Why can't anything ever be easy? Denying disability to someone that may be a quadraplegic permanently was a nasty thing to do. Could it be that Wam is right and they do it to inconvenience people and hope to make them drop the claim? Yeah I'm not giving up that easily. Kedron needs insurance and will need money to live on if he cannot work after rehabilitation.
I stirred up the broccoli and cauliflower salad and tucked it back in the refrigerator. I then sauntered over to the front door to check on Wam. He was rousing the flames with a spray bottle and smoke was rolling off the grill. I may not have a lot of grilling experience, but I doubt that much smoke is normal. "Wam, anything I can do to help?"
"Oh Lee, would you please grab me a clean plate so I can get these burgers off here before they become hockey pucks?"
I couldn't help but giggle as I quickly grabbed the platter and brought it back to Wam. "Thank you! Saved by the bell hamburgers."
"Did you just talk to the hamburgers?" I asked with another giggle.
"Why sure. People talk to other people, to animals, to plants, to vehicles...why not to our dinner?" Wam turned toward me with the plate in one hand and he shut off the grill and the gas to the grill with the other hand.
I took the plate he wasn't keeping level to prevent our supper from becoming bear bait. Some people in the countryside, according to Wam, throw their leftovers out in their gardens or back yards for the wildlife to eat. Some even put out salt licks by their bird feeders.
Our parents had always taught me and Kedron to never feed wild animals, because they learn to rely on humans and become too friendly and sometimes even become aggressive to get your food. I set the burger platter on the counter and began to wash off and set the table. I couldn't help but continue to smile at Wam's silliness and how much I enjoyed his company. I hated it that he had to return to Red Wing tomorrow evening, but I understood it was his job.
With the table set, I began to set the food on the table. We had California hamburgers with Mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes, the vegetable salad I mixed up, and store bought strawberry cheesecake for dessert. It was very tasty and would tide us over until morning.
Everything with Wam was just so comfortable and enjoyable. My only concern was that I had a hard time keeping my libido in check when he was around. For someone with almost no sexual experience, that was saying something. "Thank you Wam for cooking the burgers. They were yummy."
Wam smiled at me as we cleared the table and put away what wasn't eaten. "Thank you for getting everything ready in here and making the salad. So far I'd say we have similar tastes."
"So far, I agree. Do you have a favorite dish Wam?" I inquired as I watched him out of the corner of my eye and I loaded the dishwasher.
"I think the lasagna you made is one of my favorites. I also love fry bread tacos, and my grandma made the best salmon fillets with blackberries for seasoning. Makes me hungry again just thinking about it," I say before turning the question back on her.
"I'm not picky, but tacos are a favorite for sure. I've never tried fry bread tacos though, that sounds tasty. I also love lasagna, spaghetti, homemade pizza, and my mom made beef roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions when we were kids. It was so good." I smiled as I said, "ummm ummm."
Wam laughed at my antics. Once the kitchen was tidied, we decided on a movie. I let Wam choose this time and he put on, "Black Panther".
I was on the edge of my seat for two hours and fifteen minutes. I rarely had time for movies prior to Kedron's accident, but I was impressed with this one. "What a great movie! Thank you Wam, I loved it."
"My pleasure Lee. Superhero movies are my kryptonite. I own loads of them," I admitted. "I'm sorry if this changes your opinion of me," Wam says quietly.
"You think some movies will make me think less of you? No chance Wam. Remember, you're my hero," I said and felt my face heat slightly.
Wam laughed quietly and shook his head as he looked at me. "I may be a decent human being, but I'm no hero and no Saint either."
When did Wam's warm hand covers mine again? His right hand on my left were both in my lap. His hands are at least 1 1/2 times as big as mine. I hadn't realized before how much larger he is than me. I mean sure, I know he is a head taller, but you know what they say about big hands.
"Do you need help with anything tonight before bed? I know we are leaving by 7am, so thought I'd ask."
"I really don't have a whole lot I take back and forth. I threw my clothes in the washer after my shower, so they'll be ready for me in the morning. Aggie will wash whatever I leave in my hamper."
"So how exactly did you manage to get two teenagers with a covered trailer? Why do I feel like there are things you aren't telling me?" I ask with my eyes narrowed in on Wam.
"Lee, I have to head back to Red Wing from your
old apartment, and I didn't want you to be stuck unloading everything into the shed on your own. This way they can help pack, carry the heavy stuff to the trailer, and help you unload it here. Then they'll take the truck and trailer back to the reservation. You can unpack what you want or need and store the rest for now until we know what the future holds," Wam says with a smile.
