Indomitable Spirit by Bernadette Marie

going to be okay she convinced herself as he took her hand and helped her out.
    “How’s your knee?”
    “Twice the size it was.”
    “C’mon. Let’s get you inside and get ice on it. You should elevate it and I’ll wrap it too.”
    She limped away from the car and John shut the door. “Are you going to be sending me a bill later too?”
    “On your next injury. This one is on the house.”
    She turned and saw the light in his eyes. She’d broken through that crusty exterior and this was the man beneath it. She liked it. Maybe this wouldn’t go so badly after all.
    Slowly she made it up the walk and to the front steps with John’s help. The front door opened and a very curious Jacob was standing there.
    “Hello, Miss O’Bryne.”
    “Hello, Jacob.”
    He exchanged glances with his father and then gave her another look of consideration. “Did you hurt yourself?”
    “Even those of us who have trained our entire lives don’t always focus enough and this is what happens.”
    He nodded as she passed by and into the house.
    “I thought I’d thrill her with macaroni and cheese for dinner. That should make her feel better right?” John asked as he mussed Jacob’s hair with his hand.
    “Can I get you anything, Miss O’Bryne?”
    Kym turned and smiled at him. “First of all, let’s make a deal. When I’m in your house you can call me Kym. Is that okay?”
    “Yes, ma’am,” he answered hesitantly.
    John moved to her side. “Your choice, you can sit in the living room and watch Disney Channel or come in the kitchen were I’m going to boil water and noodles.”
    “I’ll come with you.”
    They’d taken a few more steps when a woman emerged from the other room with Cody on her hip.
    “Oh, John! Who do you have with you?”
    “Mom, this is Kym O’Bryne.”
    His mother’s eyes grew wide. “Oh! You are as cute as your grandfather said you were.”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Larson.”
    “Oh, it’s Evie.” She looked at her standing next to the enormous John. “Are you hurt?”
    “Just twisted my knee this afternoon. It’ll be fine in a few days.”
    “Don’t count on it. But my John’s late wife taught him everything there is to know about wrapping up injuries, and Lord knows he’s had his share.”
    John let out an audible breath. “Okay, Mom. She doesn’t need to know I’m a hazard.”
    Kym tucked her lips between her teeth to keep the smile and laughter at bay.
    “I suppose I should get home and get your father’s dinner started.” She handed Cody to John. “He’s already had a bath because he got into that mud pit by the back door.”
    He kissed Cody’s head. “You’re a trouble maker for Grandma, aren’t you?”
    Cody simply rested his head on his father’s shoulder.
    Evie stepped in to kiss John on the cheek and then she looked at Kym. “It was nice to meet you. I hope to see you around.”
    “It was nice to meet you as well.”
    Evie gave a little hum of satisfaction and walked out of the room.
    “Are you okay with rumor mills?” John whispered.
    “Why?”
    “You just met one,” he said as he started toward the other room which she assumed was the kitchen.
    Kym wasn’t very thrilled with his last statement. Seriously, was she to believe his own mother would start rumors about them?
    Jacob was walking slowly through the house behind her. “Is everything alright, Jacob?”
    “Yes. I’m just here if you need my help.”
    “You’ve very sweet. I’m just a little slow, but I’ll be okay.”
    John had set Cody down and pulled a kitchen chair around so that she could sit and prop up her leg. She didn’t like being waited on and she knew that Jacob was very uncomfortable having her around, but this was what it was to date a man with a family. She’d been in awkward situations before and she’d survived. She’d survive this one too. And, maybe, just maybe, it would pay off at the end of the night with one of those toe curling, amazing kisses that John could give. Even the