Kindle Alexander - Up In Arms (14 page)

“Sgt. West? Good morning, sir. It’s early, I’m glad you’re awake. We’re relocating you back to the states today. Your flight’s scheduled to leave in an hour and a half. I’m the nurse scheduled to make the flight with you. I’m Anthony, nice to meet you!”

Anthony came through the hospital door at a quarter to seven in the morning, pushing a huge, oversized wheelchair almost too big to get through the door. The nurse wore bright yellow colored scrubs across his at least six foot five inch frame. Anthony was African American and looked like a solid brick wall of muscle. Tattoos ran up both arms and his head was shaved bald. The grin Anthony wore covered his entire face. Anthony stuck out his hand to Trevor and he didn’t hesitate to return the shake.

“I need to check your wounds before we leave. Nurse Alice Hatchet is on her way down with some supplies to do a quick bandage change. I don’t know about you, but she just gives me the creeps. She only ever smiles when she’s about to give someone bad news. Let me get these bandages off you. I swear, she purposefully tries to take skin with the adhesive bandages when she peels them off.” Anthony began unwrapping Trevor’s arm from his chest, carefully pulling the bandages free of each wound. It took some time, but Anthony got him completely unwrapped.

“Damn, man. These look great. You got some big lucky inside you, my man. I can’t believe how good they look. I bet these staples can come out real soon. Look at this light pink scar. No sign of infection at all.” Anthony talked the entire time he worked, even though Nurse Hatchet had arrived. Trevor never had to say a word the entire time Anthony worked on him. He even laughed a couple of times when Anthony goaded Alice about her bedside manner. Even with all the commotion in his room, Trevor kept one eye on the clock above the door. Reed still hadn’t called like he said he would.

“You’re leg’s healing nicely too. The swelling’s down. I hope it stays that way through the flight. I don’t think it will though. It’ll have to be a smooth flight, no banging around, and still it’ll be hard to keep it from swelling up. But once you’re relocated, physical therapy and the prosthesis fitting will begin right away. It’s all super-fast now. They will have you up and running, as good as new, real soon. I heard you were the one to take that Carlos guy down. It’s just the rumor here, but it’s being spread like wildfire. Do you have any questions so far, sir?

“Am I traveling in this gown?” Trevor watched the guy as he handled him with skill and ease. Anthony was strong. He lifted and moved Trevor with no problem. There was no pain in this bandage change at all.

“Nah, man, I brought some loose fitting clothing for you.” Anthony handed him a pair of sweat pants, a t-shirt, and flip flops. “I can help you dress if you like, sir.”

“I got it. It’ll just take a minute,” Trevor said, pulling the clothing from generic shopping bag Anthony handed him.
“Okay, I’ll just turn around and let you dress. Holler if you need me. Well, sir, I’m gonna tell you, you got into one of the world renowned rehab facilities in the United States. They’ll get you going quick, I promise. They’re the best. I put your discharge folder in the chair. I’m supposed to tell you it has all the military contacts, including psychological telephone numbers for each stage of depression this type of injury goes through. And please don’t hesitate to use them if you need it. There’s more I’m supposed to say, but honestly, it’s a bunch of major boring bullshit that you really don’t need.”
Unlacing the gown, Trevor pulled on the t-shirt, and then the sweatpants. His left shoulder and arm stayed on the inside of the shirt as the bandages wouldn’t allow him the flexibility to lift his arm to put it through the sleeve. It took time to accomplish getting dressed, and about once a minute he looked over at the phone. Reed still hadn’t called. Trevor supposed it meant Reed took his warning to heart. Which was for the better, but his heart still ached watching each minute pass without word. If Trevor were leaving, how would Reed know how to find him? But wasn’t that exactly what he wanted when he told Reed to go? Pushing all those thoughts aside, Trevor finally spoke to the nurse waiting on him.
“I’m ready,” he said, pulling his right leg over the bed onto the floor.
Out of nothing more than sheer desperation, Trevor picked up the phone by the bed, listening for a dial tone. Damn it. Everything worked. While the nurse stood by the bed, watching him, waiting for him to begin to rise, Trevor thought of calling Rylie to get Reed’s number just to let him know he was leaving so he wouldn’t call. Knowing what a dumbass move it would be, Trevor set his resolve back to cutting the ties.
“Sir, you ready? Did I tell you I’m also your nurse for the flight? Hope you weren’t hoping for some short, tight, and hot number to accompany you today.” Anthony stood there, eye brows raised, the big grin spreading across his face, waiting on him.
“I’m ready and you’ll do fine. I’m sorry you have to make the trip.” Trevor dropped the phone back in place and moved his body off the mattress. The searing pain in his shoulder held off when Anthony came to his right side to help him into the chair.
“I’m being paid well for this flight; it’s all good for me. I’m afraid though this chair’s as comfortable as it gets. Keep your left leg raised here, sir. Yeah, just like that. I’ll strap it in, but it has to be raised to help keep the swelling down. Is there any luggage you brought for your resort stay here with us?”
“Yeah, that’s it. I travel light,” Trevor said, adjusting himself in the chair, trying to get comfortable before running his fingers through his hair. “I just hate the cost they apply now to extra luggage.”
Anthony barked with laughter at his joke, and reached down to give him a quick fist bump. “Now hang tight, sir. I assure you, by the time you reach home you won’t ever want to see another wheelchair again.”
“Yeah, I’m already there.” Trevor reached out to push the hospital door open. They banged their way through the small opening.
“Yeah, I know, buddy,” Anthony replied, patting Trevor’s good shoulder as they made their way to his flight.

