Page 17 of High Water

The last thing I want is for him to be standing here watching me fall apart over something like this. Because it’s not just this; it’s a million things all at once, and this fever is about to be my last straw.

“Please let me help you,” he adds, his eyes meeting mine as his hand splays on my lower back to help support me as I sink back to the couch. He sits with me but stays quiet while he waits for me to make up my own mind.

I want to say no. I want someone—anyone else. I’d take my ex-husband right now if it meant not having to look pathetic in front of Bishop. I’m too vulnerable to accept this man’s help.

But I don’t have a choice. He’s the best option I’ve got, and I can’t afford to pass out again and hit my head. That’s all my family needs to come home to after I’ve ruined Fallon’s uncle’s big weekend. So what choice do I really have?

“Okay,” I agree reluctantly.

SIX

Bishop

I manage to get her out of the cardigan she was wearing underneath her jacket and get the sleeve of her blouse rolled up out of the way before I bring her to the bathroom. We get her propped up on a stool Hazel has tucked under the counter in front of the mirror. I’m too afraid to let her shower alone, and I know she won’t let me help with that. Her reluctance for any help at all made it clear. I have to tread carefully.

I’m using a washcloth to gently cleanse the cuts and scrapes she has on her arms with soap and water. The gravel and dirt from outside are still stubbornly stuck to her fevered skin, and the process takes longer than she’d like. Her eyes dodge around the room, doing everything she can to not make eye contact with me.

“Is this what you do now? Rescue the Stocktons and carry them up mountains and steps?” She speaks softly, doing her best not to start another coughing fit.

“Seems like it. Gotta do what I have to to get back in your good graces, right?”

“You’re already in my brothers’. I’m surprised you weren’t going to the game.”

“I thought about it. But someone had to take care of the ranch, so I volunteered. I figured I’d be out of the way of a family weekend.”

“You are family,” she says softly, glancing up at me before she looks away again. It sends a wave of sentimentality through me that I’m not expecting, one I don’t want her to see any more than she does. So I change the subject.

“I think we’d better put some ointment on this one,” I say as I rinse the deepest of her cuts. “And maybe a Band-Aid.”

She nods silently and allows me to complete my ministrations without any further protest. I help her make her way to her old bedroom and get her situated on the bench at the foot of the bed.

“You have clothes you want to change into?”

“There’s some loungewear in that drawer there. Some shorts and a T-shirt. I’m too hot for pants.”

I grin at the way she says it, but I make quick work of bringing her the clothes.

“I’m gonna turn my back but still stand here in case you need me to help brace you if you get dizzy. Okay?”

“Okay,” she agrees easily, and it’s a relief that she trusts me this much at least. Her wheezing breaths as she works send another wave of worry through me.

“You sure you don’t want to go to the doctor? I can take you.”

“It’s just a cold or the flu. I’ll be fine.” She huffs as she sits down again. “Shit. I’m dizzy again.”

“You decent?”

“Yes.”

I whirl around and kneel at her feet, pressing my hand to her forehead.

“We gotta get some medicine and fluids into you then. See if we can bring this fever down. Anything you’re allergic to?”

She shakes her head. “No, but I’ve got some cold medicine in my purse. It’s in the car, I think. Or on the steps.”

“I didn’t see anything on the steps when I got you. I’ll check the car. How about you get into the bed?”

She nods.