Learning to Walk Again Read online

  Danny held Nicole’s hand firmly, which settled her into the here and now, and allowed her to enjoy their time together. “Just made a suggestion. You made it happen. You’ve done a great thing, and you’re about to see it all the way through. That takes great strength.”

  Nicole felt like her face might split open as she smiled. After the spring term, she’d officially have a master’s degree in chemistry. Organic chemistry to be exact. She wasn’t sure what she would do after that. She planned to leave the firm, so she’d have to start looking for a new job. Can I make it at a new job? Her heart sped up for a moment.

  Her entire life had been about following her parents, or they were heavily involved in whatever she was doing. I can forge a new path. She could hold herself up. Her parents had raised her to do so. They just rarely allowed it. She took a breath and decided to focus on Danny instead. They ate a little before Nicole checked in.

  “How was your Christmas shopping? Your leg feel okay?” Nicole was exhausted, but she’d massage Danny’s knee and leg if she needed it.

  Danny’s eyes shined. “It’s a lot better. I wore the brace.”

  She had surgery on her knee not too long after their ill-fated camping trip. She still had the limp, but her leg was getting stronger. She didn’t put up a fight over physical therapy anymore. She liked talking about one day taking a short hike with Nicole whenever they went camping again.

  “Very good. I didn’t even have to yell at you.” Nicole had been proud of Danny when she elected to have the surgery. Danny seemed intent on taking the best of care of herself now.

  A blush stained Danny’s cheeks and she glanced away. “Not that bad,” she grumbled, twisting her mouth up cutely. She shoved some food in her mouth, as if that’d cover up her bashfulness.

  “Anymore.” She had to get on Danny’s case often early on about the knee brace. Less so after the surgery since the doctor stressed how much it would help Danny’s leg heal, but still, she had to make sure Danny put it on almost every day.

  “Anyway, I was thinking while I was out shopping,” Danny said, changing the subject.

  “Still not sure what to get everyone? I can help.” Nicole had offered before, but Danny was insistent on doing her own shopping. She wasn’t sure why Danny wanted to do it by herself, but she had backed off.

  Danny shook her head and waved the whole idea off. “No, no, no. I want to do some other stuff for Christmas. I’m just…I dunno.” She shrugged. “I feel really good and I wanna…maybe catch up on Christmas stuff? Does that make sense?” Her eyebrows knitted together as her eyes drifted to her plate, and she ate some more.

  Nicole smiled. “Perfect sense.”

  “Anyway, I got us some tickets to a show.” Danny released Nicole’s hand in order to run her hand through her hair.

  Nicole furrowed her eyebrows. “What’s wrong? You know I love a good show and school’s almost done, so I don’t mind.” In fact, she wanted to see more shows with Danny.

  Danny looked away. “Yeah, it’s not that kinda show. It’s actually like a kiddie thing called Christmas Time. There’s music and retelling of Christmas stories or something.”

  Nicole scratched her chin and then ate some more as she tried to think of the proper question. “Is this because you didn’t go to Christmas shows as a child?”

  Danny shook her head and glanced at Nicole. “No, actually, I just want to take all the kids in our lives and do something with them. I figure they might like it. Well, maybe not Allison. I mean, she’s kinda old, so this might not be cool.”

  Nicole chuckled. “No, but she thinks you’re cool, so she’ll want to go.” It was marvelous to her to see how Allison looked up to Danny, even though they had only known each other for a few months. For Allison, Danny seemed to be the big sister she always wanted and Danny never wanted to let her down, never wanted to let the Briarmoors down.

  Danny nibbled her lower lip. “You think Lynn and Henry will let them go?”

  “Oh, baby.” Nicole reached across the table, taking Danny’s hand in hers once more. “Lynn and Henry aren’t Sharon. I’m sure they’ll love that you want to spend time with Allison and Ben, and they get the day to themselves. It’ll be fine.”

  Danny smiled, but it looked forced. There was a tension in her face and lines under her eyes. “Yeah? I got tickets for Luke and Thomas, too. Hopefully, Adam’ll be cool about things because the show’s at six.”

