Beholden (The Belonging Duet, #2)(24)

I allow my mind to focus on the feeling of Jackson. How he makes me feel. The way his body feels inside mine and I start to tremble. “Now!” I moan as I bear down and fall apart. My head falls back as he erupts.

“Catherine …” he grunts and comes apart.





“Let’s go, you big baby,” I call out to Jackson who’s groaning in pain.

“I think we should call you ‘Nurse Ratchett.’ You’re becoming sadistic.”

I try to suppress a smile and stow my attitude. “We’re already late, babe. To get across town we needed to leave ten minutes ago. You’re supposed to be at physical therapy in fifteen and your orthopedic surgeon appointment is right after.”

Jackson’s been able to put small amounts of pressure on his leg with the use of his walker and his arm is out of the sling now. However, since he’s found his sexual appetite again—not that he ever really lost it—I worry he’s doing too much. I took off work today to go with him and make sure he’s not causing more damage.

“If you weren’t so damn sexy I would’ve been ready earlier,” he smirks and rolls the walker over. “I get distracted.”

Laughing and rolling my eyes, I grab my bag. “Let’s go, no more distractions for you.”

We arrive at the appointment late. They get him started on a few exercises while I stand there and watch him. He pushes himself hard and they’re constantly telling him to take it easy. At least I’m not the only one he gives a hard time about what he’s capable of. Typical man.

“Jackson, you did well, but I really need you to dial it down a notch,” the physical therapist, Christy, chides him.

“I am so dialed down.”

“Look, I know this is difficult and you’re doing exceptionally well considering you’re only a few weeks in, but you will set yourself back,” she explains.

“Nah, I’m good.”

“You’re exasperating.”

“Welcome to my world,” I say walking up behind him and he huffs.

Jackson wipes the sweat from his forehead. “Another woman to boss me around.”

Christy stands there and fixes her ponytail. She’s kind but very firm. When I first met her, I wasn’t sure if she’d be able to handle him. She’s only about four-foot-eleven but she’s been doing this for at least twenty years. Her height is an illusion because her attitude is about six-foot-five. Jackson towers over her but I’m pretty sure she could make him cower.

“I won’t put up with your crap. I’ll call the doctor and let him know you’re pushing too hard. Then he’ll put you back in that sling and we’ll say no weight bearing at all.” She crosses her arms as I watch the impending duel unfold.

“You wouldn’t.” He pushes himself so he’s taller.

Christy doesn’t miss a beat, taking a step forward and glaring at him playfully. “Try me, soldier.”

“Sailor.”

“Semantics.”

I laugh at the two of them fighting for the alpha dog position. “My money’s on Christy.”

She smiles and nods in solidarity. “I like this one.”

“She’s all right,” Jackson jokes.

“Don’t let him kid you, he loves me.”

Jackson grabs me and kisses the side of my head. “I do.”

“Enough mushy stuff.” Christy turns to Jackson and sighs. “You’re doing more than most of my patients are able to, but that’s because of your physical condition prior to the injury. You were in top form and you’re much stronger on your worst day than others on their best day.”

His smile and eyes brighten. “See?”

“Before you bask in your brilliance, it doesn’t mean that you can push too hard. You’re not allowed to put pressure on your arm. You need to keep your weight supported, so no walking. The muscles have to heal.”

I turn and smirk. “See? I’ll be sure to mention this to the surgeon.”

“I’ll see you next week.” She raises a brow and gives him a pointed look.

He gives her a salute. “Don’t worry, Christy.” Jackson wraps his arm around my waist. “I always behave.”

She walks away shaking her head.

We arrive at the surgeon’s office and once we get settled in the examination room to wait, Jackson and I talk about the launch plans.

“So, do we have to have this stupid party after?”

I huff and put my hands over my face, “I can’t make you, but I think it’s a good thing for the shareholders to see you. Alive.”

“I’m still going to be in this f*cking walker. I really don’t think that’s showing such a clear picture,” he complains.

We’ve been over this at least five times. He argues his side. I argue mine. In the end I usually win, but he keeps at it.

“I think this is the best thing for Raven. I feel it will show strength, that even though you were knocked down you were able to rise up.”

Jackson grumbles but before he can really put up a big fight, Dr. Flores enters.

“Mr. Cole.” He shakes Jackson’s hand. “Ms. Pope, great to see you both.”

“Doctor, can you please write me a note that it’s against the best interests of my health to go to any work parties.”