“Thanks, that took a load of work off both Beth and myself.” Viper moved to turn the television on and sat watching. He took a beer out of the mini fridge he always kept stocked. “Want to join me?”
A closed expression came over her face. “No thanks, I think I’ll take a shower then lay on the bed and read awhile.” Viper stared at her thoughtfully as she rolled herself into the bathroom taking her nightclothes with her. He was well aware that he had brought back memories of the many times they had sat and watched television together and that she wasn’t going to allow herself to get that close to him again. The show flashed across the screen unnoticed as he realized she wasn’t ever going to let him in her heart again. He had hurt her too badly for him to regain her trust. He had been lied to and cheated on once in his life when he was still in college, before he joined the military, and he could remember the pain of betrayal well. What he had done was much worse. She would never trust Loker James again. What he had to do he decided was to teach her to trust Viper, the man he had hidden from her. To do that, he was going to have to show her the real man in the true environment he lived in and let her make her choice. The choice of whether they had a future together was in her hands, but Viper was going to use every trick he knew to get her to make the decision he wanted.
***
“One more, come on Winter you can do better than that.”
“I’m tired Conner.”
“One more and I will give you an extra five minutes in the hot tub.”
“Deal.” Winter forced her tired legs to do one more stretch upwards. Her belly quivered as the muscles pulled taut.
“That a girl.” Get changed, and I will meet you at the hot tub.” Conner helped her into the wheelchair before leaving to go to the hot tub. Winter rolled herself to the bathroom and changed into the tiny bikini.
She put on the robe she had brought with her when Viper had carried her down. He and Cash had stayed to work out. She rolled herself to the hot tub without glancing in Viper’s direction.
Conner helped her inside.
“You’re getting much stronger, Winter. Next week we will try and let you start walking more than a few steps.”
“Really?” She couldn’t keep the excitement out of her voice.
“Really. The house seems much quieter today.” Winter knew he wondered where his fan club was. Several of the women made a point to be around when he was there.
Winter nodded, sinking lower in the water. “Some of the people who live here left to visit their families. Where does your family live?”
“Texas. It’s too long of a trip for Thanksgiving but I am planning on going home for Christmas,” he said with regret.
She frowned, “What are you going to do for Thanksgiving dinner?”
“Probably eat at the diner.” He shrugged.
“I would invite you to dinner here, but I am a guest myself,” she said apologetically.
“That’s all right, the food at the diner is good. That’s long enough Winter, we need to get you out.” Conner stood in the tub and helped her to sit on the edge. He stood between her legs until she had her balance. As he began to move away, Winter’s leg began cramping and she almost slid off.
Conner jumped out of the hot tub sitting her on the floor, massaging her calf and thighs. His hands were massaging her inner thigh when the cramp finally eased.
“Thank you, I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been here.”
“Don’t go in the tub by yourself, Winter. Your muscles are still recovering from the trauma.
“I won’t, I promise.” She gave him a shaky smile. The door opened and Viper walked in, his eyes landing on Conner’s hands on the inside of her thigh near her crotch. His eyes became glacial. Before he could say anything, Winter jumped in with an explanation.
“I had a leg cramp. He was massaging it for me.”
“Glad to know, for a minute there I thought he was being unprofessional.”
The smile died on Conner’s mouth as he removed his hands helping Winter into her wheelchair.
“Thanks again, Conner.” Winter said before deciding to go for it and ask Viper for a favor.
“Viper, would it be all right for Conner to come to dinner tomorrow? He has to eat at the diner.”
Winter looked pleadingly at Viper. “I am afraid that’s not possible. Tomorrow is for members of the club only.” He gave a smile, which Winter didn’t quite trust. “But I will tell you what I can do. Friday is our party day and I am sure there will be plenty of leftovers. We allow non-members to participate with an invitation. Will that work?”