Can You See Me? (19 page)

“Sounds great to me,” I respond.  I hope I can survive all that walking through the mall on crutches.

We go inside the mall and Summer drags me from store to store.  I buy some cologne I think will smell good on Cooper.  I want to get him a new baseball cap but I’m sure his old one holds sentimental value or something.  I personally like the cap he wears, it’s just looking like it’s nearing the end of its life.  I break down and buy an exact replica.  If he doesn’t wear it I will.

I want to get him something more personal, but I can’t decide what.  Summer starts pulling me towards a name brand underwear store.

“What are you doing?” I ask her.

“Oh, come on.  I’m sure you can use some sexy new panties and some smelly-goods.  I know I can and I don’t even have a boyfriend,” she teases me.  “Cooper will probably jump at the chance to rip new underwear off of you.”

I ignore her comment and start browsing through the dainty panties and bras.

“Wait a minute.  Don’t tell me you two haven’t done the do?” she gasps in astonishment.

“We’ve done.…… things,” I finish lamely.

“Oh my, goodness Skye! You and Cooper haven’t bumped uglies yet!  I thought for sure, wait, it’s because you’re injured right?  Cooper would definitely play the gentleman and wait for you to heal,” she says more to herself that to me. “He’s got to be bursting at the seams.  You definitely have to get something uber sexy.  We might need to go to a more risqué lingerie store, if you know what I mean,” she whispers into the side of her hand.

“I don’t want to scare him,” I say in a hushed voice.

“I seriously doubt that.  I’m sure he’s highly sexual.  He’s probably down for some kinky shit that would have you running for the hills,” she remarks offhandedly, making me look at her sideways.  “What? Don’t look at me that way.  It’s those quiet ones that come out of the woodwork making your toes curl and having you doing stuff you’ll be embarrassed to admit to Saint Peter before entering the pearly gates,” Summer comments, making me laugh.

I take her advice and get a few pairs of matching bras and panties.  I also grab a few lotions and body sprays.  When we leave the store we head over to the ‘more risqué’ lingerie store where I end up buying a red teddy, because Summer swears that red is every man’s favorite color.  She obviously knows more than about it than me, so I just go with the flow.

“Okay, I’m beat,” I reluctantly admit.

“Perfect timing.  I made an appointment for hair and nails in ten minutes.  Let’s start heading over there.  After that, we’ll have lunch in the food court and head back home.  How’s that sound?” Summer inquires.

“Perfect,” I exclaim with a sigh of relief.  It’s been fun hanging out with Summer, but I really am exhausted.

We make our way to the beauty salon.  I get my nails done while Summer gets a dramatic layered haircut and highlights.  I’m not feeling as adventurous, so after my nails are painted the same color red as my lingerie, I get a deep condition treatment and two inches trimmed off the ends of my hair.  The end of my hair now reaches just past my shoulder blades.  It feels lighter and fuller and that’s enough change for me, for now.

With our beautification complete we head over to the food court area.  Summer tells me to grab a seat and asks me what I want.  I direct her to the Japanese food and she heads in that direction to get us our lunch.  I’m surveying the area, as is my habit when I swear I see a petite blonde girl that looks like Trixie staring at me from across the mall.  I try to get Summer’s attention without taking my eyes off the girl but it’s impossible.  I look away to see Summer come rushing over with our Styrofoam container full of steamed rice and grilled shrimp.

“I say you waving me down.  What’s the matter?” she asks breathlessly.

“I could have sworn I saw Trixie standing over by that shoe store watching me,” I explain to her. 

“Let’s get out of here.  I’m calling Cooper.  He has no jurisdiction here but I’m sure he can have the local police on the lookout for her,” Summer advises me.

                                                                      *************

Cooper’s waiting for me when we get back to the house.  He wraps me in his arms holding me tight.  Summer stands back quietly watching from the doorway.

“Promise me you won’t go out of town anymore until we catch her?  Please, Skye.  I don’t think I could take it if anything else happened to you,” Cooper pleads, his face buried in my neck.