  “I’m sure he’ll be fine, but we’ll talk to him together.” If anyone would give them trouble over going to a show, it would be Danny’s brother. Nicole still couldn’t figure out Danny’s biological family. Adam didn’t seem to have a problem with Danny being around his kids, but Sharon, his wife, did and he never seemed interested in arguing with Sharon. Nicole and Danny had taken Luke and Thomas plenty of places with Adam’s permission. She didn’t see why this should be any different.

  “I got tickets for Sabrina and Eddie, too.” Danny scrunched up her face.

  Nicole let out a long breath as her nerves trembled at the thought. She sat back in her seat, releasing Danny’s hand. Okay, six kids and just them. Were they ready to do such a thing? Well, all the children were well behaved, and Allison wasn’t even really a child. She was about to be a teenager. It shouldn’t be too difficult to take five children and a preteen out on their own to a show.

  “Well, we’ll call everyone’s parents tomorrow and let them know about the show.”

  Danny’s face brightened. “Yeah?” It was like she hadn’t expected Nicole agree.

  “Yeah.” Nicole took Danny’s hand again and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  It really shouldn’t be too hard. Am I trying to convince myself? It would explain why her belly flipped and it felt like sparks danced over her skin. It was good Danny wanted to spend time with all the children in their lives. She just hoped none of the kids decided to have a bad day.

  “Was that it?” Nicole asked, turning her attention back to her food. She needed to eat more, but she needed to wait for her stomach to settle down.

  “Well, no. I was out with Crow and she was talking about how she spent Christmas with her family and all. Now, I already know we’re going to your grandparents’ house on Christmas, which is cool, but I was wondering if you’d be up to hosting a party here, like a week before Christmas or something like that.”

  “Oh, baby.” Nicole couldn’t help cooing and she felt a warm quiver in her chest. Danny wanted to have their own family gathering for Christmas. “I’d love to.”

  Grey eyes blinking hard, Danny leaned forward, worry lines marring her caramel colored forehead. “You sure? I mean, this is a lot. You’ve got finals and papers and experiments and stuff. Now, a show and a party to plan?”

  “Baby, it’ll be fine.” Nicole smiled. She’d do her best to make sure it was fine for her love. “When’s the show?”

  “The tenth.”

  “Okay. I should have almost everything done by then. We’ll plan the party after that.”

  Nicole’s heart fluttered when Danny grinned at her, eyes glinting like mercury. It’d be tight pulling all of this off before Christmas, but she’d do anything for Danny, especially when Danny looked so damned happy. This would be a great Christmas.

  ***

  Dane washed the dishes while Nicole dried. Once that was done, they walked Haydn together. When the weather was nice, they liked to savor the walk, taking Haydn to the park and letting him roam. In the cold, they begged him to go. He glanced at them, tail wagging, and kept walking.

  “It’s like he’s teasing us,” Nicole said.

  “More like freezing us. Come on, boy,” Dane said.

  Nicole giggled, grabbing Dane’s hand and swinging it. Nicole had on gloves, though. Skin contact would warm Dane up. Dane laughed, too, and moved closer to Nicole. Haydn barked.

  “Yes, your moms are in love. Now, can you please go?” Nicole asked. Haydn yelped and skipped, as best a big dog could skip.
r />   “We should know better than to ask,” Dane replied with a sigh, dropping her shoulders.

  “He gets this from you,” Nicole said, burrowing deeper into her wool coat.

  “What? You’re the stubborn one. Wouldn’t even let me finish the dishes. You should be studying for finals.”

  “I’ll do that when we get back in. You cooked. In a fair and just world, I’d have done the dishes and you’d have liked it.”

  Dane scoffed, seeing her breath in front of her. “I’m the housewife around here. I handle the chores and we all know that. Come on, boy. You have to be cold…and embarrassed. You have on a sweater for crying out loud.”

  Nicole gave her a little shove. “Hey, I got him that sweater. He looks dashing, just like you do.”

  Haydn gave them a bark and then did his business. Back home, in the beautiful warmth, they curled onto the couch. Dane turned to a movie, but Nicole was busy with schoolwork, rereading notes to study for finals. Haydn was content at their feet. Dane leaned down to scratch his head every now and then, keeping him calm, happy, and quiet. She stayed quiet, not wanting to interrupt Nicole’s study time.