"Eventually I'll have to get a place for Kedron and I, once we know what his needs will be," I say with a sigh. "I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your help Wam, but I don't want you to feel taken advantage of."
"Kynlee... I told you before, I don't think you have a selfish bone in your body. I haven't thought fir one second in hat you want any of this or would ever take advantage of me."
Wam slides over next to me, wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me against his side. My arms instinctively wrap around his torso, my head to his chest, and I hold him back. I think I could stay right here indefinitely. I smell the detergent and fabric softener of his clothes, but underneath that, I smell something wholly male and sexy as all get out. I cannot help but breath him in, so I can remember that smell after he returns to Red Wing.
"Truth be told, I really like having you here in my cabin. I like knowing you'll be here when I return on weekends. I never realized how quiet it was until it's not. I much prefer now to before," Wam says in a sincere voice.
He sure knows how to lift my spirits and make my heart beat faster. What is it about this man that draws me to him? Of course I could ask the majority of the staff at the hospital that question too. I've heard them swooning over the attractive, single, successful Neurosurgeon they'd all like to get to know. "I'm not glad Kedron was hurt, but I'm so glad I got to meet you Wam."
"Ditto Lee, ditto."
"Okay, who says ditto anymore?" I ask with a snicker. "Oh that's right, the world renowned Neurosurgeon Dr. Wambleeska Teton does." I pull back and poke him in the ribs as I say the last part and then try to get away.
Of course Wam is faster and stronger than I am and has no issue grabbing me, pinning me on the couch, and tickling my ribs. I'm wracked with giggles as I continue to try to block his hands and push him away with my legs. Wam is holding my wrists with one hand, tickling me with the other, and attempting to pin my lower body with his. After a few minutes, he is laying mostly on top of me, pinning me down, with his hips between my legs. We are both breathing rapidly and smiling when I look up and meet his eyes. Wam is looking at my eyes as well, and we both seem to realize at the same time that the atmosphere has shifted from one of fun to one of tension.
My eyes flicker down to his lips and then back up to his eyes. Wam releases my wrists, sits up quickly, and runs a hand through his hair. "I'm so sorry Lee, I don't know what I was thinking."
Wam stands, but I won't let him take the blame for this. I grab his wrist and stand up next to him. When he turns to look at me, I explain, "I tickled you first. It's okay, really. If anyone should be sorry, it's me."
Wam completely turns toward me, puts his palm on my cheek and tilts my head up to meet his eyes. "Please, don't ever apologize for having fun. I love to see your beautiful smile Kynlee. I just don't want to do something to make you think I'm a lech. I promise I did not invite you here to have my way with you."
I shake my head as I begin to speak, "no, you've said we are just friends. That was loud and clear Wam. I get it." I look back down at the floor.
"Hey," Wam says as he attempts to tilt my head back up to look at him. "I said that for your benefit. If not for me consulting on your brother's case, I'd gladly ask you out. Right now though, you're in a vulnerable position, and I think you need a friend more than you need someone trying to take you to bed."
"What if I wanted both Wam?" I laid my palm flat and could feel his heart beating in his chest as I gazed into his eyes.
"Kynlee, I don't know if I can give you what you need. I'm pretty much married to my job. It doesn't leave much time for dating and relationships." Wam sighs before continuing, "besides, it would be completely unprofessional for me to pursue someone whose family member is under my care."
"Wam, you don't have to make excuses. I get it...I'm not exactly your type anyway. I'm young, uneducated, inexperienced in dating, and compared to someone like Dr. Adams, I'm pretty plain."
"You didn't just compare yourself to Kelly Adams! Bloody hell Kynlee... you sell yourself short. You are beautiful, caring, selfless, and loyal to the core. I shouldn't be, but I am attracted to you. I've considered putting you in a chastity belt to keep you safe when I'm around." Wam looks toward the three season room before looking back into my eyes. In a gentle voice, Wam admits, "I care too much for you to ever do anything to upset you, and that's why I try to keep my distance."
Before I could second guess myself, I braced myself with the hand on Wam's chest, leaned up on my tip toes, and pressed my lips against his. Oh my gosh, I'm kissing Wam!
He seemed to freeze with shock, but then I felt an arm pull me tight against his body and his lips began to move. Now this... is a kiss!