A Cold Winter (BoyxBoy)

Chapter 11

Two hours and four stitches later we were out of the ER and headed back to my house. Thankfully, there was a doctor there that Luke trusts, so he didn't have to be the one to stitch me up. They did give me some pretty heavy painkillers, so I'm currently sitting here trying my hardest not to say anything that's gonna get me into huge trouble later. Especially since all I can think about now is how worried Luke was about my hand and how hot he looked taking charge at the hospital. He rushed me in, and I guess he had warned somebody there that we were on our way, because they were all waiting for me as soon as we walked through the door.

Luke took a sharp turn, knocking my head against the window and bringing me out of my musing. "Ow," I sent him a sharp glare as I rubbed my forehead.

"Sorry, Manny. I keep forgetting that my normal road is closed. Didn't wanna miss that one or I would have out of luck." I wasn't listening to his explanation as I watched the roads pass, realizing that we were not headed towards my house.

"This isn't the way home, Mr. Richards." I suddenly realized who's home we were pulling into. I had, unfortunately, just woken up here a few days ago.

He parked the truck and looked at me. "Of course it's not your house. Did you honestly think I would let you just go home alone with your injury?" He raised an eyebrow as I sputtered in disbelief.

"Yes! Of course I did! It's a cut on my hand, barely a scratch! What could I possibly need monitoring for?" He opened his mouth to reply, but I cut him off. "No, that was rhetorical. Seriously, take me home. And all that food. There has to be such a mess."

He pursed his lips. "The food will still be there tomorrow. I turned all the burners off, so it's fine and it can wait. If I take you home, I'm staying there with you. So take your pick."

Honestly, the nerve of this man! I ignored the butterflies that were in my stomach because of his insistence on taking care of me. It was outweighed by how indignant I felt that he thought I couldn't take care of myself.

"I want to go home, please." He raised his eyebrows but said nothing as he started the truck back up and backed out of the driveway.

"Have it your way, Manny." I smiled in my seat as I started seeing the familiar houses. I tried to ignore the smug look on Luke's face as we pulled into the driveway. I jumped from the truck and raced to the porch turning around to give him a small wave.

"Okay! Well I think I'll be okay on my own tonight. Thanks so much for all the help, but I-oomph" I was cut off by two hands grabbing both of my biceps as I was lifted of the ground and set in front of the door.

He was very obviously unimpressed by my attempt at leaving him outside. "Unlock the door, I'm tired." He yawned as if to prove his point.

I, however, was having a slight panic attack. "You can't stay! I am a grown up! I'll be fine on my own!" He completely ignored me as he plucked the keys from my hands and turned to unlock the door. He left me on the porch with my hands in the air and my mouth agape. I run after him waving my hands. "Seriously, Mr. Richards!" His foot hesitates in the air and he turns towards me. "I only have one bed! You cannot stay tonight!" I swear I see a wicked gleam in his eye and he leans down to get eye level with me. But as quick as it's there, it's gone and I shake my head. I have to be seeing things!

He's much too close now and I turn my eyes towards the floor as I feel his breath fan across my face. Sweet Jesus this guy is going to kill me. I feel a tap on my chin and my head is lifted to meet his eyes. "I'm going to ask you to try very hard to call me Luke, okay? That Mr. Richards crap has got to go." He leans back and removes his hand when he realizes I'm not going to look away. "As for the bed situation, I tried to get you to stay at my house. But this was your choice..." He shrugs his shoulders. "So let's go to bed."