Coming Back Broken

By Trish Edmisten

At the age of eighteen, Slade couldn’t wait to join the Army and get away from the boredom of small town living. Two years later, his life is irrevocably changed when an IED blast leaves him paralyzed from the waist down. Though he’s back in the one place he was determined to get away from, things could be worse. At least he’s got a good group of friends to help him out, and that will have to be enough. No woman wants to be stuck with a broken man. Then Mac comes crashing into his life, stirring up feelings that Slade never thought he would feel again. As much as he wants her, Slade can’t believe she feels the same. Will his insecurities keep them apart, or will Mac be able to convince Slade she loves him the way he is?

Author's Note: This book is the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. It's a 68K word novel with a guaranteed HEA.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trish Edmisten
• Release date: Jan 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9781370394746

Trish Edmisten

Author of YA and contemporary romance.

Book preview

Coming Back Broken

by

Trish Edmisten

Copyright © 2019 by Trish Edmisten

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved.

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

Cover art provided by Wes Edmisten

Interior formatting provided by https://www.lkebookformatting.com/

Proofreading provided by Barb Payne Ingram https://www.facebook.com/anothersetofeyes0214/

This book is thankfully dedicated to Shawn Fluke, founder of Live to Roll. Through his willingness to share his story, I was able to tell Slade’s story.

Chapter One

Slade was fucked, and not in that good, curl your toes, make your balls draw up tight before you shoot kind of way. Even though he had been paralyzed nearly two years, and hadn’t had a decent erection since then, he hadn’t forgotten what it felt like to curl his toes or have his balls draw up before a good release.

With the level of his injury, sex was difficult but not impossible, especially thanks to all the pharmaceutical advancements. All the boner pills in the world wouldn’t do him any good being that he hadn’t had a girlfriend since long before his injury. Not the reason he was fucked though.

He was fucked because his overprotective siblings were going to take one look at him and insist that he go to the hospital and get x-rays and probably an MRI. Given that he was sprawled alongside his chair, they would be right to make him go.

Anytime Slade took a fall, it was a good idea to get checked out. Not being able to feel from the waist down meant he wouldn’t know if something was broken, unless it was sticking out from his skin. A glance at his legs confirmed he was in the clear in that area.

If he could get back in his chair before Joel and Christa came around the corner, he could avoid that trip to the hospital. With any luck, they were still at the moving truck and he would have time to right himself.

Trouble was there was that whole he was fucked thing. Even if he could avoid a trip to the hospital, which was unlikely, there was the matter of the boxes strewn along the walkway. They were pretty much a dead giveaway something had gone wrong, and he doubted he had time to get back in his chair and get them picked up without being caught.

This was what he got for trying to help out a friend. The next time one of his buddies needed help moving, he was going to do what he should have done in the first place and play the wheelchair card.

Slade wasn’t above playing the wheelchair card when it worked to his advantage, nor was he ashamed of that fact. Considering he had become paralyzed in service to his country, he figured he was owed at least that much.

Holy shit! Are you all right?

The only comfort Slade took in the question was that it didn’t come from one of his friends, or worse, his family.

It should have been pretty damn obvious he was not all right, and it should have been even more obvious he could use some help. He was crumpled on the sidewalk with his chair far enough out of reach that he was going to have to swallow his pride and do a public belly crawl to reach the damn thing.

Just as he was about to unleash a world of sarcasm on today’s winner of the stupidest-fucking-question-ever-asked award, his would be rescuer was suddenly kneeling in front of him and Slade’s brain short circuited.

It was just his fucked up luck that he found himself looking into the concerned face of one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. Dark hair, green eyes, a pair of lush, glossy lips and the cutest smattering of freckles across her nose all came together to make the world’s most beautiful woman.

You all right there, big guy?

Slade just stared at her, not really sure how to answer that question without being a dick. Even though they didn’t know each other, the wheelchair just out of his reach and him spread eagle on the damn sidewalk should have been pretty solid indicators he was not all right.

Something in his expression must have betrayed his thoughts because her plump lips tilted into a sly smile.

