Cold State Line

Recovery sucked, but having Matt here made it better. Our friendship was in a good place, and I was glad he was here. It was weird that he made me feel safer when most men made me turn in fear. He'd done that since I'd met him though. I loved that I was able to have guy friends again.

"Haylee?" Matt's voice sounded on the other side of my door. "Are you dressed? We've got to get to physical therapy."

Matt had been here from two days, but I was doing better. I was pissed as hell that I wasn't able to go to Vegas. All of Tina and mine's hard work had been for nothing. We had slaved over perfecting Snap's turns and making my grip tighter all for nothing. The worst part was the doctors weren't sure I was going to be able to ride again.

I opened the door and smiled at Matt. He helped me down the stairs, making sure my crutches didn't slip on the stupid steps. It was frustrating trying to get back into the shape I was. We all knew I had a long journey ahead of me, but Matt was like a little cheerleader.

"Haylee, can I share a story with you?"

I nodded my head as Matt placed me into my truck. "Go ahead. It might put me in a better mood. I hate physical therapy more than I hate doctors."

Matt frowned. He had asked about the doctor thing frequently, but I never told him why exactly we didn't get along. "Three years ago, I had to have a major surgery. I had a blood vessel that kept popping and rupturing in my throat. I couldn't scream or even sing anymore."

I looked at Matt wondering where he was going with this. Why was he telling me such a scary story?

"I'm telling you this because I got back into it. The doctors and the physical therapy allowed me to sing and scream again. I learned how to do it properly so that I wouldn't hurt my vocal chords anymore. You're gonna be okay again, Haylee, I promise. It's just gonna take time." Matt smiled and gripped my hand.

My own mouth formed into a smile. There was something about this man that just made me feel better and safer. He cared for me, and I was so glad he was here. His story made me feel okay again. Yeah, I knew it would take a long time. Of course it would. It wouldn't be as long as the last time, but it would make riding harder.

"I just wish I could be in Vegas."

"I know. I know."
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Matt helped me sit on the couch, guiding me down and propping my leg up. "See, it wasn't that bad." He smiled at me.

I rolled my eyes and gave him a look. "Whatever, loser. You try breaking an arm and a leg and then come talk to me."

Matt fought back a smile and a laugh. "I think I'll pass on that one, love."

We both broke into laughter which was quickly disrupted by a knock at the door. Matt motioned that he would get it. I heard a groan and then Matt walked in with Clay.

A shiver went down my spine at the sight of Clay. Why wouldn't this man leave me alone? He held out a bouquet of flowers and smiled at me. It was that smile he has used right before he had ruined my body.

"What are you doing here, Clay?" I asked, trying to not let the fear show in my voice.

"I heard you were hurt, and I wanted to check in on you." He handed the flowers to Matt. Matt glared at him but took the flowers and went into my kitchen. I watched him leave and hoped he would come back as quickly as possible. I didn't want to be left alone with Clay.

"How'd it happen, darling?"

"Snap got spooked. Who told you I was hurt?"

Clay laughed. "Darling, everyone in the hospital knows your my girl. Everyone in town knows your mine. I will always know where you are."

Notes

Sorry for the short update, but my hands are being weird. Stupid arthitis.