Playing with fire

A good nights sleep

She fell asleep as soon as she sat in the passenger seat of his car. He glanced at her the whole way home , he hardly knew this woman, but for some reason he wanted to protect her,

"Connie..." He spoke quietly, we're here..."

She stepped carefully into the house and he flicked on the kettle, "go and sit in the living room, just take your time,"

He helped her remove her coat and was surprised as she undid her shirt, hanging it over the chair.

He sat her down on the sofa gently, "how high can you lift your shoulders?" He asked as she shrugged, "I have full movement if I force it... Don't worry I don't think anything is broken,"

"Your ribs are," he told her as he traced his fingertips over her bruised skin, "but you know that,"

She nodded, "lie down," he told her, "I'll get you some pain killers and muscle rub,"

She found she was too tired to argue, he hadn't pushed her to explain anything and she was greatful for that. He handed her a soft blanket and helped her get comfortable. "You know you shouldn't be in work for the next few days Connie,"

"The pain will ease," she told him firmly and he rolled his eyes,

He couldn't help but brush her hair from her forehead, "it will, but you can't deny you're exhausted, lay down and have a sleep."

He sat down on the sofa beside her a few hours later. He'd left her to sleep, been for a run, and was surprised she was still asleep when he came back.

She stirred and sat up, her feet on the floor, her hands rubbing her face.

"Want a hug?" He asked her kindly and she felt like she could cry all over again,

She said nothing and moved so she leaned against him, his arm wrapping around her shoulders as he held her gently,

"Will you stay here tonight?" He asked her, "I'll make us dinner, we can go for a walk..."

"Why are you doing this?" She asked, "you don't have to do this,"

He shrugged, "because you'd never ask if I didn't offer... Because you're my friend,"

They spent the day napping on the sofa together and he kept his promise of dinner. He had persuaded her to go for a walk and she had to admit that his presence was just what she needed. The following morning she came down from his spare room to see him stood, half dressed in the kitchen. 

"Fancy an omelette?" He asked and she nodded,

"Please,"

"How are you feeling?" He asked as he cooked, watching her through the reflection in the window,

"I can see you watching me," she smiled. He winked at her and shrugged, "that didn't answer my question,"

"Mentally I feel better now I've had some sleep. The amitriptlyine obviously had the desired effect last night,"

"And your pain?" He asked, serving her up an omelette,

"Still there but manageable," she nodded and he smiled,

"The company and the walk helped too," she grinned and his eyes met hers,

"You don't have to go you know,"

She nodded, "I do, things will never get any better if I keep hiding and walking out."

For his part her nodded, "you know where I am," he smiled, "whenever you need a friend, give me a call."