“Because as your wife,” Linsey stated matter-of-factly, “your health is my concern. Neglecting it is tantamount to neglecting me.”
A deep chuckle rumbled in Collin’s chest. “Well then, I suppose you’ll have to take extra good care of me, won’t you?”
After a beat, he asked, “So, what else did Dominic have to say?”
Linsey’s thoughts immediately flew to the stack of massage therapy books she had brought home. “Dr. Larson recommended regular massage for your legs,” she explained. “So, I spent the entire afternoon at the library, immersing myself in the world of massage therapy. I’m practically a professional now.”
“So,” she continued, her smile widening, “how about I give it a shot? I promise I’ll be gentle. Trust me!”
Collin’s eyes softened as he listened to Linsey’s enthusiastic proposal. He hadn’t expected her to go to such lengths, spending an entire day researching massage techniques.
After a thoughtful pause, he said, “Linsey, you were just discharged from the hospital yourself. You need to rest, not exert yourself. Let’s save the massage for another time and get some sleep.”
“But I’ve been home for two days now,” she countered gently. “I’m feeling much better. It’s just a massage. It won’t tire me out.” Linsey was determined to help Collin walk again, and she knew that every moment counted.
The sooner they started, the sooner he could be free of the wheelchair.
A thoughtful expression crossed Collin’s face. “You know, you’ve done so much for me. I feel like I should do something for you in return. Instead of you massaging me, why don’t I give you a massage? You can take this opportunity to relax.”
Linsey was surprised by his suggestion and couldn’t help but steal a glance at his handsome face. “You know how to give a massage?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.
Collin’s expression remained calm and collected. “Not yet, but I’m a fast learner. I hope you’ll give me the chance.”
His voice lowered slightly as he added, “Since you can learn to massage me, I can certainly do the same for you.”
Linsey was taken aback, a strange feeling bubbling up within her.
It was a feeling of warmth and tenderness, like a gentle spring breeze caressing her heart.
Later that evening, after freshening up, she sat down in front of him, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air.
Collin lowered his head, his gaze drawn to the delicate curve of her neck.
Her skin was so smooth and delicate that it seemed as though even the slightest touch would leave a trace.
“Have you been feeling any soreness or discomfort lately?” he asked.
Linsey considered his question for a moment before pressing her shoulder. “I’ve been spending a lot of time hunched over my drawing table, and my shoulders are a bit sore.”
Collin nodded in understanding. Without hesitation, he placed his broad hands on her shoulders.
The instant his hands made contact with her skin, Linsey’s heart skipped a beat.
She instinctively held her breath, the warmth from his hands seeping through the thin fabric of her pajamas and onto her skin.
Linsey tried to maintain her composure, silently chiding herself for her flustered reaction. It was just a massage; there was no need to get worked up over it.
Collin’s touch was initially hesitant.
Concerned about causing Linsey pain, he used a gentle touch as he massaged her.
“Am I hurting you?” he inquired.
Linsey shook her head, a blush rising to her cheeks. “I can’t really feel anything.”
He gradually increased the pressure, and she felt the tension in her shoulders and neck begin to ease.
His touch was firm yet gentle, each movement deliberate and precise.
The warmth radiating from his hands was comforting.
Soon, she felt her entire body relax.
“Is this better?” he asked, his gaze searching her face.
A satisfied smile spread across Linsey’s face. “That’s amazing. I feel so much better,” she replied, her voice filled with gratitude.
Reassured, he continued the massage for another ten minutes before asking, “Do you have any other sore spots?”
“My lower back is a little sore too…” she responded thoughtfully.
He immediately moved his hands to her lower back.
A tickle surged through her, causing her to tense up.
“That tickles!” she exclaimed. “Don’t touch me there!”
She lurched forward, nearly falling off the bed.
Collin reacted quickly, catching her and pulling her back into his embrace.
She froze, her heart racing as she felt his body against hers.
“Careful now,” he whispered, holding her close.
He chuckled at her flustered expression. “Why are you so ticklish? I barely touched you. If you’re this sensitive… what are we going to do in the future?”
As their eyes met, the underlying meaning of his words hit her. A blush crept up her cheeks, and she mumbled, “Oh, you’re terrible!”
Quickly, she disentangled herself from his embrace and settled onto the empty space beside him, pulling the covers tightly around herself.
“Alright, that’s enough,” she declared, her voice slightly muffled by the blanket with a hint of warning in her tone.
“I’m exhausted and I’m going to sleep. Don’t even think about waking me up.”
Collin raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “Don’t come crawling back to me in the middle of the night,” he teased.
Linsey’s mind flashed back to the awkward encounter that morning, rendering her speechless. She squeezed her eyes shut, feigning sleep, and resolutely ignored him.
Collin watched as she defiantly turned her back to him, a small smile playing on his lips. He found her behavior absolutely endearing.
Linsey’s earlier conversation with Dominic about their future together came to mind. Collin mused that a lifetime spent with Linsey like this didn’t sound so bad after all.
Linsey woke up the next morning with a fuzzy head, only to discover she was alone in the bed. The cold space beside her was a clear sign that Collin had already left.
A wave of disappointment washed over her, though she couldn’t quite explain why.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.