Okay, probably a stupid question, but maybe the next one will be better.

It can’t be worse, Slade said, and she laughed.

Should I call 9-1-1 or something?

Jesus Christ, no, and yeah, that was a much better question.

Awesome, go me.

Slade couldn’t help grinning, despite the undignified position he was in. Listen, do you think you could do me a favor and drag my chair over here? I need to get back in the damn thing before—

Oh my God, Micah!

Slade groaned at his sister’s shrill voice belting out the name he hated so much.

What the hell are you doing to my brother, you crazy bitch? Get away from him before I kick your fat ass!

The gorgeous woman at his side bolted to her feet but not before he saw the fire in her eyes, fire that was no doubt aimed at his little sister whose sixteen-year-old mouth was likely writing checks her ass couldn’t cash.

Hopefully the rest of the gang was there too. Otherwise, both he and Christa might need a trip to the hospital.

Need some help? Joel’s face suddenly appeared in Slade’s line of vision.

Nah, I’m good here, Slade said, deadpan.

Joel was more than his best friend. He was Slade’s brother from another mother and had been since they’d met way back in elementary school. They had been through some seriously fucked up shit, but Slade didn’t feel the least bit bad for glaring at Joel who stood over him with that sheepish grin on his face. Ask a stupid question and all that.

You know, if anyone’s going to help his crippled ass up, it should probably be me.

Stone’s voice made Slade cringe. Where Joel was his best friend and brother from another mother, whom he trusted with his life, Stone Whitfield was…

Hell, Slade didn’t know what exactly he was. Most of the time, the guy came off like the self-absorbed, rich asshole he was, and Slade wanted to punch him in the face. Every once in a while though, he did something that made Slade think the spoiled rich boy thing was all an act. That was especially true whenever he was with his best friend, Ken.

Ken and Stone made an unlikely pair being that Ken was blind and came from a big family whereas Stone was the only child of wealthy parents. Slade couldn’t be sure, but he thought Ken had something like six sisters and had supposedly met Stone when he’d gone out with one of them. Slade wasn’t sure how that worked, but Ken was a better man than he was. There was no way he could be best buddies with any ex of his sister’s.

Not that his sister was dating yet. At least she’d better not be. Slade wasn’t ready for all that drama.

We wouldn’t want you to drop him with your gimpy leg, Stone said.

There was a gasp from Joel’s girlfriend, Courtney, who hadn’t been around long enough to know being an asshole was Stone’s default mode. Something everyone tolerated not just because of his sometimes redeeming qualities but also because he had a tendency to keep them well stocked in booze and food whenever they got together. Slade probably should have felt bad about blatantly using him, but he figured that was the least he was owed for putting up with Stone’s shit the last few years.

Stone looked every bit the part of the rich asshole too. Tall and muscular, the guy’s dark hair was always perfectly in place while everything he wore sported designer labels. And of course, he drove a fucking sports car to complete his clichéd rich bad boy image.

Sometimes, Slade hated that guy. Actually, that wasn’t true. It wasn’t hatred he felt for Stone. It was envy.

The dude was wealthy, confident and good-looking and he knew it. Not only knew it but had no problem telling everyone who cared to listen. And did that stop women from flocking to him? Nope. It was amazing what some women were willing to put up with when a guy was decent looking and had a fat bank account.

Slade frowned as he realized he was contemplating this while still on the fucking ground.

I don’t care which one of you assholes helps me, but could you hurry up and figure it out? Slade demanded.

You sure that’s how you wanna talk to the guy who’s about to have your life in his hands?

Though he followed the words with his trademark, shit eating grin, Stone did finally lean over to hoist Slade from the unforgiving cement.

Slade appreciated the help but hated that it was necessary. He hadn’t always been in a wheelchair. Until a couple of years ago, he’d been as able bodied as Stone.

An IED in Afghanistan had changed that.

After high school, unsure what they wanted to do with the rest of their lives, he and Joel had joined the army. Thanks to the buddy program, they were able to stay together. And thanks to that togetherness, they’d been sitting next to each other, as usual, when their Humvee rolled over an IED.

