Love through wheels

Obvious Love

James sat rigidly in his wheelchair, fingers gripping the armrests so tightly his knuckles paled. Beside him stood Collins—his doctor, his friend, and far too observant for comfort.

“James,” Collins began, his voice calm but probing, “a patient of mine had an accident six months ago. He committed to therapy… and now he’s walking again.”

A pause. Heavy. Deliberate.

“Collins, don’t,” James cut in sharply, his jaw tightening. “Don’t talk about it.”

Collins tilted his head, studying him. “Or maybe we should talk about what’s really changed.

Someone’s been making you smile.” A faint smirk tugged at his lips. “The caregiver.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” James replied, too quickly, his gaze shifting away.

Before Collins could press further, the door creaked open.

Juliet stepped in.

“Good morning, sir,” she said softly.

James’s head snapped toward her. “Good morning… what?”

Silence.

“Good morning what?” he repeated, his tone sharper now, charged with something unspoken.

Juliet froze, her breath catching.

“We literally spent the whole night kissing, didn’t we?” James said.

Collins exhaled, shaking his head.

“I think I should excuse you,He said”.

The door clicked shut.

The room thickened with tension.

In a sudden movement, James reached out, pulling Juliet toward him. She gasped as he drew her down onto his lap, her hands instinctively bracing against his chest.

“Now everyone knows,” she whispered, her voice barely steady. “We kissed.”

James leaned closer, his voice low, almost dangerous. “Good. I want them to know.” His eyes locked onto hers. “You’re mine… my little angel.”

Her lips curved into a small, helpless smile, though her heart raced. “Are you hungry?” she asked, trying to steady herself. “I could make you breakfast.”

James didn’t look away. Not for a second.

“Are you on the menu?” he murmured.

Juliet let out a soft breath, her cheeks warming.

“Not at the moment.”

Before he could respond, she leaned in, pressing a quick, lingering kiss to his lips—just enough to leave him wanting more.

Then she slipped away.

By the time she reached the door, James was still watching her, his grip tightening once more on the arms of his wheelchair… as if holding himself back from following.