Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan Page A

sprayer and showered her feet with a cool mist.
    Lindsey thrust her scalded palm under the spray. She pulled the legs of her pajama pants up past her knees to keep them from getting soaked and then grabbed on to the windowsill for balance.
    She wouldn’t allow herself to think about how well she fit in the cradle of his arms, even for the briefest of minutes. Neither would she dwell on the strength in those arms that promised security.
    She sucked in air as he pulled the shard from her foot.
    He gave her a lopsided smile. “Sorry.”
    Heat warmed her face. She rested her forehead on her knee. “I’m such a klutz.”
    â€œDon’t worry about it. Happens to all of us.”
    â€œYou’re saying that to make me feel better.”
    â€œIs it working?”
    She nodded, her forehead brushing against the flannel of her pajamas. She didn’t dare look at him.
    â€œGood.” Stephen ripped off a paper towel and pressed it against the cut on her foot. “Hold this. Got any bandages in here?”
    She raised her head but wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Check the drawer to the left of the sink. Mom keeps a small first-aid kit in there.”
    Stephen found the plastic box and grabbed some antibiotic cream and bandages. He dried her skin, applied cream to the bandage and stuck it to her foot. He wrapped a loose covering of gauze over her burns. “Your feet will be tender, but the burns don’t appear to be serious. The gauze will keep the burn clean. Watch for blisters. Need some acetaminophen or anything?”
    Lindsey begged her heart to slow down. Being this close to Stephen was nerve-wracking. She grabbed a dish towel off the counter and dried her legs and ankles. “Thanks, but I can get it. I took up enough of your time today.”
    â€œIt’s my day off.” Stephen grabbed a handful of paper towels and dropped them over the puddle of water and broken glass. He cleaned up the mess and threw it away. After washing his hands, he touched Lindsey’s elbow. “Come on, I’ll help you down.”
    Lindsey scanned her brain for something to say. “Where’s Tyler?”
    â€œHanging out with Ma and Dad. He’s tired of being at home. I needed to swing by the station to talk to the chief, so they offered to keep him for a bit.”
    Lindsey braced herself against the counter and slid down. Pain singed her nerves as she applied pressure to her injured foot, causing her to grab on to Stephen for support. He gripped her forearms.
    â€œAre you okay?” His breath fanned her cheek like a gentle breeze.
    He smelled of sawdust, sunshine and soap. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest. A quiver danced down her spine. Another time, another place, she would have brushed a kiss across his lips. But what they had was over a long time ago.
    â€œThanks for your help.” Lindsey eased out of his grasp and hobbled to the table. She plopped on the chair and nodded toward the opposite side. “You can sit if you want.”
    â€œWould you like tea? I’ll get it.”
    Lindsey started to stand. “You don’t need to wait on me.”
    He pushed her back in the chair. “Rest your foot. I don’t mind.”
    She choked out a weak, “Thanks. Mugs are on the middle shelf and tea bags are in the jar on the counter.”
    Stephen placed two steaming mugs on the table and sat across from her. He pushed the white bakery bag toward her. “Have a cinnamon roll. Baked fresh this morning.”
    â€œBy you?” Lindsey unwrapped an orange-spice tea bag and dropped it into the water.
    He laughed. “Right. I can barely get dinner on the table for my kid, let alone do any kind of baking. No, these came from Cuppa Josie’s. I stopped by on my way over here.”
    â€œThe new place in town. Mom mentioned it.” Sure, she could mention the new café in town, but failed to mention