Joel had lost part of his leg and Slade had been left paralyzed from the waist down.

Stone wasn’t exactly graceful when he deposited Slade into his chair, but it wasn’t like Slade could complain. Not when the guy was doing him a favor.

Thanks, Slade mumbled.

Courtney’s face was pinched with worry as she looked him over. Are you all right?

Yeah, thanks, Slade said.

You gonna need the hospital? Joel asked.

Slade grimaced. No, I’m good.

That wasn’t the truth. Well, it could have been, but he had no way of knowing for sure since he couldn’t feel anything from the waist down.

Courtney didn’t look convinced. Are you sure?

Yeah, Slade repeated, wanting the attention off of him.

…you are, you Sasquatch, but you need to be more careful from now on!

Slade flinched as he caught the tail end of Christa’s screeching. We should probably help her before she gets her ass kicked.

Nah, Stone said, grinning. I think your sister could take her.

Maybe, but Slade didn’t want to find out.

You need to get your facts straight, you little Ewok!

Slade’s eyes widened as the other girl shouted at his sister. Not just because he feared for Christa’s safety, which he did a little, but because the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen had just made a mother fucking Star Wars reference. Star Wars, the most awesome franchise in movie history, was pretty well known. It was possible she might know what an Ewok was without having seen the movies, but he hoped not.

I didn’t do shit to your brother. I found him like this and was trying to make sure he wasn’t injured before I offered to move him.

Christa’s cheeks reddened. Oh.

The other girl glared. Yeah, so like I said, make sure you know what you’re talking about before you open your mouth next time.

Slade probably should have said something in his sister’s defense, but the girl was right. Christa did have a tendency to speak before thinking. Part of it was her age. The other part he blamed on their parents who spoiled her rotten because she was their darling little girl.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get to work. The girl turned to look at Slade. I’m glad you’re okay, big guy.

Uh, yeah, thanks, Slade said and then cringed at what a douche canoe he sounded like.

Stone’s guffaw let Slade know he agreed with Slade’s assessment of himself. When the girl smiled, Slade wasn’t sure if it was one of those ‘wow, what a dumb ass’ smiles or if it was an ‘ah, he’s so cute trying to speak actual words’ gesture.

The casual way she turned and strolled away gave no indication that she’d just been getting reamed by Christa.

Joel nudged Slade’s shoulder. Dude, are you gonna let her get away?

You heard her, she has to work.

That doesn’t mean you can’t ask her name.

Yeah, he probably should have asked her name. Why would he do something reasonable like that when he could just keep acting like the moron she must have thought he was?

Hey, honey! Stone shouted.

Courtney wrinkled her nose while Slade fought the urge to wheel in the opposite direction so no one would realize he and Stone were friends.

The girl stopped and did a slow turn to face them but didn’t speak. She wasn’t close enough for Slade to get a read on her expression, but he took it as a good sign that she hadn’t flipped them the bird.

My boy here wants to know your name, Stone called, bringing a heavy hand down on Slade’s shoulder.

She smiled. That was definitely a smile.

Since he’s the one asking, it’s Mac.

What kind of name is Mac for a girl? Christa scoffed, and Slade hoped to God Mac couldn’t hear his sister’s bitter bitching.

Christa didn’t know what she was talking about anyway. Mac was an awesome name for a girl.

Maybe I’ll see you around, Micah, Mac yelled back.

Then she turned the corner that led to the parking lot and was gone.

How the hell are you supposed to see her around when she didn’t even tell you her last name or give you her number or anything? Christa demanded.

He’s not, Stone said. That was just her way of blowing him off without being a bitch about it, probably because he’s handi-capable and all.

Fuck you, Slade snapped.

If she wanted to blow you off, she wouldn’t have bothered to stop and tell you her name, Courtney said, giving Slade an encouraging smile.

You’re right, baby, Joel told her.

Slade didn’t say so aloud, but he hoped his best friend’s girlfriend was right. The only women who’d looked at him since the accident, besides his mother and sister, were his doctors and physical therapists.

