A Hero to Dance With Me by Marteeka Karland Read Free Book Online Page A

Before long, her eyelids became heavy once again and she closed them. This time, no dreams tormented her rest. She couldn’t help but wonder if the man holding her so tightly, so protectively, was the cause for her restful slumber.
     
    *****
     
    Steve didn’t dare move. He was getting a cramp in his back and his arm had long since gone numb, but Jezelle hadn’t so much as whimpered for five solid hours. And he felt every single one of them. About two hours before, he’d tried to slip from her bed, but she’d clutched at his arm, sighing deeply before he settled back against her. Her grip had loosened but not released completely so he’d stayed put. Now, he was beginning to wonder if he could move even if he’d wanted to. The slight knock at the door was most welcome indeed.
    “Everything all right in there?” That was his mother. Gingerly, she opened the door. Steve jerked his head in an indication she should come in. “How’s she resting?”
    “Better,” he murmured.
    “I guess she just needed a little reassurance.” Vivian smiled at him, patting his shoulder. “Are you all right?”
    Steve couldn’t help the grimace. “No. But it’s no more than I deserve. Being a little uncomfortable is a small price to pay after what I put her through. You know, she actually believes the only reason I want back in her life is because she might be carrying my baby.”
    “Gee, I wonder where that notion came from?” His mother had never been one for softening the blow when her children needed a hard lesson. Her motto was, “Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind,” and she took it very seriously.
    “Mom…”
    “Well, really. What did you expect?” She shook her head, that look on her face only a mother can give her child when contemplating the consequences of his actions. “Like I said, you’re going to have to work for it this time.”
    Didn’t he know it.
    Finally, Jezelle stirred, stretching before turning to her back. She blinked up at Vivian before a soft smile graced her face. “What time is it?”
    “It’s after midnight, dear. Why not just settle in for the night? It’s too late to venture out.” Vivian could always sound so reasonable, even when she knew what she was suggesting wasn’t the first choice of the evening.
    With a glance at Steve, Jezelle gave a nod. “You’re right. I’m sorry to be such a bother.”
    “You’re not. I feel better now that you’ve had some sleep, but I’ll feel even better in the morning when you’re still here safe and sound and fully rested. Leland and I will take you home after breakfast.”
    “You and Leland?” She looked from Steve to Vivian once again. “But I thought…”
    “Steve can take you if you like, but I figured you’d like options.” Vivian’s smile seemed to put Jezelle at ease. Steve couldn’t blame her. His mother was a miracle worker with people.
    “No. That’s fine. I think I’d prefer it if you took me home.” And just like that, Jezelle started putting distance between them. Physical and emotional distance. Steve wanted to growl in frustration, but it couldn’t be helped. He knew she’d rested better with him there. Which meant that, on some level, she really did still care about him. He’d just have to build on that. Just like his mother suggested.
    “Come on, Steve,” Vivian said, holding out her hand for him. “I think she’s through the worst of it. Jezelle, you call for us if you need anything. I’ll leave your door partially open and Steve is just across the hall. He can come get me if you prefer.” Steve wanted to scowl at his mother, but he knew it was all necessary to make Jezelle feel at ease. She didn’t want to be here in the first place. If she felt like everyone was throwing him at her every chance they got, she’d be gone.
    “You’ve been too kind, Mrs. Carver.”
    “Oh, no, young lady. It’s Vivian.”
    Jezelle smiled as she settled back into the pillow with a sigh. “Yes, ma’am. Vivian