Page 52 of Objection to Love

“I think it’s sprained. Badly, I would guess, but you already know I don’t have much medical experience. I do know that you shouldn’t walk on it, though.”

Em swallowed a groan. “I can call—”

Garrett cut her off, “I’ll carry you down.”

“You absolutely don’t need—”

“Yes, I do.”

“No. You don’t.”

He huffed a breath. “This is my fault, Em. The least you can do is let me help you.”

The air went out of her. “But I’ll get you dirty,” she tried one last time, pointing at the half of her body now covered in mud.

“I don’t care.”

Reluctantly, Em gave in and nodded. As much as being carried by Garrett Clarke sounded like some sort of wonderful… being carried by Garrett Clarke also sounded mortifying.

“It will be best if I can get you on my back. Can I help you stand?”

Em nodded, avoiding his eyes, and held out her hands. He tugged her upright, and she made sure not to put any weight on her right leg. He turned around, bent low, and she placed her hands around his shoulders. In seconds, he had her settled on his back, his hands firmly holding her legs, and her ankle throbbing horribly.

“I’m going to try not to jostle your ankle too much, but I also think it’s best if we get off the mountain as soon as possible.”

Em nodded, and Garrett must have felt the action, because he took off. Not running, but walking quickly. Em’s ankle swayed a bit, and she bit the insides of her cheeks to keep from crying out. She wasn’t even able to enjoy the proximity to Garrett in the twenty minutes it took to get down the trail, the pain was so bad. Every step or sway of movement shot sharp zings up her calf.

They finally reached his truck, and Garrett opened the tailgate with one hand before turning around to set her on it.

“You’re crying.”

Em wasn’t sure if that was a question or a statement, but she touched her face in surprise. It was wet with tears, and she hadn’t even noticed.

“Oh,” she said lamely.

He brushed some of the moisture away from her cheeks. “I’m really sorry, Em.”

She shook her head, and his hand fell to his side. “It’s fine. It’s my own fault. Payback for breaking your face last weekend. It’s still a little black and blue, you know.”

He chuckled. “Yes, I know. Adds to my appeal, doesn’t it?”

“No.”

He laughed outright. “Ouch.”

“Yeah, me too.” She looked pointedly at her leg.

“I’d like to take you to see a doctor, if that’s okay?”

Em shook her head. “I’m fine, really.”

“I don’t think that’s true. At the very least, we should have it wrapped.”

“I can do that.”

“I happen to know you don’t even have a first aid kit in your house.”

“My neighbor will let me borrow his.”

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