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He injected a small amount of anesthetic, then switched the syringe over to an empty one. Rechecking the position, he pulled back on the plunger. The syringe filled with straw-colored fluid.
When he was ready, Riley handed the medication-filled syringe. Needle still in place inside the numbed area on Cassie’s knee, he carefully exchanged the aspirated syringe with the medication one, handing the other to Riley. When he felt a pop, indicating the needle was where it should be, he injected the medication into the joint space.
“You okay?”
“Never better,” Cassie said through gritted teeth.
“You’re doing great,” Riley praised her as Justin
withdrew the needle.
Riley immediately covered the area with sterile gauze and applied pressure.
“Remember—compression, ice, and rest, then knee-strengthening exercises.” He printed a home exercise sheet, and an order for formal physical therapy, and handed them to her. “I’m writing you a note. I don’t want you on your feet much for the next couple of days. And you—” he turned to Riley “—I’ll see tonight, when I bring dinner for all three of us.”
“I knew I liked him,” Cassie said.
“That makes two of us,” Riley agreed, applying a bandage over her friend’s knee.
Only eventually he’d tire of her and leave. Then what?
* * *
“Me, me! Please. I want to go next,” Kyle called, bouncing and waving his hand as he waited his turn to have his photo taken in the oversized chair in front of the forty-foot-tall boy at the children’s museum.
Riley smiled down at the excited boy who’d stuck so close to her most of the day. She loved these outings she took with the Wilderness Group, and had even taken Daisy to visit with Kyle a few times. His foster family was wonderful. She hoped they’d adopt Kyle if that ever became a possibility.
The Wilderness Group had done a big photo earlier, everyone included, and were now doing individual pictures. There were only two boys who hadn’t been in front of the exhibit yet. And Stephen looked as if he couldn’t care less as he and another boy discussed something they’d seen earlier in the day.
“Okay!” Justin laughed at the boy’s exuberant request. “You’re next. Need a hand climbing up?”
Kyle’s forehead puckered. “I got this, Captain Brothers.” Only rather than attempting to get in the chair, he turned to Riley. “Will you be in a picture with me?”
As in just the two of them? She looked to Justin for guidance and he shrugged, leaving it up to her.
“I think you’re supposed to have an individual picture right now, but I’ll be in a photo with you later, if you want.”
Kyle nodded, as if he understood, but disappointment shone on his face.
Riley looked to Justin. As always, her heart sputtered—probably in disbelief that they were a couple and had been for several months. She barely believed it and yet she was living it.
She’d never thought she’d be in a relationship again. Had never thought she’d risk doing so. Was it possible she’d been wrong? That Justin was worth taking a chance on and wouldn’t break her heart?
Part of her wanted to believe it was true. Another part warned her that she was being foolish and would deserve the heartache that would head her way if she fell for such nonsense.
“Smile,” Justin told the little boy, who seemed to have gone from a bundle of energy to a flat tire.
Did having a photo taken with her mean that much to him? Goodness, but he was getting attached. She probably shouldn’t encourage him, but she couldn’t stand to see his disappointment.
Rather than try to get Justin’s attention, Riley darted into the picture, spread her arms wide in a total photo-bombing pose near to where Kyle sat, and cried, “Cheeseburgers!”
Surprised, Kyle laughed, wrapped his arms around her neck from behind in a hug, and repeated, “Cheeseburgers!”
When she was sure Justin had gotten the shot, she turned and hugged Kyle. “Now, we better let him get a picture of just you, too, since he was nice enough to bring us here today.”
Kyle nodded and gave a toothy grin.
Shaking his head, Justin chuckled, snapped the shot, then helped Kyle down. He took Stephen’s photo next, then one of Stephen with Stan.
