She grits her teeth, nodding. “I must have twisted it when I fell. It’s tender, but I don’t think it’s broken.”
“At least let me check.”
“No, that’s okay.” Noelle pulls her foot from my hands and attempts to stand, hissing as she sways.
And that’s when my patience snaps. “That’s enough.”
I refuse to let her hurt herself any further. I lift her into my arms and head for the exit.
“Where are we going?”
“I’m taking you back to the cabin so you can rest. Ice and elevation will help with the swelling.” I haven’t seen her ankle, but her death grip on my shoulder tells me she’s in pain.
“Admit it, you’re just using me for an impromptu arm workout,” she murmurs, her voice strained.
“Woman, I swear I’ve aged a year since you’ve been here,” I say with a hint of amusement.
I’m hit with a sharp pang of guilt as I carry her out of the barn. She rests her head against my chest, and I breathe in the sweet mix of sugar cookies and vanilla, both quickly becoming two of my favorite scents.
I’d forgotten what it feels like to care for someone else, to put their needs before my own, and seeing Noelle vulnerable in my arms stirs a part of me I thought had long since been lost.
When we reach the snowmobile, I lift her onto it, swinging her uninjured leg across the seat.
I tell myself my reaction to her is normal, simply the concern of a man looking out for a woman in his charge—but the quick thrum of my pulse as she wraps her arms around me suggests otherwise.
First Aid And Foreplay
When we reach the cabin, Shep carries me to the porch, my body flush against his chest. I can’t help stealing a glance at his muscular arms and the way they subtly flex as he moves up the steps.
“You can set me down now,” I huff out when he gets to the front door. “My ankle doesn’t even hurt that much anymore.”
That’s a lie. A sharp pain shoots up my leg with every movement. But I don’t want him thinking I’m even more of a burden now that I’m injured.
Shep doesn’t loosen his grip. His brow creases, and he fixes his eyes on me, silently calling me out on my bullshit.
I give him a playful jab in the chest. “I think the real reason you insist on carrying me is so you can feel all heroic.”
He gives one of his signature grunts as he swings open the cabin door. “Nice try, Sunshine. You can antagonize me all you want, but you’re staying off that foot until it’s healed, and that’s final.”
I blink in surprise when he strides past the living area toward his bedroom.
“Uh… Shep.” I still in his arms. “Aren’t you going to put me on the couch?”
He shakes his head. “No. You need more room to stretch out so we can elevate your leg.”
“I thought your bedroom was off-limits.”
“Figured giving up my personal space beats you taking legal action if your ankle gets worse,” he grumbles, a hint of amusement in his voice.
I tap my chin thoughtfully. “Come to think of it, there were no hazardous work area signs. Pretty sure that qualifies as negligence.” I pause, flashing him a mischievous grin. “If I sued, I could buy a closetful of wedges or finally get that designer handbag I’ve always wanted. The options are endless.”
“Easy there, sweetheart,” Shep warns. “Maybe save plotting a shopping spree until you can stand on both feet.”
“Ever heard of online shopping?” I counter. “It’s this thing where you can order anything you want from your phone and it magically shows up at your doorstep.”
“Next, you’ll tell me the Earth is round.”
I giggle as he lowers me onto the bed, and I take off my coat while he props two pillows against the headboard and eases me back.
