“Because that sounds like me,” I deadpan.
Yet, that’s exactly what I was doing.
Granting me a small mercy, Aspen only smirks before moving on.
“Ready for that bandage change before I head out?”
No.
Fleeing sounds better than letting her get her hands on me, but that’s not an option. Getting back to work is the ultimate goal. Doing it before I cause permanent damage here would be a miracle.
“Let’s get it over with,” I grouse.
Back in the kitchen, I stand back, arms crossed, as she peels open packets, laying out gauze and ointment, humming thewhole time, like helping me is something she’s content to do—like she doesn’t know this horse kicks.
“I’ll need your shirt off.” She nods toward my shoulder.
I hook my fingers under the hem on instinct and start to pull.
Pain detonates across my ribs.
My arm drops and I suck in air through my teeth. “Fuck.”
“Arms down, Hotshot.” A frown tugs down her mouth. “I’ve got you.”
Warm eyes look up at me as she closes the space between us. It’s a relief after the way she looked at me when she left yesterday, and torture to be this close to her.
Aspen bites her lip, then breaks eye contact, swiveling her head to the table. “You’re too tall. I need you to sit.”
Aspen’s not short, but my six-foot-four frame provides a challenge for almost anyone.
With a restraint I don’t feel, I sit on the edge of the chair.
Looking down at me, she tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Her puffed exhale skitters over my skin and I realize how close we are.
I can’t look away.
The lightest touch of her fingers grazes my skin, sending a shock through me. Her touch feels different than the other nurses and doctors.
I can’t remember the last time I was this unguarded.
My fingers wrap around her wrist, stopping her progress.
She stops, her wide eyes searching mine. I clear my throat.
“Is everything okay?”
Let me help,something inside me pleads.Do better by her.
“I just want to apologize again . . . for being an ass last night. It was out of line.”
“Thank you.” Her throat bobs. “I don’t want to make things harder for you, Emmett. I tend to help where I’m not alwaysneeded, but if you want me to back off, I will.” She huffs out a breath. “I won’t like it . . . but I’ll do it.”
“I don’t want that.” I give her wrist a light squeeze. “Maybe just be patient with me.”
The corner of her mouth tics. “I can do that.”
