Page 22

“I’m Ember, by the way. That’s Logan.” She tilts her head in the direction the man took off in.

“Cordelya. Nice to meet you.”

“Sorry to literally crash into you. I was trying to rush through the store to get stuff for dinner. Logan was grabbing the steaks, and I was supposed to grab the rest. If I hadn’t been rushing…” she trails off, biting her lip.

I grab her arm, nearly toppling over as she helps steady me. “It’s really okay,” I assure her with a laugh. “Accidents happen. Especially to me.”

The words have no sooner left my mouth when Logan reappears with none other than Augustus by his side, holding a basket of his own. My stomach does a little flip as our eyes meet.

Today he’s dressed in a light long-sleeve shirt, jeans that fit impeccably well, and boots. Even out of the uniform, Augustus is incredibly handsome.

Not that I’ve noticed.

Much.

I watch as indecision dances across his face for a split second before he walks confidently over to stand beside me, setting his basket down. His scent washes over me like a warm blanket, soothing my frazzled nerves.

“What seems to be the problem, Ms. Holland?” he asks, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Hey, Augustus,” Ember says. “I’m afraid it’s my fault. I lost control of my cart and ran into her.” Ember says apologetically.

“Tell me what hurts.”

“My ankle is a little tender.”

He nods and kneels before me. “May I take a look?” he asks.

“Ok.”

He gently takes my leg in his hands. “Any pain here?”

“No, nothing there.”

He moves his hand down, using gentle pressure. “Here?”

I wince slightly. “A little.”

He hums thoughtfully as he continues to feel all around my ankle bone. When he reaches the arch of my foot and kneads it, I have to choke down a moan.

“Painful?” he asks, backing off.

I shake my head. “No, no. No pain. Just–sensitive.”

Something flickers in his eyes before he slips back into medic mode.

When he stands, he offers me his hand. “Can you try and stand on it?”

I release the cart and gingerly place my foot on the ground, taking on my weight. My ankle gives an unpleasant throb, making me hiss. I take the weight off my ankle and wobble only for Augustus to steady me with his outstretched hand.

“Definitely a sprain,” he says, still holding my hand.

I close my eyes and groan as Ember gasps.

“I’m so, so sorry, Cordelya.”

I open my eyes and look to Augustus. “Do I need to go to the hospital?”

“No. Though I do recommend the rice treatment.”