Page 15 of Possess

“Everyone go home; the site is now shut down,” Zeke said.

The men groaned but started to make their way to their vehicles, Lyle helping the man who’d been in the backhoe to his vehicle. Zeke strode over the hard packed dirt to the trailer.

His gaze met hers, and without a word, he gestured for her to enter the trailer. She did. She put her hard hat back on the chair and turned to him. Zeke placed his hat on the wall, almost too calmly.

“You could have been killed.” The words burst from her. Her heart was pounding. “That machine could have easily turned over, trapping both of you.”

“Maybe.” He kept his gaze on her. “It was fairly stable, and I had a man in there. I wasn’t about to let him get hurt or trapped.”

“What about you?” She marched over to him. “You could have gotten him out and then gotten trapped or killed yourself.”

“You didn’t stay inside like I told you to.” His voice was gruff.

Allyson blinked. “What does that have to do with it? Damn it, Zeke! Don’t you understand what could have happened?” Why was he grinning? The damn fool. Her temper rose.

“You care,” he said softly.

“Of course, I care. I…” Her words trailed off. She turned away from him as the air was squeezed from her lungs. She cared, far more than she was willing to admit.

“Allyson.” His voice was soft, and his arms encircled her from behind. “Thank you, but next time, I expect you to obey me.”

“Obey? You didn’t just say that to me.” Memories of her ex-boyfriend surfaced. She pulled away from him.

“I didn’t mean it that way.” His voice held regret, and it froze her in place. “Please, sit down. I need to call the Industrial Accident Board, then we can talk.”

He was right. They needed to talk, but he also had to report the accident. “Very well. But know this: I don’t take well to being told to obey.”

“So I noticed.” There was a bit of humor in his voice.

She took a seat as he dialed on his cell. Allyson took several deep breaths, trying to concentrate on anything but the image of Zeke on top of that backhoe.

“Yes, he’s been checked out and signed the release form.” Zeke’s tone was resigned. “I’ll be here.”

She’d been around enough accident boards to know they’d insist the worker see a doctor and ask for a drug test.

“They’ll be here shortly,” he said, his eyes dull. “Will you keep me company?” He rolled his shoulders and winced.

“You’re hurt.” Instantly Allyson was by his side. “Where does it hurt? Should I call a doctor?”

“I’m okay, just a twinge in my shoulder.” He reached up and rubbed his right shoulder.

“Sit down.”

“Now, who’s giving the orders?” He took his seat, and she moved behind him.

“Sorry.” She placed her hands on his right shoulder and began to massage. “You’ve got a good knot here.”

Zeke groaned as she dug in. Allyson smiled when his muscles went lax. One thing she knew was massage therapy, since she’d taken several classes in college. Apparently, she’d retained quite a bit of it. “You should probably get checked out by a doctor.”

“It’s just a twinge. Probably strained something as I pulled my worker out of the cab.”

“Possibly.” She’d seen his muscles flex as he pulled the man out. She was proud of him for taking care of his men. He’d rushed right into the fray to rescue his worker without a thought for his own safety. While that scared her, she recognized the heroic actions as well.

His warm hand covered hers on his shoulder. “That was heavenly. Thank you.” He captured her hand and pulled her around as he swiveled his chair.

“I can continue if you want.”

“Not right now.” He took her other hand. “I’m sorry if I scared you.”

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