Nothing went smoothly since Reed returned last night, and now Trevor’s flight was on a delay. The flight crew reported in regularly and from what they said the turbulence stayed a bitch for most of the flight. The on-flight nurse reported Trevor denied pain medicine for the first few hours, only giving in during the worst of the storm. Reed was learning his Trevor could be a stubborn one. The thought made him grin; he liked the idea of Trevor being his.

The Escalade Reed rented based on the prosthesis company’s suggestion was parked close to the small private airport’s runway. He stood outside the truck and dropped his Prada sunglasses in place. The warm early May sun beat down on his face, warming his skin. The signs of an early summer were already hitting the area, giving them a record breaking heat wave for the first time in years. Leaning back against the truck, Reed checked his watch again, mentally going over everything on his to-do list one last time. There had been so much to plan for, so much to do to prepare for Trevor’s arrival.

Reed didn’t get to talk to Trevor before he left the hospital this morning. He could only imagine what Trevor thought about him not calling. Well, he knew exactly what he thought and it made his grin widen thinking of the surprise he hoped to have pulled off.

His cell phone rang in his hip pocket. He palmed his iPhone quickly, running a finger over the touch screen. Preparations were still underway, and this message was from his contractor who just finished the additions to the guest room he planned for Trevor’s long term stay. Another message came in shortly after from the public affairs officer at the rehab hospital. They were letting him know the facility would discount the services for his full payment up front. In addition to these plans, Reed had counseling, transportation, and clothing ready. He tried hard to think of everything Trevor might need. Rylie would be home in the next day or so, and would bring Trevor’s personal items, but until then he would need clothing and toiletries.

At the last minute, he went shopping to pick up a few things to tide his Trevor over. A chuckle tore from his lips thinking how accustomed he was getting to referring to Trevor as his. One store he stopped at earlier, he kept the young sales clerk with him for several minutes, just telling her in detail how he met his Trevor. She stayed attentive through it all, only glazing over once or twice as he spoke. She was such a trooper, he ended spending way more than he should just to give her a better commission as a thank you for letting him prattle on and on. He couldn’t seem to help it at all. It’s just what he felt so deeply in his heart. He found he needed to say it out loud to anyone who would listen. Never had he ever found anyone he ever wanted to call his own before. It was almost ridiculous how much he missed Trevor. Every one of Reed’s thoughts stayed centered on the guy.

Reed ended up taking a couple weeks off work. He stayed up most of the night transitioning files to his staff. Even then, he would have to be available to answer any questions, and his staff took full advantage by texting and emailing him several times an hour. All things considered, Reed’s excitement level was high. He couldn’t wait to spend this time with his new boyfriend. Reed absolutely loved the idea Trevor may be coming to stay in his home, and he prayed Trevor would agree to do so.

Finally, four hours late, the plane emerged from the clouds. The private jet belonged to his father’s firm. Reed chartered it for a small fortune today, but the United States government got wind of the trip and sent his father a message, letting him know they would be picking up this tab. Every political leader wanted to meet the hero who saved so many at his own risk.

Watching the plane descend, Reed hoped Trevor found it a comfortable flight. More so than being handled like cattle on a military flight. Even with the weather delays, Reed wanted this to be a better experience. Reed stood, waiting for several minutes after the plane landed and, finally, the ramp lowered. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves and slow his pounding heart. Reed ate up the distance across the run way from the SUV to the bottom of the ramp. He was a man on a mission and his stride indicated as much. Reed stood to the side of the ramp, watching Trevor as he was brought out and carefully wheeled down. Trevor hadn’t seen him yet, and Reed gave very strict instructions not to tell Trevor of any of these plans.

