Free The Strength to Fall (McKinnon Brothers Book 1) by D.M. Chisolm

don’t even remember his last name because she kept her maiden. He was wealthy and she did get a good deal of money when he passed. I guess that’s how she bought the co-op? I remember my grandmother telling me he passed away from cancer when they had only been married three years. I think it was 2006, the year I graduated from high school and one of her last times to visit. She came only one more time to see me graduate from college and the twins from high school, 2009.”
                  “That’s the year she moved in, 2006. I remember because a couple lived next door but when they had their third child they wanted to move out of the city to a house with a yard. Dad was hoping my brother would buy it and if not he was going to, but then Claire bought it. It was in 2009 dad bought my unit from another couple and he let me move in until I could one day purchase it from him.
                  “So, you’d known her since 2006, then?”
                  He shook his head yes. “Hey, are you ready to go?” He asked breaking my thoughts. “It looks like it may rain and with you on crutches, that may be difficult.”
              I glanced out the window to see gray light casting shadows over the skyline. The wind was starting to pick up and I felt a chill past through me. “Yes, I need to get home. Now, please.”

Chapter Eight
                  “May I hold your hand in the elevator, just to help you get through riding?” Ozias was so thoughtful and it was appearing to be harder to keep him in the friend zone. I did need his hand to help me, so I took it. His hand was warm and fit perfectly in mine.
                  “Talk to me. About anything to distract me.”
                  “Well, we can continue our book conversation. You never answered me, what is your favorite?”
                  “Too many favorites to pick just one. Let me see, well, I love The Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah.”
                  “Yes, you mentioned her before. Contemporary fiction, right? Any other genres?”
                  “Yes, and don’t laugh, but I love some young adult, like Twilight and Divergent. The Hunger Games are good too.” I waited to see if he was going to make fun of me but he just stared at me like he was really concentrating. “Ok, and don’t tell, but I like a little bit of naughty too.” I smiled at him and I felt my cheeks flush.
                  The elevator ding signaling we were at our destination. That was the least stressful elevator ride I have had in five years! Ozias could calm and anger me like no man I had ever met!
                  We settled into his co-op and the rain began to come down in sheets.
                  “Just in time,” he said pointing out the window.
                  I nodded. “Weather is another trigger. You must think I’m a basket case.”
                  “No, I think you’re human.”
                  That comment warmed me and I gave him a look that let him know so.
                  “So, what did Dad say? I’m assuming not broken since you just have your ankle wrapped now. Still need the crutches though?”
                  “Yes, not broken, thank God. It is sprained but he really feels it will heal quickly if I stay off of it for at least a week and continue the RICE. So I guess I need to call and see if I can get permission to move my furniture sooner?”
                  “Not gonna happen. The board is full of pretentious, old people who are sticklers for rules. I’m surprised they let you take the co-op. Not because of you but they like to keep this a family orientated environment. When my dad bought this unit and I started living here, they freaked out at first, which was ridiculous because they know me. I’ve lived here my whole life. My