Page 16 of For One Night

“I’m not going for the women!”

Her jaw sets. “What other reason would you have for going?”

“To spend time with my brother and our friend.” I walk around the chair separating us. “That’s all, Robin.”

“Why are you always trying to leave me? Am I so bad that you have a need to run from me?” She falls into the couch.

I sit beside her, reaching for her hand. “I’ve tried for two years to show you how I feel. I’ve spent days with you by my side, just so I can be close to you. I would never do anything to screw this up, Robin.”

“But…” She looks up at me with tear-filled eyes.

My body tenses, anticipating her response. “I’m still going with them.”

A sound at the door makes us jump, and Robin scurries from the couch. “Sorry, guys. I’ll just be in here,” Lachlan says as he runs from the room.

“I need to be going.” Robin wipes her face before reaching for the door.

“I’ll walk you out.” I stand, but she holds her hand up.

“No, I’m fine.” She backs out the door. “Go get ready. Please, call me.” She closes it before I can take a step.

One walks through the hall. “She’s in rare form today. Must be taking lessons from Montgomery.”

“Lenny, I don’t want you to go if you’re going to be miserable the entire time,” Lachlan says as he joins us.

“She’ll be fin…”

A scream from outside brings me up short. We rush to the door and out onto the stoop. Searching the yard, I catch a glimpse of blonde over the hood of my car. I leap from the steps, rushing over to find Robin on the ground.

“What happened?” I ask as I kneel beside her.

“I slipped … or tripped over something.” She sobs. “I tried to stand so I could walk home, but I can’t.”

“Is it your knee or ankle?”

“My ankle, I think it’s sprained.” Her face twists in pain.

Lachlan stands behind her. “Let’s get her up.”

“I think I should take her to the ER.” I wrap my arms around her waist and legs. “One, get the door. Lachlan, can you grab my keys?”

One hurries to the passenger side, pulling the door open. “Let me get out of the way.” He steps back behind the door, holding it open.

“Here you go, baby.” She winces as I slide her into the seat, buckling her in after. “Sorry.”

She sinks her teeth into her bottom lip. “It’s fine. It hurts.”

“I know, love.” I kiss her forehead. “Hang in there, we’ll get you patched up.”

“Heads up!” Lachlan yells as he tosses my keys to me. “Should we follow you?”

I shut the door and start around to the driver’s side. “No, we’re good. You two go have fun, and be careful.”

He glances at One who’s shaking his head. “We’re not going anywhere, not without you.”

“Seriously, go. We’ll be fine.”

“Let’s us know, or we’ll come to you.” Lachlan nods.