Page 38 of Rescued Heart

Bianca’s head dropped into her palms, and Eddie wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Where was his jacket when they needed it?

Her body trembled beneath his arm. Shock. Must have been the reason she hadn’t moved out of the way of the car.

The truck driver who had slammed on his brakes and honked at the car that had actually run the red light jogged over to them. “Do I need to call the police? Ambulance?”

Bianca placed her hand on Eddie’s arm. “You saved me. Again.”

Eddie held out his other hand. “Can you stand?”

He’d had to ask her that question two too many times.

When she tightened her hold on him, he moved his hip, and he bit down on a gasp.

Bianca turned to the driver. “Please call 9-1-1. He’s hurt.”

Eddie’s back cramped, but he had to walk or his muscles would tighten up. “I’m not.” Not enough for an ambulance. “Though it would be wise to have Trace and Kianna check you out to make sure you’re good.”

Bianca shook her head. “I’ve had enough of ambulances for one week.”

“Bia Pearl, are you okay?” It wasn’t one of the three girls who held up their phones. At least fifteen people now gathered on the sidewalks, holding their phones. All pointed at Bianca.

Eddie stepped in front of Bianca. “This is not the time to record anything.”

Her trembling fingers landed on his chest.

He willed his heart to slow and placed his hand over hers. “Can you take a deep breath for me?”

He inhaled, puffing out his chest, and ignored the ache in his back on his loud exhale through his mouth.

She blinked up at him and drew a breath. “I…I…”

“That’s it.” He spoke so only she could hear. “One more?—”

“You guys won’t believe it.” The stroller lady’s voice drifted to them. “Bia Pearl has been in an accident.”

Bianca sucked in a breath and closed her eyes. After three short heartbeats, she opened her eyes and put on a smile. It was unsteady, but only he seemed to notice fakeness from his position.

She lifted her left hand at the crowded sidewalk. “We’re okay, everyone. Thanks for your sweet concern.”

We’re,notI’m.

“How long have you and the firefighter been dating?”

He didn’t know who’d asked the question, but he and Bianca needed to get out of there.

He tucked her against his side.

She leaned into him and held on to her smile. But to him she whispered, “Is there a way we could go back for my flip-flops?”

Flip-flops?Eddie frowned at the road and then at her feet. She still wore her heels. Had she hit her head?

Then he noticed the glassiness in her eyes was no longer from shock but a wall of restrained tears.

Oh.Flip-flopsmust be code forhome.

He ran his thumb over her smooth skin. “Whatever you need. I’ve got you.”

They hobbled past the girls with their phones, recording every step to Eddie’s truck. A police car’s whirling lights and siren came down the road. Finally. Not just bystanders wanting a show.

---