  “Are you watching this movie again?” Nicole groaned as she closed her book. She set it on the coffee table.

  “You weren’t paying attention and I love it,” Dane replied.

  “What? The storyline doesn’t even make sense,” Nicole said.

  “Uh, pretty sure it being a cartoon, it’s allowed to not make sense.” Dane stuck out her tongue.

  “Promises, promises.”

  Dane leaned in, kissing Nicole’s neck. “Yeah, promises. What do you wanna do about it?”

  “Pack my bag, so Haydn doesn’t eat my book.”

  Dane cracked up, pulling away. “Go ahead.”

  Nicole packed away her things while Dane hustled Haydn to the music room. He went to his pet bed, tucked in the corner out of the way of her instruments. Glancing over at her new guitar, she cut her eyes from it. She made sure there was water for him in a bowl by his bed and then climbed the stairs to a promise.

  Nicole was on the bed, now only in Dane’s t-shirt. It was like looking at a dream. Nicole beckoned her with a crooked finger. Dane didn’t have to be told twice. They met at the lips, kissing like the action would keep them alive. Eager fingers found the hem of Nicole’s shirt and off it went.

  “Oh, look at that. No bra.” Dane grinned, hands weighing ample breasts.

  “While you will have a sleeveless tee under this tee and a bra under that,” Nicole said.

  “Layering, my only weakness!” Dane put the back of her hand to her forehead.

  “Really? Not these?” Nicole pressed her breasts together.

  Dane’s mouth fell open and licked her bottom lip to prevent drooling. “Gifts from God.”

  “Then, stop talking and do something.”

  Dane chuckled, and Nicole grabbed the bottom of Dane’s t-shirt to rid her of it, as well as the shirt under it and the bra. Once she was shirtless, kissing resumed and Dane crawled onto the bed. Her right hand went to Nicole’s luscious breast, thumbing the plump nipple. Nicole moaned into her mouth and Dane swallowed the noise, wanting more. Nicole pressed forward, directing Dane to the pillows.

  “What are you doing, angel?” Dane asked as if she didn’t know while Nicole’s lips drifted from her mouth to her jaw to her neck.

  “I must be doing it wrong if you’re asking,” Nicole replied, a smile in her voice and her lips in between Dane’s breasts.

  Dane’s response got stuck in her throat and turned to a coo as Nicole’s tongue flicked her nipple and her hand kneaded the other swell. Pleasure jolted through Dane and she bucked against Nicole, needing friction. The movement earned her Nicole’s teeth, grazing her nipple. Dane moaned.

  “I’d like to eat you,” Nicole said before she bit Dane.

  Dane groaned, and her hips moved. “Please, do,” she breathed. She enjoyed the nips, the drag of teeth, and bites. She loved when Nicole marked her.

  “If you insist.” Nicole sank her teeth in and stars danced in front of Dane’s eyes.

  Dane needed something to anchor herself and grabbed Nicole, pulling her close. Nicole moaned as soon as their skin touched. Dane’s hand found Nicole’s nipple and gave it a gentle tug. Nicole let out a little noise, urging Dane on. Dane moved enough for her mouth to reach Nicole’s shoulder and she peppered the area with wet kisses, needing more soft sounds. Nicole moved back, staring Dane down.

  “Let’s get you out of these,” Nicole said, tugging at Dane’s shorts.

  Dane nodded. “Yes, please.”

  Nicole wasted no time yanking the shorts off, along with Dane’s boxer briefs. Dane took the moment to sit up and come in for a new kiss. Nicole yelped against her lips while Dane went to remove Nicole’s underwear. Nicole kicked them off as soon as she was able.

  “Down, girl,” Nicole said with a cheeky wink.

  “Not when I have you right where I want you,” Dane replied. Her hands went to Nicole’s breasts and she sighed while Nicole’s breath hitched. Few things felt as good as holding Nicole in her hands, kneading, caressing, loving her.

  “No fair. I had you first.” Nicole’s breathing increased.

  “And I have you now.” She kissed Nicole’s throat. “But, I’ll give you a treat.”

