Teaching Him

Chapter 5

Just as Sulem walked down the stairs, Joyce walked through the door with bags in her hand. "Good afternoon, Sulem."

Sulem smiles as Joyce embraced her into a hug. "Hello Joyce. How's your day going?"

They pulled back and Sulem grabbed the bags from her and followed her to the kitchen.

"Thank you, Hon. It's been a hectic morning but how's Chris doing?"

Sulem froze for a second, "Uh, he's been doing good. We're still on the walk stage." Tension was still strong between the two. When Chris zoomed off with his car, hours had passed and Sulem and Chris got into a heated argument. All she wanted to do was help him get to the top but with his stubbornness they're not going to make any process.

Joyce nodded as she set her purse and keys on the island table. Sulem set the bags on the counter and stepped aside.

"So, I'm cooking some of my famous chili tonight. Would you be able to stay for dinner or would you be to busy?" She asked as she opened the fridge.

Sulem noticed Chris enter the kitchen with his crutches. "I don't know. I have another patient today and I have to stop and get some things from the house."

Sulem felt Chris eyes burning a hole in her face.

"Well I'll leave a plate for you in the microwave if you don't come back in time. Hey Chris." She smiled as she set the peppers on the counter.

"Hey mama. You mind if I can steal her for a second?" She really did not want to talk to him but as always she pulled a fake smile.

Joyce smiled and nodded her head.

Sulem looked over at Chris who was gesturing to a room down the hall. She exhaled as he allowed her to go first.

She opened the door and walked into the room with her arms crossed. She had a feeling what this was about but this was what she wanted to avoid. Private talks or personal talks or even worse—him kissing her.

She heard the door close and she felt goosebumps trail all over her body.

"Chris—"

He grabbed her hand and pulled her so close to him. Before she knew it, he kissed. She quickly pulled away and away from him. Sulem met his gaze and began to shake her head. She kept distance.

God, he was so confusing.

"No Chris. I can't keep letting you do this."

"Why?"

"Because your confusing me. All the different mood swings."

Sulem stared at him for a moment. She was so confused. The question that roamed in her head was why did she keep letting him kiss her. He was in a vulnerable position and she had assumed it meant nothing.

Apparently it did.

"And because your my—"

"Patient." He sighed in irritation.

"Yes. The kissing has to stop. The first time I let it go because I thought it meant nothing but apparently it did. You were in a vulnerable situation and—"

Chris waved his hand to stop her from talking.

"It was no mistake for me. I wanted to kiss you." He said causing Sulem to run her fingers through her hair. She didn't really know what to think. He was like a puzzle that couldn't be solved. Sometimes he cared and sometimes he didn't. Hot and cold. Neither did Chris know what was going on. It was just something about her....

"Yes it wa—"

"It was no mistake because I'm starting to feel you."

Sulem shook her head. "No, you can't"

"I haven't even been here for 2 months and you have some type of feelings for me? Look Chris, whatever your feeling for me has to disappear."

Chris stood there listening to her repeat the same thing over and over.

"And you don't need me. That's what you told before almost running over my feet. And when did you get off your crutches."

He bit his lip as he continued to stare at her lips.

"Stop doing that." She said as she ran her hands through her hair.

"Doing what?"

"That with your eyes—Chris we have to keep this, whatever it is, strictly professional."

Chris stared her up and down before a smirk formed on his face.

"Whatever you say."

It's been a few weeks since the two decided to keep their relationship professional but let's just say Chris was having more difficulties than her. He's been up on his feet and he's slowly healing in the process. But as every other day, Sulem found herself massaging Chris knee in silence. Even though there was still strong between the two, she wouldn't let that effect her. This was her job.

"I'm done. Even though your knee is heeling a bit quickly, I need you to make sure to keep your leg levitated when you go to sleep."

He gave her a simple nodded and sat up. He watched her pick up a black bag and set it on the small table.

"Going somewhere?" He queried as he swung his legs over carefully.

"Yes, I actually have to run by the office and get something's for your mother."

Chris eyebrows crashed together lightly.

"What things are you getting for moms?"

"Nothing major. She said she wanted two packs of Voss water for some event but I volunteered to get it."

Chris shook his, "Nah, I'll get it."

Sulem watched Chris get off the mat and stood to his feet carefully. He limped a bit as he took a few steps to the side.

"It's fine Chris. I'm already going out and—"

"I said I'll get it. Go do your thing."

Sulem stared at him as he did her. She saw he was not up for a debate. She sighed not up for a stupid argument over some water.

"Alright." She said as she grabbed her ponytail holder and she put it into a messy bun.

Chris couldn't help himself, his eyes traveled up and down her body. All spandex leggings with a matching sports bra. His eyes stopped at her lower back, watching the sweat beads trickle down. He bit his lip as he took in her nice figure.

Control....Control....

Just when she turned around his eyes looked another way.

"So I'll see you around dinner?" Sulem smiled

Chris nodded his head, mirroring her smile. 

"Yea"

***

Joyce walked in through the door and found her son sitting on the couch watching tv.

"Hey mama"

"Hey honey. Is Sulem here?" She asked as she entered the living area.

Chris shook his head, "No. she had to finish some work at her office."

Joyce nodded as took a seat on the couch.

"I have to call her and tell her it's okay if she doesn't get th—"

"The Voss? I put that on thaw counter."

Joyce looked at her son and thanked him. "Lord knows I'm too tired to go back out. It was a long meeting at work and add in almost two hours of bible studying and having to bring a few things here for you. Thank you baby"

He nodded as he stared closely at his tired mother. It was making him feel terrible having her come over to bring him things that he could get himself. Chris was learning to put himself in check, knowing everything wasn't about him.

"Mama..." he trailed off getting her attention. "If you need to go back home, you can. I don't need you bringing me or doing things that I am capable to do."

Joyce looked at her son and a smile formed in her face.

"That's sweet of you. I see someone has taught you to care." She said which caused him to roll his eyes.

"I don't know what your talking about."

"Mm-hm. I might be a bit old but I am no fool. I think it's great that you have someone that you care about other than me and your sister."

"How's Ryan doing?" Trying to change the subject before it got deeper.

"She's doing great. She's about to start her new clothing line and have many people in interest."

As they continued on with conversation they heard the door open and closed. They looked over in the direction and saw Sulem with bags.

"I found this girl outside just as I pulled in. She says she knows you."

Just as Chris opened his mouth it quickly shut and a harsh glare was sent at the sight of the familiar woman who entered around the corner.

"Hello Chris...."

"Tasha...."