Though he’d been slow to warm up to her, Slade could admit that Courtney was a good person who was good for his best friend. Courtney didn’t care about Joel’s injuries nor was she less attracted to him.

It would be nice to have what Joel had with Courtney. It would be even nicer if it was with Mac who was not only beautiful but obviously had great taste in movies.

Thanks to her run in with sex on wheels, Mac was almost late to work. Luckily, traffic was on her side, which wasn’t surprising since it was Saturday morning.

Pulling into the parking lot, Mac climbed out of the car. Though she locked it, there wasn’t any alarm to set. Not that she had to worry about anyone wanting to steal her nearly twenty-year-old Honda. The car had belonged to her mother, and it was one of the more generous gifts her mother had given her.

These days, her mother tended to ignore her, but that was not worth thinking about. Not like sex on wheels aka Micah who was still on her mind when she entered the back door of the shop.

That guy was just too damn fine for words. Those blue eyes were a nice contrast to his dark brown hair and the muscles. Oh, the muscles. That chest and those shoulders were broad and thick.

It was too bad there hadn’t been more time to talk to him and find out what he and his equally yummy friends were doing there.

Well, obviously someone was moving in otherwise he wouldn’t have been sprawled on the ground surrounded by boxes. Mac just hoped he was the one moving in because that would be an awesome excuse for seeing him again. That might be kind of difficult though since she didn’t know what apartment they were moving in to. Hell, she didn’t even know his last name.

At least she knew the important things, like he had an amazing body, upper body anyway. The lower body was covered by a pair of dark washed jeans, but it wasn’t a stretch to imagine that his lower body was as delicious as the rest of him. The guy definitely wasn’t a stranger to the gym.

As nice as the fantasy was, guys like him and his perfect friends didn’t go for girls like her. Mac wasn’t one of those girls who went around talking about how ugly she was.

Mac actually thought she was okay looking. The nearly black hair and hazel green eyes came from her mother as well. Those she liked. It was her body that she hated. No amount of exercise could change that pear shape that she most certainly did not get from her mother. Her mother was tall and often compared to a model.

Mac’s height, paired with her exaggerated curves, had been a source of ridicule her entire life. Well, since she was about thirteen and it became obvious that she was going to have big boobs and a big ass that did not match the small waist and bird legs she’d been cursed with.

Mother Nature or whoever had definitely not been paying attention when she’d put Mac together, but hey it wasn’t all bad. At least she could eat all the cookies and cupcakes she wanted. Unlike those skinny bitches who whined about the calories in their non-fat lattes.

Realizing she was being mean and stereotypical, Mac said a silent apology to skinny bitches everywhere.

When she entered the break room, Mac pulled her black apron from her purse before stuffing her purse into her locker. Mac hated those aprons.

There wasn’t anything particularly offensive about the aprons other than the fact that she wasn’t where she wanted to be yet. When she’d decided to go to cosmetology school instead of a four year university, she knew things wouldn’t be easy. Knew she would have to pay her dues before she could realize her dream of owning her own salon.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t just her dues that had to be paid. The bills needed paying too, and even with cutting out non-essentials like cable, she still wasn’t left with much to save. Hence, the reason she still worked at Making the Cut.

Making the Cut was one of those chains where everyone went to get the same haircut. Sure, they did coloring and styling and even offered services like waxing, but it was the same, affordable service across the board. Not that there was anything wrong with being affordable.

Mac liked affordable, especially when it was in relation to her being able to afford things she needed to survive. Things like rent and food and toilet paper, the important stuff. She longed to have her own shop though; a place where everyone was treated to a unique and luxurious experience.

Mac snorted. The only way that was going to happen was if she won the freaking lottery. Or maybe if some long lost rich relative suddenly appeared in her life to take her under her wing. That might be cool, a Princess Diaries kind of thing.

As she exited the break room, Mac was nearly mowed down by one of her coworkers.

Thank God you’re here. Raquel flashed a smile. It’s busy as hell out there. We’ve already had like ten people call to be put on the list for a cut and the lobby is full.

Mac grimaced, but she wasn’t surprised. They were always busiest on the weekends. The