“Sir, I think this is your next ride,” Anthony said loud enough for Reed to hear. Trevor looked up at the male nurse, but the bright sun hit his face just right causing Trevor to squint while quickly looking down.

“Thank you. Where do I go from here?” Trevor asked. He reached down with his right hand to push the wheel.
“You’re going with me, handsome. I can take it from here, Anthony.” Reed’s voice seemed to startle Trevor. He flipped his head around, shading his eyes with his right hand. Reed stood proudly at the end of the ramp, dressed in black slacks, a black knit top, and sunglasses. His blond hair was in deep contrast to the solid black he chose to wear today. He kept the sunglasses in place to help hide some of the emotion he knew churned through his eyes after seeing Trevor. On impulse, Reed reached down and quickly kissed Trevor’s stunned lips.
“I can help get him to the car for you, sir,” Anthony said.
“I’ve got him. Thank you again.” Reed reached out to quickly shake Anthony’s hand, but kept his gaze on Trevor. Trevor didn’t even seem to notice he just got kissed in public. Reed didn’t give either man a minute to respond before taking the back handles of the chair to push Trevor toward the SUV.
“What are you doing here?” Trevor finally asked, looking back over his shoulder.
“I’m taking you home, handsome. I’m sorry I missed you this morning. The nurse on duty said you had just left when I called. I didn’t realize the flight would leave so early.” Anthony stood at the end of the ramp. Trevor turned to shake Anthony’s hand, but they were already several feet away. All Trevor could do was wave over his shoulder. No way Reed would go back at risk of Trevor deciding not to go with him.
“Good luck, buddy. It was an honor to ride with you, sir,” Anthony called out from the end of the ramp.
Trevor lifted his hand again for a wave, but quickly turned his gaze back to Reed. “What are you doing?”
Reed never stopped his aggressive steps to the Escalade parked a few hundred feet away. Trevor’s head stayed cocked toward his. Reed couldn’t resist leaning down to give Trevor another quick kiss on the lips, never breaking stride. “I missed you terribly. Funny how that works.”
“Reed, really, what’s going on?”
“I’ve done some arranging, called in some favors. You’ll be staying with me. Hopefully indefinitely, but that’s your call. We’ll work together in getting you back healthy. Military officers are here locally. After all, this is the nation’s capital, so we can easily determine your future in the military once we get you back up on your feet.
“Reed, this is too much for you to deal with. I can’t let you take—”
“No,” Reed said, firmly interrupting him. “I want to do this. Please let me. It’s important to me. I’ve made lots of arrangements, but anything you’re uncomfortable with can easily be changed.” They reached the SUV and Reed began to help Trevor into the back seat on the passenger side. He never really gave Trevor an option. Reed positioned the pillow the way the hospital instructed before making sure Trevor was tucked in tight. Once Trevor was secured in the back seat, Reed lifted his gaze, just looking at his sexy as hell boyfriend. Something about having Trevor in the car made Reed feel like he may not fight him on this. He lifted his sunglasses, keeping his gaze on Trevor’s stunning face. Reed reached out to brush the hair from Trevor’s forehead.
“I hated leaving you at that hospital. It tore me apart having to step on that plane without you. We’ll get through this, Trevor. I want you to stay with me, at very least until you get your strength back and your shoulder and arm are useable. No arguing.” Leaning in, Reed kissed Trevor tenderly on the lips, using a little bit of his tongue as he sucked his lower lip into his mouth.
“I’m so thankful you’re here with me now, handsome,” Reed said once the kiss ended.
“Reed, I just don’t want to put you out—”
“No, baby, shhh, please. I see the doubt in your eyes. We can do this. I can do this. Please let me. Now stay still. Let’s get you home. It’s been a long trip.” Reed didn’t wait for Trevor to respond; he closed the door with a soft, secure click.
He darted around the back of the truck. Anthony still stood at the bottom of the ramp, waiting as Reed instructed him too. If Trevor wanted no part of this, he wanted Anthony to get him directly to the hospital. He gave a thumbs up, and Anthony’s grin spread further across his face. He raised both his hands in return, giving Reed the double thumbs up back. “Good luck man,” Anthony yelled.
“I’ll need it. He’s a stubborn one. Thank you, Anthony!” Reed called back, before climbing into the front seat of the truck. With a quick look over his shoulder, he gave Trevor a grin. Relief finally slashed through his heart, making his grin wider. Reed had Trevor tucked securely away in the back seat, heading to his home. Letting out a pent up breath he didn’t know he held, Reed started the SUV and put the truck in drive, pulling out of the private airport parking lot.