Read Cherish (Covet #1.5) for Free Online Page A

his brother has suffered a near-fatal injury, it’s not enough to make Dylan shut his mouth.
    “Give me a break, Dylan. I’m sure riding a motorcycle is the least of anyone’s concerns right now. Daniel will ride again when it’s time.” It comes out a bit louder than I intended it to.
    “I was simply asking a question,” Dylan says.
    “I sincerely doubt that,” I mutter.
    “I’m right here,” Daniel says. “Nothing wrong with my ears.”
    The room goes silent. My face burns from the shame of sparring with Dylan like we’re a couple of children. Mimi may be regretting inviting me to join them at this meeting. “I’m sorry.”
    Dylan doesn’t say anything at all.
    “Anyway,” Dr. Seering continues. “Daniel will need the support of his family during this transition period.” He looks at Daniel. “What you’re facing will not be easy. In fact, it will be the most grueling thing you’ve ever experienced. But I have no doubt you’ve got it in you. You’ve already shown us you’re a fighter.”
    Daniel doesn’t seem so sure, but he looks at the doctor and nods.
     
    Later, when we’re back in Daniel’s room and it’s just the two of us, I say, “I’m sorry about getting into it with Dylan. You certainly don’t need any more stress.”
    “Do you and Dylan not get along?”
    “Dylan doesn’t get along with very many people. But mark my words: one day you will get back on that motorcycle, and you will ride off into the sunset.” There’s no need for me to be quite so dramatic, but the motorcycle signifies triumph to me. Shame on Dylan for trying to put a damper on it.
    A look of sadness passes over Daniel’s face, and I think it’s because he doesn’t believe me.
    “You will, Daniel.”
    “Until Dylan asked the question, I’d forgotten I own a motorcycle.”
    I reach out and lay my hand on his arm to comfort him. He ignores it, but he doesn’t pull away either. “It’s a Honda. I didn’t want you to buy it because I was afraid you’d get hurt, but you love it.”
    He stares at me blankly. “I’ll have to take your word for it.”
    “Things will be better once you’ve left the hospital. I know rehab isn’t the same thing as being at home, but it’s one step closer. You’ve already surprised everyone with your progress. I have no doubt that you’ll continue to show improvement.”
    “Yeah, I suppose.”
    “I’ll be there too, if it’s okay with you. If there’s anything you need, just let me know.”
    There’s no way I’m checking out now. Aiding in Daniel’s recovery has become a personal goal. He’s come such a long way, and I have no intention of bailing.
    “Why?” he asks. “You told me we haven’t spoken since the divorce. Why would you want to come with me?”
    I sit down in the chair, tucking one leg underneath me. “I just…‌I feel like I’m good at taking care of you. You heard the doctor. It’s more important than ever to have the support of your family. I know I’m not your family anymore, but I want to help.”
    “Do you have a job?” he asks. “Isn’t there somewhere you have to be?”
    “I work for a temp agency. I’m between assignments.”
    I used to sell advertising for one of the local TV stations. I was good at it, and I enjoyed it. I’d been employed there for five years when I got pregnant with Gabriel, which had come at the end of a fairly long period of attempting to conceive. Technically, there was nothing seriously wrong, but ovulation was tricky for me. Eggs showed up only randomly, so for Daniel, impregnating me was a little like lobbing darts at a constantly moving target.
    “I don’t think it’s necessary for you to apologize,” he said when I told him how sorry I was about my body’s inability to get on board with our baby-making plans. “Making love to you is not exactly a hardship.”
    Maybe at that point it wasn’t, but a year later neither of us could honestly say it didn’t matter.
    It had started to