself wanting to be around him more, getting to know that lanky kid from Travers Market I hadn’t noticed all those years ago.
    Noah was sleeping again when we pulled into the carport. Jeremy carried him while I unlocked the door. Noah stirred a little when we got to his room as Jeremy laid him gently on the bed.
    “You okay, Mommy?” he mumbled as Jeremy tucked him in.
    “I’m fine, baby,” I whispered, kissing him on the forehead.
    “Okay.”
    His eyes drifted closed and I was grateful he was going right to sleep. I didn’t think I had the energy to deal with it if he hadn’t. I kissed him again and then we made our way out of his room, leaving it open a crack with the hall light on while Jeremy and I walked into the living room.
    “How’re you feeling?” he asked, keeping his voice low so as not to wake up Noah.
    “All things considered, I’m okay,” I said, a dull ache starting to throb in my wrist. “I think it’s time for another pain pill though.”
    I went to the table I’d set the bags on when we first arrived back and pulled out the bottle of Percocet and began fumbling with the lid.  Unfortunately, I’d broken my right hand, my dominant hand, and I couldn’t quite master the childproof cap with my left.  Before I had to ask, Jeremy was next to me, taking the bottle out of my hands and opening it for me. 
    “Thanks,” I said as he handed it to me. 
    I reached for my water bottle, taking a swig to swallow the pill and once I was done, I looked up, meeting his eyes, hoping he knew how grateful I was that he was here.
    “I appreciate all the help you’ve been and your sister too.”
    “Thanks aren’t necessary. I’m glad to do it.” He was reading the prescription bottle and then looked at me, an eyebrow raised. “You know this is a narcotic.  You shouldn’t be alone when you’re on medication like this.”
    “I’ll be fine,” I said, reaching over and taking the bottle from him, but not before I became overly aware of the way our fingers brushed.
    “I’m sure you will be, but what if you’re not?” He was eyeing me skeptically and while I wanted to tell him to relax and that I’d never had a negative reaction to medication in all my life, I appreciated his concern. “I’m more concerned about Noah.  If you should need something or if he needs something and you can’t manage it for some reason, someone else should be here.”
    “What are you saying, Jeremy?”
    “I’m saying you shouldn’t be alone.  I’m happy to stay on the couch until morning to make sure everyone’s okay.”
    “Jeremy...you don’t have to do that. We’ll be okay,” I said, pausing for a moment as I thought back to what my life had become, and when I spoke again, my voice was low and even I could hear the sadness in it.  I’d done a pretty good job of keeping my emotional baggage away from Jeremy, but it was obvious now that the last year had broken me. “I’ve learned how to adapt to being alone. I’ve had to.”
    The room grew quiet and I drew my gaze up and saw he was looking at me. I expected some kind of smile, but he wasn’t smiling. His lips were in a straight line, a slight frown almost, and all I saw was concern on his face now.
    “Well, you don’t have to be alone tonight.” I was startled when he reached down and took my good hand with his, squeezing it supportively. “I won’t be able to live with myself if something happens tonight and I’m not here to help.  Hell,” he said, the familiar grin returning to his face. “I’m