“I promise,” I tell him, pulling back and kissing him on the lips.  He rests his forehead against mine.

“I love you so much,” he confesses.  I hear Summer coughing behind me and I gently break away from Cooper’s arms.

“Sorry about that,” I apologize to her.  Summer smiles and shrugs, still holding my shopping bags in her arms.   “Can you just place those in the bedroom closet for me?” she nods and heads in that direction.  “Thanks, you’re a lifesaver,” I tell her.

“No problem,” she remarks over her shoulder.

Summer puts my Christmas gifts away for me then walks back out to where Cooper and I are still standing. “Thanks for taking me shopping Summer,” I thank her.

“You know it’s no problem.  I love spending time with you, I just wish things hadn’t ended on such a sour note,” she replies forlornly.  “Let me know how things go tomorrow, okay?” she requests.

“You know I will,” I promise her.  “Bye,”  I say waving as Cooper closes the door behind her.

“I hope you know I’m staying in the room with you tonight,” Cooper warns me.

“It’s about damn time,” I mumble.

                                                                      ************

Damn it!  I wake up with Cooper snoring softly and snuggling my side.  I must have fallen asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow last night.  That is not how I planned for the night to go.  I finally get this sexy man in my bed, and I go to sleep?  Maybe I can make up for lost time.

I turn partially towards him as gently as I can so I don’t wake him.  I snake my right hand under the covers searching for the morning wood I hope to find.

“Don’t even think about it,” Cooper grumbles, peaking at my through one eye.  I quickly snatch my hand back.

“What? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I feign ignorance.

“Are you sure about that?” he teases.  He scoots closer to me.  “Because I was under the mistaken impression that you might be looking for this,” he comments, as he rubs his morning wood against my thigh.

“What is wrong with you Cooper?  I’m the one supposed to be teasing you?” I whine.

“I’m not one to be all caught up in gender roles,” he says chuckling.  “Besides, darlin.  I’m always ready for you, as you can see.  I’m trying to make sure you’ll be ready for me when the time comes.  Trust me, it will be worth the wait,” he promises, kissing me on the shoulder.  “Now let’s get up and get ready.  Today’s the big day, it’s almost time for your appointment,” he hops up out of the covers excitedly.  I smile at his enthusiasm. 

I throw on a sweatshirt and yoga pants for the last time in a very, very long time.  I make my way to the bathroom and brush my teeth.  I pick up the brush and start brushing my hair.  After a few strokes, my left arm starts throbbing and I try to finish with just the right hand.

“Here, let me do that for you.  There’s no shame in asking me for help Skye.  You know I love brushing your hair anyway,” Cooper says as he gently pulls the brush through my hair.  He’s almost an expert at it now.  “Did you cut your hair?  It looks nice, and so do those fiery red nails.”

“Summer and I took a little time out for ourselves when we went shopping yesterday,” I inform him.

“I’m glad you didn’t cut it drastically or color it.  I love it just the way it is,” he tells me, setting the brush down.  “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes, let’s go,” I reply nervously.  I don’t know why I’m so nervous.  I feel like I’ve been waiting forever to get this cast off my leg.  It sounds crazy but I think I’m afraid that things will change between me and Cooper.  Not just the intimacy, which I expect to change for the better.  But the way he caters to me now.  Is it only because I’ve been injured or is he naturally kind and thoughtful?  I guess only time will tell.

Cooper startles me when he bends down and sweeps me up in his arms.  “What are you doing?” I gasp in alarm.

“I wanted to carry you out one last time because of your leg,” he says simply.  He carries me all the way to his truck, then sets me down, opens the door and helps me in.  He runs back to the house to get my crutches and locks up behind him as he leaves.

Less than ten minutes later we’re pulling into the hospital parking lot.  I sigh in trepidation.  The only fond memory I have of this place is Cooper singing to me.  That thought surpasses all others and I go forward with a smile on my face.

We make our way to the business side of the hospital bypassing the emergency room area.  Cooper places his hand on the small of my back as I hop along.  I approach the check-in desk and a bubbly redhead greets me.  Her name tag says, Hannah.

