“The room took a couple of spins when I first stood up, but it’s all better now.” She shrugged off his arm and stepped inside the bathroom. “I can do this without you.”

Cody closed the door. “All right then, but I’ll be sitting on the edge of the bed so I can hear you if you call me.”

*  *  *

That she didn’t wet herself when she landed on her back was a mystery to Stevie. The last time she’d gone to the bathroom had been hours before the accident, and her bladder felt like she’d drank three pitchers of beer all by herself. She dropped the blanket on the floor and took care of business, then she checked her reflection in the mirror above the sink as she washed her hands.

Her hair was a mess. There was still a little smear of blood on her cheek. Three strips held the head wound together. There could be a scar to go with the freckles. She soaked a washcloth in warm water and wiped away the blood and a smudge of dirt on her jawline, and then noticed the bruises. One on her upper right arm, and one on her left hip.

“I’m lucky I’m alive,” she muttered.

“What did you say?” Cody called out.

“I said that you can go now. I’m going to get dressed,” she yelled through the closed door.

“I’ve seen you in your underwear, Stevie. I’m staying right here,” he said, “your pajamas are still on the end of the bed, where you left them. I’ll help you get into them.”

She threw the door open and glared at him. “I’m perfectly able to dress myself.”

“I’m your doctor right now, and I’ll make that decision.” He met her glare without blinking. “I’m not leaving until you are wearing those pajamas, and your hot chocolate is getting cold. Your choice, love.”

“Oh, all right,” she said, “but only because I’m ready for a cup of something warm.”

“Sit down right here.” He patted the bed.

She took a couple of long steps and sat down. “Guess maybe I do have a concussion,” she muttered.

Cody helped her into the flannel shirt and then buttoned it for her. Every time his fingertips touched her bare skin, she was reminded again of the feelings she’d had when she was younger.

Maybe it wasn’t just an infatuation, the aggravating voice in her head said. Ever think that those feelings could have been real?

Cody kneeled in front of her and slipped each foot into the pajama pants and then said, “Stand up slowly.”

The edges of his palms brushed against her legs as he pulled the pants up to her waist. This is not a teenage crush, she thought.