Through The Pieces Read Online Free

me. Compared to him, I must look hideous. I didn’t know why I cared. It wasn’t as if I liked him. I supposed I could play nice, though. Hopefully.
    "Claire, how are you feeling?" His voice made my cheeks warm. Jerk.
    " My ribs and face hurt, but I’m feeling a little better." I continued down the stairs. "Do you normally make house calls, Dr. Buckingham?"
    "I suspected Annie was making dinner. I never pass up a chance to eat her food. I also wanted to see if you were experiencing any side effects from the medication."
    "I didn't fill the prescription. I don't like the way it makes me feel."
    "Come in here and get some food in you," chimed Annie.
    "Would you like some coffee, Claire?" Matt asked, as I sat down at the kitchen table.
    "Yes, please bring forth the liquid gold."
    "I'll warm a plate for you. There isn't much left, but then you eat like a bird. I swear Buck never eats unless he is here." She gave Buck the stink eye.
    "Hey, in my defense I thought she would sleep all night." Buck put his hands up in mock surrender. She took the wrapped plate from the fridge and stuck it in the microwave, then spun around and looked at me as if she might jump in my lap.
    "Guess what?" Annie gushed. "We're having a girl's night tomorrow with Mel." Did someone give her copious amounts of candy? "First, we will have some drinks, then some laughs, and finally, make fun of men. How does that sound?" She clapped her hands together as if it was Christmas morning.
    "You wouldn't make fun of me would you, Annie?" Matt asked and grabbed her around the waist.
    She gave him a small kiss and smiled."Not to your face, anyway."
    "You little snot." He smacked her butt with his free hand.
    "Owww! You beast--that hurt!"
    Matt quieted her with a big kiss. I looked down at the cup of coffee I held between my hands. They always had such a playful relationship. The microwave chimed, but before I could even stand to get the food, Buck brought me my plate.
    "Here, sit and eat."
    I looked up at him and murmured my thanks.
    "We are going upstairs. It's Matt's night to massage my feet," Annie giggled.
    "When is my turn? I always rub your feet." He followed behind with a hangdog expression, pretending to pout.
    "When you push out the next baby," she said and climbed the stairs.
    Buck went to the fridge and grabbed a beer. I tried not to stare as he took a long pull. How could I not gawk, though? He was nice on the eyes.
    He came over and took a seat next to me. "How are your ribs feeling?"
    "Sore as hell."
    "Do you want me to rewrap them? It may alleviate some of your discomfort."
    "Yeah, sure. Let me eat and then you can." I finished my supper and put my plate in the dishwasher. I was going to wipe down the table when Buck grabbed the washcloth and did it himself. From this spot, I could see he had other impressive assets. CRAP! Would you please stop having thoughts of Jerk when he is around? I shook the images from my head and finished off my coffee. I was about to put the cup in the dishwasher, when Jerk spoke. "Okay, do you want to take off your shirt for me or just pull it up?"
    Even though I knew he was a doctor, his question definitely threw me for a loop, and the mug slipped from my hands and fell to the ground. I was frozen in place, my mouth hanging open.
    "I’ve got it. Go sit down." He stooped to pick up the broken pieces of ceramic. "That wasn’t a play to see you shirtless but to bandage you ribs."
    “I--I know that." He looked up at me and my face ignited.
    "So why don't people call you William or Will?" I asked, trying to change the subject. I began to fidget with my hands, but then gave up and placed them in my lap.
    "I don't like my first name." He threw the broken glass in the garbage. "Before you ask, I don't want to talk about it. Let's save that conversation for another day."
    I was not deterred from at least giving him my opinion. "I think Will suits you."Needs some work
    He didn't say a word as he sat down next to me again. "Okay I