“Merry Christmas.  How can I help you today?” she drawls.

“Skye Williams, I have and appointment with Dr. Schultz,” I inform her.

“Have a seat and we’ll call you back shortly,” she replies, eyes on Cooper.  “What can I help you with handsome?” she asks flirtatiously.

“I’m with her,” he comments and follows me to take a seat. 

“That’s too bad,” Hannah remarks, not quite under her breath.  I guess I’ll have to get used to women wanting my man.  As long as I know it’s me he’s holding at night.  But I still can’t help it.  I glance at the receptionist and give her an evil look.

I hear Cooper chuckle and I look at him to find a knowing little smirk on his face.  I roll my eyes at him and cross my arms over my chest.  Cooper puts his arm around me pulling me close and kisses me on the nose.

“It’s adorable that you’re getting jealous,” he says looking into my eyes.  I can’t deny it so I look away.  “Oh come on now.  Don’t pout,” he teases me.  “Do you know how hard it was to watch Jon fawning all over for you for weeks?  He was coming to the hospital to visit you almost as much as I was.  It hurt my heart to call him and tell him to take you to lunch that day.  I wanted you for myself, but I wanted you happy most of all.  In the end, you chose me and I choose you.  Every time,” he concludes, with a light kiss on my lips.

“Skye Williams?” bubbly redhead calls out.  “You can come back now.”

She leads us to the back through a maze of hallways and into a small doctor’s office.

“You’ll need to remove everything but your bra and panties and put on this paper gown,” Hannah instructs me, handing me the paper gown.  “Sir, you can’t wait outside if you’d feel more comfortable,” she offers Cooper.

“What part of, I’m with her, aren’t you understanding?” he harshly responds.  Her blue eyes widen in surprise, she nods her head and scurries out of the room. 

“What’s wrong sweetheart?” I ask concerned.  I’ve never seen Cooper talk to someone that way.

“I don’t know,” he says, taking off his baseball cap and running his fingers through his dark hair.  “She just rubbed be the wrong way.  On top of that, I’m nervous.  I need the doctor to say that everything healed well,” he shyly admits.

“You’re afraid for me?” I probe.  He doesn’t answer so I start getting undressed to put on the paper gown.  I fold my sweats and place them on the chair.  I feel Cooper’s arms snake around my waist from behind as he places his head on my shoulder.

“This is new for me,” he says.  “I’ve never been in love before.  I worry for you the way I’d worry for myself or any of my family, maybe even more.  It’s a scary feeling.”

We jump at the knock on the door.  “Just a second,” I respond quickly putting the gown on.  Cooper lifts me and puts me on the examining table to speed things along, and then he opens the door for the doctor.

“Hello, Skye.  It’s good to see you again,” Dr. Schultz says walking into the room.  “Well, let’s get straight to it.  I’m sure you’re anxious to get out of this cast so let’s start with that,” he states, sitting down on the stool and rolling towards me.

He pulls a small saw with a round blade off of the counter and gets to work.  He cuts the cast from top to bottom on two sides.  Then he uses plyers looking tool to pry the sides open.  Dr. Shultz removes the cast and I grit my teeth in anticipation.  I look at Cooper and he looks like he’s holding his breath.

Dr. Shultz rubs his hands over my leg.  “Does it hurt anywhere that I’m applying pressure?” he asks, as he applies pressure up and down my leg.  I shake my head.  “Okay, good.  Now I’m going to bend and straighten the leg.  Let me know if anything hurts then,” he instructs me.  “Well, young lady your leg looks good.  The bone seems to have completely healed and it appears to be straight.  Let me have a look at those ribs and then the wound on your shoulder.”

He gently guides me down to a lying position on the examination table, opens the front of my gown and runs his hand across my ribs.  I feel a little discomfort when he puts pressure on a certain spot.  “I can tell you’re still a little tender here,” he comments.  “You wince a little when I hit that spot, but that’s to be expected because you bruised your ribs again when you had that encounter in the diner.  Let’s see the shoulder.  How’s it treating you?” he asks kindly.