  Nicole made a curious noise and then Dane fell back to the pillows. She wiggled until she was in the right position. Nicole paused until Dane stroked her thighs and then she got the idea if the devilish, clouded look in her eyes meant anything. She made her way up, settling nicely right over Dane’s mouth. Dane licked and Nicole bucked, moving away.

  “Come on, baby. Let me taste your secrets,” Dane said, hands gripping Nicole’s fabulous ass. She guided Nicole to her and Nicole cooed as soon as Dane’s tongue made contact.

  Dane groaned, finding herself at peace in ways she never thought possible. Nicole moved her hips, chasing exactly what Dane desired to give her. Tongue and lips kept time with Nicole, tasting precious nectar. Nicole's legs muffled Dane’s ability to hear, but she could just make out Nicole’s cries. Nicole’s hips picked up, her hand tangled in Dane’s hair. Dane pressed on.

  Finally, Nicole shuddered, legs clamping around Dane’s head. Dane massaged strong thighs, kissing every inch of pulsing skin. Nicole purred and sighed as she eased down Dane’s body, curling up against Dane as if she was boneless. She kissed Dane as soon as she could, touching her forehead, cheeks, ear. Eventually, their lips met, but Nicole continued down.

  “My turn now,” Nicole said before running her tongue along Dane’s throat.

  “Do you worst because when you’re done, I’ve got so many wicked ideas.”

  “Promises, promises.”

  Dane laughed. “Yeah, you said that before, and we saw what happened. You’re asking for it.”

  Nicole smirked. “I hope so.”

  Dane settled in. Nicole could have her way all she wanted. Dane would have the last laugh, and Nicole would have the last orgasm.

  Chapter Two

  NICOLE SAT ON THE couch and Haydn rested his head in her lap. They both watched Danny pace the living room, her limp quite obvious, even with her knee brace on. Danny clutched the phone in her hand, speaking with Lynn, explaining about the Christmas show and how she wanted to take Allison and Ben. Nicole couldn’t help smiling. Danny was nervous she ran her hand through her hair every few seconds. She had even worked up a light glow, sweating more than anyone should over a phone call. She might need a shower when all was said and done

  “I understand if you don’t want us to take them,” Danny said.

  “Danny, I’m not saying no,” Lynn assured her through the speakerphone.

  Nicole guessed Danny had it on speaker in case she wanted to jump in. Nicole didn’t see a reason to do so yet. Lynn had been polite and hadn’t turned Danny down, even though her slumped shoulders suggested otherwise.

  Danny scratched the back of her head as she sighed in defeat. “
I know it’s last minute.”

  Lynn chuckled. “It’s not, Dane. I just need to check with them. They’re not on break yet, and it’s a school night.”

  Danny frowned. “Okay.” Her shoulders dropped even more.

  “You said the show ends at eight, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You’ll feed them, right?”

  Danny glanced at Nicole, who nodded. If necessary, why wouldn’t they feed the kids? It was such a silly question. Lynn was probably as nervous as Danny. Why? Maybe she wanted things to go perfectly between her children and Danny or maybe she wasn’t used to other people taking her children out.

  “Of course. We’re not going to starve them. We want them to have a good time,” Danny replied.

  Lynn laughed, sounding a little awkward. “I’ll have to make sure they do any homework they might need to do.”

  “Is it too much of a hassle?” Danny asked, a pout settling on her face.

  Danny really wanted a relationship with the Briarmoors, as a whole and individually. She was always scared she might mess it up somehow, and Nicole felt for her. She knew Danny would never be able to truly accept that the Briarmoors accepted her. She’d always tread cautiously with them, fearing they’d throw her away again. Added to that, whenever she tried to do something with the children, Nicole knew she’d always be nervous about being shut down thanks to her sister-in-law.

  “Dane, it’s all right. Allison just came in from her writing group. Allison, Dane wants to invite you and Ben to a show. You up for it?”

  “Dane?” Allison’s voice was an enthused chirp. There was a shuffling sound. “A show? About what?” Allison’s voice came through the phone now, low but eager.

  “A Christmas show. I dunno what it is really. I mean, I think it’s a retelling of Christmas stories. It’s just called Christmas Time.” Danny rubbed the end of her nose.