JUST BREATHE (Rick Grimes Romance)

Chapter 4

After a quick wash up I went down to what we referred to as the water tower. I needed to refill my bottle as well as prep other bottles for tomorrow. It was the one thing we didn't quite get finished. I was glad it was the last of the to do list as my ankle couldn't take much more. I could tell it had swollen more and the throbbing nearly unbearable. I knew Rick was right. I should have stayed off it but I would be damn if I would give him the satisfaction of admitting it. Rounding the corner I saw Maggie and Beth had already started boiling and prepping the bottles.

Before I knew it we were finished and just putting the newly filled bottles into the cooling rack. I herd the three beep signal from a vehicle on the south wall. Maggie and Beth ran across the yard and unlocked the gates. As they pulled the heavy bay doors open I could see Ricks jeep drive through. Beside him as usual was Michone. They were laughing about something and Rick was smiling at her. Their relationship just seemed so easy. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have Rick smile at you.

Pulling in Rick jumped out and moved around to the back of the jeep. Loosening the tarp across the back he began carrying large boxes over to the platform we used to directly move supplies into the back room from outside. His muscles bulged from underneath his shirt sleeve as he carried the boxes. Sweat glistened from his body and his black curly hair fell across his forehead. God what I wouldn't give to run my hands through it. Without realizing I was still staring I watched him walk away in his usual sexy swagger. That's when Maggie gave me a hip check "close your mouth girl your drooling" she said laughingly.

Later after supper everyone gathered in the train stations old turn about section. In the centre was a section where the train tracks went in a complete circle. Just inside the circle had been dug down about eight feet. It was perfect for lighting a low lit fire without attracting the attention of unwanted company. I climbed down and sat down beside Maggie. Looking around I saw that everyone except those on watch were there. That's when my eyes met Ricks. He was sitting across the turn table beside Michone of course. He was rubbing the stubble on his face just looking at me with his head tilted slightly to the side. Heat instantly pooled and began to spread through my body. A shiver ran the entire length of my body as his eyes slid down my face to my injured ankle and back. I knew he was only wondering how my ankle was but if I didn't look away I was positive I would melt. When I looked back he was gone.

I sat and visited with everyone for another hour or so. In a way I guess I was waiting to see if Rick would return but there was no sign. It had been a long day and if I didn't get off this ankle I wouldn't even be able to limp around tomorrow. I said my good nights to everyone and headed back towards my room. It felt like forever but I finally reach the bottom of the stairs that lead to one of the sleeping quarters. Taking a deep breath I tried to climb the stairs nearly falling my ankle was so week now. A pair of strong hands grabbed me by the waist stopping me. Turning my head Ricks face was inches from mine. Instantly my legs became week and my knees bucked. In a heartbeat he slid one arm around my back and the other at the behind my knees hoisting me up in his arms. The fleeting thought of a night in shining armour drifted threw my mind.

"Let me guess you didn't stay off your leg like I told you to?" My brain was in such shock all I could do was shake my head in response.

"What...what are you doing" I stuttered out as he started up the stairs.

Dropping his head down towards my ear "What's does it look like. I'm helping you to your room and then I'm going to check your ankle"

He carried me as if I was nothing more than a feather. With fluid graceful movements he walked down the hall and through my bedroom door to my bed. Gently he bent over, our faces nearly touching as he placed me on my bed. He leaned back slightly and looked into my eyes. We were so close that I could feel his breath caress my cheek. Those crystal blue eyes held me in a trance. The warmth and scent of his body making me forget my own name. After a few seconds he cleared his throat and stood up.

Wordlessly he moved to the end of my bed. Ever so gently he removed one shoe and slowly he began to unlace my other boot. Grabbing the heel of my boot he began to pull. The pain was so excruciating that a moan escaped from my lips. I looked down and Rick had stopped moving instantly. His eyes searching my face.

"I'm sorry I'm trying to be gentle but I think we are just going to have to pull it off . Like ripping a bandaid off"starring at him in terror I began shaking my head. As if it was second nature his hand slid up my leg and he began to rub his thumb in a slow circle on my thigh. I'm sure he meant it as comfort gesture but it was anything but. My whole body tingled and ached. I nearly moaned again but not from the pain.

"Do you trust me?" My brain was miss firing left right and centre. I couldn't form a coherent thought. Grabbing the bottom of my boot he looked at me "Ok I'm going to count to three and pull." Taking a deep breath I waited as he began to count.

As soon as he said two he pulled fast and hard. My boot slipped off and the throbbing pain shot right up my leg. I bolted straight up and cried out. Ricks arms slid around me and pulled me close. Stroking my hair he whispered in my ear. "Ssshhhh it's off. Take deep breaths" Hypnotically I listen to the soft twang of his voice. Let his masculine scent drift over me. Drowned in the feel of his arms....his touch. As he leaned back and looked into my eyes it felt like he was looking right through me to my soul. I know that sounds corny but I can't think of any other way to describe it.

When he looked away and moved down to my ankle I actually felt the loss of his presence. An ache replaced the heat and tingles. After a quick glance at my ankle he stood curtly and said he was going to go get a wrap from the kit. What a difference a matter of seconds made. The dreamy night in shinning armour was replaced by the man who looked at me like a nat. I knew I had only imagined our magical moment. I desired a connection with this man so bad I was now seeing things that weren't actually happening. I felt stupid and childish. When was I going to get a grip when it came to this man.

When Rick returned Michone was glued to his side. She was a nice person but at the same I couldn't stand her. Everywhere he was she followed along like a lost puppy. Ah who was I kidding I knew Rick enjoyed her company. I mean it wasn't much of a secret and everyone in the group had thought they were hooking up for some time now. It was simple I was straight up jealous.

Rick kept his head down and silently bandaged my ankle. Never once looking up at my face. When he was done he didn't even look at me. He was already turning his back to me and leaving as he spoke.

" Listen to me this time. Stay off your leg tomorrow. Your no good to anyone injured." His voice was so flat and emotionless.

You would think I would be use to it by now. Watching him walk away but I really wasn't. Alone....I sat alone on my bed.

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If you like this story you should read my other one. It's called Chance ( Andrew Lincoln Love Story)