Page 28 of Drive Me Crazy

The sun breaks the horizonon a new day and for the first time, its warmth on my skin springs hope within me. The cold, dark place I've lived for so long, runs to the recesses of the hell it crawled out of.

At least that's what I'm trying to convince myself of in the haze of my current state. I grimace as I push off of my right side, my body screams in protest from the movement. "Safe to say the pain meds are wearing off." I murmur groggily.

My eyes flicker to the chair in the corner, a stray beam of sun shines on it, helping me to focus on the body asleep in it. A mane of brunet hair juts out in every direction.

Tattooed covered biceps, I'm positive my hands wouldn't fit around and large, muscular thighs spill over it and the burly physique floods my mind with long summer days and sultry nights.

He's brawnier than I recall, with shoulders so broad, he probably turns sideways to get through the door. His face is pinched up, like he's uncomfortable trying to sleep in a chair three sizes too small.

Buried in a thicket of facial hair are the supplest lips. My lower belly tightens as I remember the small sampling, I've had in our hideaway barn, only the two of us know about.

As my lashes touch my cheeks, I'm swallowed by sleep once again. I don't mind the rest, but here, I know he's a dream. I hate it because I could literally feel his warmth from where he sat, watching over me.

And there it is. He was only a dream. My hearts greatest desire to have him near. I've prayed for moments like this for them to only come in my dreams and for once, it felt so real.

"Hey, are you awake?" Landon's voice penetrates the most beautiful dream and I struggle to open my eyes. I'd prefer to stay where I was, with him by my side, and I don't mean my brother.

I pry my eyes open, ending all thoughts of the man in my dreams. "Hello, Brother."

"Good morning, Sis. How are you today?"

I wince with every move, but the urge to look around him to the chair in the corner is hard core. "Sore, sleepy, and filled with scorn."

"Still, it's a step up from where you once were." He leans in, kissing the top of my head.

"Oddly enough, you would be right." My stomach knots as I stare at the empty seat. He wasn't here. It was all a dream and although an excellent one, my heart takes another blow it doesn't need.

"Scout will be in soon, Mom and Dad should be here anytime, actually." Landon glances at his phone, giving me another chance to check the corner and envision Ridge sitting there. Landon looks up, expectably, earning me a smile. "You look happy."

I lift my shoulders slightly, letting them fall. "I slept well."

"That's good, you needed the rest." He nods, grinning.

I drop my eyes, allowing the images of him to fill my vision. "I had the best dream, it helped."

"Well, maybe this will too." He sits beside me on the bed. "There's this place, it's perfect for you, but there's a catch."

My head snaps up. "What's the catch? Please don't tell me I have to vanish from here again."

"No, but you might want to when you realize who’s making the offer." His brows dip low.

"Well, don't keep me in suspense here. Tell me!" I beg, needing something good in my life. If this is good.

He swallows hard. "It's not far from Mom and Dad's. It's safe. The owner has a state-of-the-art security system, and it's hidden off the main road. I think we’re all in agreeance, it’s your best chance, you can get in and out easily with no one knowing. We can even take the back way to come stay with you and no one will be the wiser."

"Is there a question in there or should I tell this person yes?" My heart takes flight with the hope of being tucked away for a while so I can heal and rest.

He scratches his chin. "I'm not sure you're going to be so excited when you find out who owns it."

"Why? Is it Weston's long-lost brother or a well filled with spiders? If not, it'll be fine."

"It's Ridge's house." He blurts out and I'm speechless. "I know it's not the best of choices for you but he's trying to help, and I hope you'll consider it before you refuse something meant truly as a gift."

"Will he be there?" I hold my breath, half of me wanting him to be the other, not wanting him to see me looking like this. A broken soul and looking like a punching bag.

The door swings wide again and my parents walk through with Scout close behind. Landon gets shuffled back as my parents flank my sides, and Scout looks over my chart.

"Ridge Willis?" Mom gapes. "How nice of him to offer this to Harper. I should drop in on his parents and thank them for raising such a wonderful young man."