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“Do you really think that’s necessary?” Cord asked, hoping the doctor was just being overly cautious.
Doc Willard noted something on her chart and then turned to gaze at him over his reading glasses. “I’d feel better if someone kept an eye on her to make sure her symptoms don’t get any worse. Besides the allergic reaction, I also think she’s suffering from too much sun exposure. The New Mexico sun can be hard on people who aren’t used to it. You should know that.”
Why did Cord get the feeling that people thought there was more to their relationship than buyer and seller? Maybe because there had been that amazingly scorching-hot kiss—but, wait, no one knew about it.
“Quit talking about me like I’m not here,” Lexi interjected. “I’ll be fine. The ice is helping.”
Doc made another note in the file. “I gave her a shot that should help. She can have acetaminophen for the pain, but I want her to avoid ibuprofen and aspirin.”
Cord nodded. “I’ll drive her to the hospital.”
“I’m not going.” She glared at Cord. “I’ll be fine. Won’t I, Dr. Willard?”
The doc frowned. “I’d really feel better if you had some fluids and round-the-clock monitoring.”
“I promise that if I have any problems, I’ll call you,” she said.
“You’ll have to get plenty of rest and keep ice on that sting.”
“I will.” She flashed him a weak smile. “Now can I go?”
“Not so fast,” Doc said. “If you aren’t going to the hospital, I want someone with you overnight to make sure you don’t experience any complications.”
Cord swallowed hard, knowing the responsibility fell to him. She had been hurt on his land, and his promise to do his part to ensure her health haunted him. But when he’d made the promise to God, he hadn’t envisioned sharing a roof with her.
“I’ll do it, Doc,” Cord said, ignoring his reservations. “She can come home with me.”
Lexi scooted off the table and stood between them. “Would you two quit making decisions for me? I can take care of myself.”
Cord eyed up her ice pack. “We can see how well that turned out for you.”
Her eyes narrowed into a you’re-going-to-pay-for-that-one look. He didn’t care, just as long as she was safe. It was only one night. He was fairly certain they could survive each other’s company that long.
“Just let me have the care instructions,” Cord said, “and we’ll get out of your way.”
“My missus will have them up front when you check out. Make sure you’re alert for any signs of blurred vision or difficulty swallowing or breathing.”
Cord nodded while Lexi’s lips pursed together.
In the hallway, she said, “I’m not going home with you.”
“You will unless you want me to drive you directly to the hospital. Take your pick.”
“I’m going back to my motel room. Alone.” Her words lacked conviction. The bravado seemed to zap her strength as she started to slump, deflated like a leaky balloon.
Cord slipped an arm around her, liking the feel of her body against his. “We’ll see about that.”
He escorted her to the waiting area and led her to a chair, while he took care of the paperwork. Mrs. Willard handed over the patient instructions and rattled off the highlights. He gazed down at the tiny print. The letters blurred together. The muscles in his neck tightened. He folded the paper in half to read later.
After he promised to bring her back for a checkup the next day, he turned and found Lexi slouched in the chair. She reminded him of a beautiful flower that had started to droop. She definitely needed someone to watch over her until she regained her strength—no matter what she said.
He’d never played nursemaid to a human before. But there was a first time for everything. He’d hazard a guess that his horses made much better patients than this stubborn, opinionated woman. Oh boy, he was up to his Stetson in trouble.
CHAPTER TEN
This can’t be happening.
Alexis sat rigidly in the passenger seat of Cord’s truck. She leaned her head back, wondering how in the world she’d gained Cord as some sort of guardian. This was the same man who hadn’t been able to get away from her fast enough. Sometimes the world worked in mysterious ways. And this time the universe seemed to be having a good laugh at her expense.
