Charlotte's POV...

If there is anything I've learned throughout all of my recent experiences, is that things don't always seem as they appear.

We took a quick three week trip back to Boston before going back to California again,  and during that time, Levi's whole demeanor has changed. He's more confident lately, which is awesome for him, he's needed to have more confidence in himself. He's not complaining of pain and his spasms have significantly lessened... all great things!

The problem though is that he seems really drowsy and his gait looks more uncoordinated than usual. I know when his full leg brace is locked, he has to lift up onto his right foot more and swing his left leg around when he walks, which obviously gives him an awkward gait. When he uses at least one crutch when he walks it's much easier for him. But recently I've caught him miss-stepping with his left or not bringing his leg all the way around to plant his foot correctly before taking another step and almost tripping. I haven't addressed him about it because it doesn't happen every time and I don't want to hinder his confidence when he's just starting to get it back. It's just unlike him to be clumsy about his walking.

Maybe I just worry about him too much, but it's hard for me not to. I love him to much to see him in pain or struggling. He's been a lot happier these last few weeks, which makes me happy too.

" Hey beautiful," he greets me as I'm preparing some scrambled eggs for us.

Levi makes his way over to me, one crutch in his left hand and pinches my butt cheek with his other causing me to squeal.

"Hey!" I pinch him back as he's reaching for the refrigerator door.

He laughs, reminding me how much I love hearing that joyous sound from him. He needs to laugh more often.

All of the sudden he yanks the side of my shirt, pulling me to him and he kisses me. "I'm taking you out tonight," he breathes in between kisses.

"Oh ya?" My hands glide down his toned chest and abs with the slightest pressure, causing goose bumps to form on his soft skin.

"I love when you come waltzing into the kitchen with only your boxers on... so sexy," I tease, kissing him more.

"Umm, I'm sure the leg brace and crutch add to my sex appeal," he smirks. I know he's trying to make light of the things that are hard for him to accept.

"Ah huh, leg brace or no brace, still sexy," I confirm with a nod while my hand travels down to his boxers. I start toying with the waistband.

"That's it." He drops his crutch, pushes me back against the kitchen counter and presses his body up against mine.

He's smiling that gorgeous smile that has me mesmerized. My fingers trace his full lips and brush across his cute dimples. "I love that smile," I tell him.

"You make me want to smile." His lips trailing down my neck now.

He tugs at my sleep shorts, so I pull them off along with my panties. I feel his warm hand skim my inner thigh just before sliding one of his fingers inside me. A sudden jolt rips through my body as he pushes his finger in further, making me cry out his name. His other hand grabs the back of my neck and he brings our lips together, first slowly then pushing his tongue through to meet mine. Both his mouth and fingers moving in rhythm causing my body to react with the most intense desire.

I grab the hem of his boxers and yank them down to the top of his leg brace, but just low enough for me to gain access to him.

My fingers wrap around him, stroking him up and down and teasing the tip of him. He releases a pleasurable moan then grips my hips, lifting me up so I can wrap my legs around him.

For a second, I think he might drop me, or he might fall. We've never done it this way before, he's never had this much strength. Don't get me wrong, this is a complete turn on, so I don't want to ruin this moment worrying.

He leans his upper body into me so that my back is against the wall while he's holding me up. He slowly slides my hips down onto him, his full length now inside me.

"I love you so much," he says repeatedly between moans as we have the most amazing sex in the kitchen. So much for the scrambled eggs, I laugh to myself.

It didn't stop there though. We decide to "clean up" in the shower together. I watch him remove his leg brace and because his leg is unstable his knee down is mostly paralyzed, he puts his arm around me so that I can help him into the shower. Usually at this point, he's reminded of his limitations and becomes discouraged, but not today.

Today his sits onto the shower chair and immediately pulls me onto his lap. "You are so beautiful," he smiles at me while lathering my skin with soap. I'm not sure what's caused his spontaneous confidence, but I'll take it! I'll take this carefree, happy Levi any day.

After round two shower session, we put some actual clothes on, and I made a new batch of scrambled eggs.

"I'm going to head out to physical therapy a little early, I need to meet up with someone first," he says to me.

"Okay," I respond in a curious tone. I don't remember him mentioning anyone new, but if he's making some friends around here, that's good.

I walk up to him and give him a hug. I've gotten more smiles out of him in one morning than in the last month.

I pull away slightly so I can look at him. My hand automatically moves up to his head so I can run my fingers through his hair, earning another kiss from him.

" So, I was thinking, after our therapy session in the pool this afternoon, you could try the smaller leg brace again?"

"Really?"

"Well, yeah, you seem to be having less pain and spasms. As long as you keep using one crutch for extra support, you should be fine to try out the other brace," I grin encouragingly at him.

"Thanks Love." He gives me one last kiss goodbye.

"I love you, Levi."

"And I love you. Don't forget, I'm still taking you out tonight," he smirks.

"I can't wait."

He throws his gym bag over his shoulder and crutches his way to the door. "See you in a few hours," he says before disappearing into the hallway.

I'm thrilled that Levi doesn't seem to be having any pain this morning. He's been struggling so much, I'm relieved that he's able to have some relief. I feel guilty that I'm somewhat skeptical though.