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He smiled back, his flirtatious eyes and the boyish dimple in his left cheek enough to charm any woman. “Maybe not. But I wouldn’t say I was trying to take charge.”
“Then what would you say?”
“I’d say I’m being neighborly.” He leaned in, his soft breath tickling the shell of her ear as he whispered, “I’m doing what a neighbor would do in hopes of becoming more than just a neighbor. Possibly a friend?”
His aftershave was spicy but held a hint of sweetness. It lingered on the air between them, tantalizing her senses.
Jo shook her head, attempting to dispel his intoxicating appeal, and stepped back. “I appreciate you finding and delivering us new boarders,” she said. “But I think Frankie and I can manage getting Earl settled on our own.”
She walked away and rounded the front of the truck, saying over her shoulder, “If you don’t mind hanging around while I get Earl settled, I’ll walk with you to the stables to check out the boarders.”
His deep voice sounded at her back as she opened the passenger door. “I don’t mind. Take your time.”
The door creaked as it opened, rousing Earl, who blinked groggily and struggled to focus on Jo’s face.
“We’re home,” Jo said softly.
Earl blinked several times and stared up at her, seeming to have trouble getting his bearings.
A door on the other side of the truck opened and shut and, moments later, Frankie walked around the back of the truck and joined Jo, looking down at Earl. “Ready to go in, hon? We’re gonna get your wheelchair set up and push you across the lawn. Then Jo and I will help you up the steps so you can go inside, have a good nap, and get some decent rest in your own bed for a change.”
Alert now but still visibly exhausted, Earl pushed himself up straighter in the seat with trembling arms and nodded.
Jo glanced at the lawn separating them from the front porch steps. The high tufts of dormant grass and shallow holes where opossums had dug overnight seemed much more difficult to navigate in a wheelchair than she’d imagined.
“I don’t think the wheelchair is going to be an option, Frankie.” Jo looked at Earl. “How do you feel about leaning on me and Frankie and going for a little walk? Do you think you have one more push in your legs today? Enough to help me and Frankie walk you inside?”
Earl narrowed his eyes, a spark of anger flaring. “ ’Course . . . I can.”
Jo smiled. “I figured you’d say that.” She nudged the passenger door to open it wider. “All right, Frankie. Same drill as in the hospital parking lot—only this time farther—okay?”
They commenced the same steps they’d undertaken in the Lone Oaks Hospital parking lot, Jo supporting one side of Earl and Frankie the other. He was heavier this time around, his limbs weak from his earlier exertions, and it was a struggle just to slide him to the edge of the truck’s seat and set both of his feet on the ground.
Jo’s lungs burned and her breathing became labored, but she tried to quiet her exhalations and forced a smile. “You okay, Earl? We can do this. It just may take a little longer than before.”
He didn’t respond. Instead, he sagged more heavily against her and closed his eyes.
“Earl?” Stomach sinking, Jo kissed his forehead. “What if we rest for a moment, then try again?”
Still, he remained silent, his eyes closed. He looked frailer than ever.
“Jo.”
Breath catching on a muffled sob, Jo glanced over her shoulder.
Brooks had moved closer, his dark eyes fixed on Earl in concern, his deep voice rumbling softly beside her. “I’d like to help, if I may?”
“He’s plumb tuckered.” Frankie’s eyes were glinting in the sunlight with tears as she studied Earl’s weak form. “I think it’s best to let Brooks help, Jo.”
Jo eyed Brooks’s muscular stature and strong hands, her heart pounding at the thought of releasing Earl. Of entrusting his well-being to someone else.
Swallowing hard against the lump in her throat, she stepped back and made room for Brooks. “Thank you,” she whispered. “But take care, please. He’s very weak.”
Brooks eased past her and touched Earl’s shoulder. “Earl? It’s Brooks. Your neighbor. I’m going to get you inside, if that’s okay with you?”
Eyes still closed, Earl didn’t respond. His chest rose and lowered on heavy breaths.
At Earl’s silence, Brooks slid one arm around Earl’s back and the other beneath his knees, then gently lifted him up into his arms.
