Twitch & Tease

Chapter 5 — Too Close

***

Lucas's heart sank at the sight of my tears.

Whatever awkwardness had existed between us in the kitchen disappeared instantly. All he seemed to care about now was making sure I was okay.

He moved closer, his hands hovering uncertainly near my injured leg. He clearly wanted to help, but he was afraid that touching it might make the pain worse.

"Hey, hey... it's okay."

His voice was soft.

"Just breathe. Let me take a look."

I nodded, trying to steady my breathing.

Lucas carefully reached toward my lounge pants, gently lifting the fabric just enough to see my ankle.

It was already beginning to swell, the skin turning red around the area.

His eyebrows drew together.

"That looks like a pretty nasty sprain."

He looked up at me.

"Lia, I'm sorry. You shouldn't have been unpacking by yourself. Here, don't try to stand yet."

"I'm okay," I whispered.

"You don't look okay."

There was something so sincere about the concern in his voice that I didn't know how to respond.

Lucas glanced around the room, clearly thinking about what to do next.

"I'll get some ice."

Before standing, he reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"I'm going to grab an ice pack and some pillows to prop your leg up. Just stay right here, okay?"

He gave me a reassuring smile.

"I'll be back in two seconds. I've got you."

Then he hurried out of the room.

I watched him disappear down the hallway.

A few moments later, I heard the freezer open and several drawers being pulled out.

When Lucas returned, he was carrying a gel ice pack wrapped in a thin towel and a couple of pillows.

He immediately dropped to his knees beside me again.

"Okay."

He held up the ice pack.

"This is going to be cold, but it'll help with the swelling."

He carefully placed it against my ankle.

I flinched.

"Ouch!"

"Sorry."

Lucas immediately pulled it back slightly.

"Too cold?"

"No... I'm okay."

He waited a moment before gently placing it back.

"Better?"

I nodded.

"Yeah."

He looked relieved.

"Good."

He positioned the pillows beneath my leg, making sure my ankle was elevated.

Then he looked at me.

"Do you think you can move a little closer to the bed?"

He paused.

"Or would you rather stay here for now? I can help you get comfortable either way."

I looked down at my ankle, then sighed.

"I'm sorry."

Lucas frowned.

"For what?"

"I'm so clumsy."

I wiped at my cheek.

"I didn't even see the box."

I tried shifting slightly.

"Ouch!"

Lucas immediately steadied me.

"Hey. Stop apologizing."

His voice was gentle but firm.

"You just moved into a maze of cardboard boxes. Something like this was bound to happen eventually."

He gave me a small smile.

"If anything, it's my fault for not helping you clear a path earlier."

I shook my head.

"It's not your fault."

Lucas looked at me for a moment.

Then, without thinking, he reached up and gently brushed a stray tear from my cheek with his thumb.

The touch was so soft that I froze.

So did he.

For a second, neither of us moved.

His hand lingered against my cheek just a moment longer than it should have.

Then Lucas seemed to realize what he was doing and slowly pulled away.

"Just take a deep breath," he said quietly.

"The swelling should start settling down."

He shifted back slightly, giving me some space.

"I'm going to stay here until you're feeling better, okay?"

He nodded toward my ankle.

"No streams. No distractions. Just tell me if the ice gets too uncomfortable."

He hesitated.

"And if you need help getting to the bed, I'll help."

I swallowed.

"U-umm..."

I looked away.

"It's not really appropriate for you to carry me."

My face felt warm.

"For both of us, I mean."

I bit my lip nervously.

"It's fine. I can handle it. I was just shocked earlier."

I gave him a small smile.

"But... thank you."

Lucas noticed my embarrassment and immediately looked away.

"Right. Yeah. Of course."

He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to make it weird."

His eyes returned to mine.

"I just... I hate seeing you in pain."

He paused.

"Especially on your first day here."

My smile softened.

"Thanks, Lucas."

He nodded.

"Anytime."

He remained beside me, but this time he gave me a little more physical space.

I tried shifting my weight carefully.

Lucas noticed immediately.

"At least let me help you steady yourself."

He gestured toward his arm.

"You shouldn't put any weight on that foot."

I hesitated.

"If you really want to do it yourself, fine."

A playful smile returned to his face.

"I'll just be your human crutch."

He raised both hands.

"No carrying involved. I promise."

I couldn't help laughing.

"Just lean on my shoulder."

He extended his arm toward me.

For a moment, I stared at it.

Then I carefully reached out and held onto his forearm.

Lucas moved closer, positioning himself so I wouldn't have to put unnecessary pressure on my ankle.

His other hand hovered near my waist, ready to catch me if I lost my balance, but he didn't touch me.

"Ready?"

I nodded.

"Okay. On three."

He looked at me.

"No rush. Take it slowly."

His voice was reassuring.

"All your weight on me."

I tightened my grip.

"One..."

I took a breath.

"Two..."

Lucas steadied himself.

"Three."

I pushed myself up.

Pain shot through my ankle, and I instinctively leaned against him.

Lucas immediately supported me.

"Easy."

"I'm okay."

"You're definitely not okay."

I could hear the smile in his voice.

We slowly made our way toward the bed.

Each step was small and careful.

I was painfully aware of how close we were.

His shoulder was beneath my hand, his arm supporting me while I tried not to put any weight on my injured foot.

And when I accidentally stumbled, his hand instinctively caught my waist.

I froze.

So did he.

For one brief second, we simply looked at each other.

Then Lucas cleared his throat.

"Almost there."

He helped me sit carefully on the edge of the bed.

Once I was safely seated, he slowly let go.

But his hand remained on my shoulder for a second longer than necessary.

Then he pulled away.

"Better?"

I nodded.

"Much better."

Lucas smiled.

"I'll grab you some water."

He turned toward the door.

"And maybe some pain relief if you need it."

Then he pointed a warning finger at me.

"And don't even think about trying to get up while I'm gone."

His expression became mock-serious.

"Otherwise, I'm telling my stream that you're a rebel."

I laughed softly.

"Okay, okay."

Lucas smiled and started walking away.

"Good."

I watched him reach the doorway.

"Umm..."

He turned back.

"I'm fine now, Lucas."

I gave him a grateful smile.

"Thank you. Really."

He smiled back.

"You're welcome."

For some reason, as he turned away, I suddenly had the urge to do something completely stupid.

I leaned forward instinctively, almost moving closer as if I were about to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

But I stopped myself.

My eyes widened.

What was I doing?!

I immediately leaned back, pretending nothing had happened.

Lucas hadn't seemed to notice.

At least, I hoped he hadn't.

I silently scolded myself.

Get a grip, Lia.

He had a girlfriend.

I couldn't forget that.

Lucas disappeared into the hallway, and I let out a quiet breath.

My ankle hurt.

But somehow, that wasn't the only thing making my heart beat so fast.

And somewhere down the hallway, Lucas paused for a moment too.

He wasn't sure why.

He only knew that when Lia had leaned toward him, even for that brief second, his heart had reacted before his mind could tell it to stop.