I wince a little as he mentions his escort career again. I’ve been trying to completely forget Omega for Hire even exists.
Still, not only is he my partner, Leon is my twin. If he was willing to follow me into this ill-conceived business venture, then the least I can do is trust his judgment in this.
“Okay.” I nod as I close the laptop. “Send me the list of improvements that need to be made. I’ll get started on them today.”
3
Candor
I still haven’t gotten used to the way people stare when I roll by. Everyone always seems so shocked to see a relatively young, healthy alpha in a wheelchair. They’re not the only ones. I feel the same way when I catch my reflection in the mirror each morning.
Taking a deep breath, I finish buttoning my shirt. Learning how to dress myself without the use of my legs was difficult to say the least, but I was determined to regain as much of my independence as possible—as quickly as possible. My doctors were pretty impressed with my progress. Their initial assessment of my injury was that I would never regain any movement below my waist.
Thanks to a lot of intense physical therapy, and sheer stubbornness, I managed to regain partial control of my hips. It still requires a significant amount of effort to move them, but it’s more than anyone thought possible. I can’t control anything farther down than that though. My legs crumple beneath me if I try to stand and curling my toes will likely never happen.
Given that it’s been a little over a year since my accident, my doctors seem pretty confident I probably won’t improve any further. That doesn’t mean it definitely won’t happen, but apparently, the majority of spinal injuries see the most improvement in their first year.
After that, the chances of complete recovery decrease by a lot.
I take a deep breath and shake those thoughts away.
No dwelling. No wallowing. I need to focus on constructive things. What can I accomplish right now?
Checking my reflection one last time, I nod with satisfaction. At least I still have my looks. Grinning, I roll out of the bedroom and into the living room.
Glass Bay Apartments.
The answer to my prayers. The only apartment complex in the area that even responded to my applications. I’m pretty sure the rest were scared off by my current employment status.
Surprisingly, I’m rather impressed with the apartment. It’s large enough that furniture can be spread out and still leave plenty of room for my chair. Since I live alone, it’s not like I need a lot of stuff anyway. Plus, the extra bedroom means I’ll eventually be able to set up an office space.
One of the benefits about my career as a web developer is that I don’t actually need my legs for it. Well that, and I can work remotely. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a company willing to let me work from home. I’ve got references for days and the skills to back it up. Once I get settled in, I might have to put in the effort to get the ball rolling.
Maybe.
If I’m being honest, I had been getting a little burned out before the accident took me out of commission. So maybe that man-eating escalator was a blessing in disguise.
I grit my jaw at the memory. My long-healed injuries ache, and for a moment, I’m almost transported back to that night. But I manage to hold on. Clutching the arms of my chair in a white-knuckled grip, I force myself to remain in the present. I need to keep moving forward.
Where was I before that little walk down memory lane? Right, I was critiquing the apartment.
Lots of natural light. The carpet looks soft, though I haven’t actually felt it myself. It’s kinda hard to when you’re stuck in a chair and you’ve got no feeling below your thighs.
The rails they installed beside the bed and in the bathroom were a nice touch. When I asked about wheelchair access, all I really wanted to know was whether or not my chair would fit through the door. Sometimes they don’t.
So far, this place is perfect.
I head outside, locking the front door behind me. Time to find out if the location is really as ideal as it looked on Google Maps.
“Good morning, Candor.” An unexpected voice catches me off guard.
I stop short and my smile grows. It’s Leon. “Good morning.” He’s just as cute as he was the first day we met. Fresh faced, with a baby-blue button-down shirt that matches his eyes. It’s like he stepped right out of my dreams. But, trapped in this chair the way I am, I’ve lost all confidence in my flirting skills.
“How are you settling in?” Leon asks as he approaches me. He’s got a clipboard in his arms and there’s dirt on his shoes. He must have been out consulting with the landscapers again. “I hope the apartment is to your liking.”
“It’s great, actually.” I used to be an amazing conversationalist. Charismatic, charming, witty, the sort of person who could put anyone at ease.
Not anymore though.
“I...um...I don’t have any complaints.” My gaze meets his, and my heart skips a beat. The warmth in his eyes makes me feel like I’m the only person in the world.
“I’m really happy to hear that,” Leon says before glancing out across the courtyard. The freshly seeded lawn is just starting to grow in. There are signs plastered every few feet to warn people not to walk across the lawn. “I hope the construction noises aren’t disturbing you too much.”
I follow his gaze toward the Eastern building.
Scaffolding has been erected around the exterior and builders are working hard on various projects. From what I understand, all three buildings had been in an abysmal state when Leon and his brother bought the place. And if my apartment is anything to go by, they’ve done a pretty good job of fixing things up.
“No, it’s fine. They don’t bother me.” Internally, I’m screaming at myself to say something interesting to keep the conversation alive. I’m not exactly swimming in social options at the moment.
Thankfully, Leon’s a little better at this than me. “Are you going out? Or maybe just soaking up some sunshine?” He grins and tilts his head skyward as if the sunshine and clear skies are his energy source.
What I wouldn’t give to have that smile directed toward me.
I’m almost willing to take the risk. I could unleash my inner flirt for someone like Leon, couldn’t I?
Apparently not.
“Oh, um, yeah. I’m just going for a walk...or, well...” How am I this bad at talking? “I thought I’d explore the neighborhood a bit. That’s all.” And why am I lying?
Leon nods, his smile still bright. If he’s at all bothered by my awkwardness, he isn’t showing it.
“I hope you enjoy your exploration. I’m heading back to my office.” Leon glances down at his clipboard again before he lifts his eyes and peers at me through long lashes. “My door is always open for you.”
My heart clenches, and my cock twitches in response. Is he hitting on me?
Before I can say anything else, Leon winks and walks away. His hips sway ever so slightly, letting his skinny jeans and tight ass do all the talking.
I don’t even realize I’m holding my breath until he disappears into his office at the end of the row of apartments. When I exhale, blood rushes past my ears, and my heartbeat drowns out the sounds of the world around me.