AllFreeNovel
Share Us
With a chuckle, he closed the door. Olivia just wanted to get out of here before Jax spotted her. She wasn’t ready to face him, didn’t know if she’d ever be ready, but definitely not after having hot sex in his office and then severing their personal relationship only an hour ago.
He drove her the few miles back to her house. Melanie was out front on her hands and knees fluffing the mulch. She still wore her sports bra, tank, and shorts, but was barefoot. When she spotted the cruiser, she came to her feet and swiped her forearm across her head.
Olivia opened her door, but Tanner was already out and assisting her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and lifted her from the car.
“What on earth happened?” Melanie asked, running across the lawn.
“I fell, it was stupid,” Olivia muttered, still embarrassed over the fact. “Tanner happened to be there so he gave me a lift.”
Melanie’s gaze darted to his. “You do something other than write tickets?”
“I was in the process of chasing old ladies and giving them reckless op tickets, but decided to stop and help Olivia,” he tossed back.
Olivia rolled her eyes. “If you two are done, can I get inside for some ice? I’m swelling around my shoe.”
Melanie reached out. “I’ve got her from here, Officer.”
He gently released her and steadied her until Melanie had her arm secure around Olivia’s waist. This was so ridiculous to have to lean on someone just to stand. But she really didn’t think anything was broken.
Jade ran out of the house. “What in the world?” she cried as she crossed through the front yard. “We leave you alone and you come back in a cop car?”
“Not my first choice, but since only one ankle is cooperating, Tanner came to my rescue.”
Jade flanked Olivia’s other side. “This is just like when Mel hurt herself in that marathon. Really, ladies. Watch yourselves.”
“Yes, because we love to just get hurt on purpose,” Melanie stated.
“I’ll get her inside,” Jade stated. “Why don’t you thank Tanner and finish the mulching?”
Melanie laughed and called over her shoulder. “Thanks, Tanner.”
“Anytime, ma’am.”
Olivia may have been in some pain, but she didn’t miss the way Melanie bit her lip and shuddered. Tanner was quite an attractive guy and even Melanie couldn’t deny that. Apparently, she couldn’t deny her attraction, either, but Olivia wasn’t about to call her on that . . . not when Olivia’s own personal life was off-limits for now.
By the time they got inside the house, her ankle was throbbing something fierce.
“I’ll get a bag of ice and some pain reliever,” Melanie offered.
Jade eased Olivia down onto the leather sofa and pushed the ottoman over. After propping her leg up, Melanie reached down to unlace her shoe.
“Let me.” Jade sat on the edge of the ottoman and carefully tugged at the laces. “So you just fell?”
“I stepped wrong on the sidewalk.”
No way was she going to admit she’d been eyeing the gym and Jax’s truck.
“You’ve got some serious swelling,” Jade stated. “You sure you don’t want to get an X-ray?”
That was the last thing she wanted. “I’ll be fine after some ice and pain meds, though you all might have to make that lunch you promised and feed me right here.”
“Happy to do so,” Melanie said as she came back in. She placed the ice bag gently on the side of Olivia’s ankle. “Sorry, but I just want to get it on there good.”
“I’m fine.” Olivia reached for the bottled water and the pain meds. “Thanks.”
Her earbuds still dangled around her neck and her phone was still tucked in her armband. She quickly took the pills and started pulling off her accessories.
“Well, this day has gone all to hell,” she muttered, dropping her head back against the cushions. “I’ll give you both the run-down, but please hold off questions until the pills kick in.”
