Page 14 of Secret Admirer

“Coco,” I manage to get out as barely more than a whisper before the black overtakes me.

All I know is black.

8

Coco

“I’m refusing medical treatment,”Bodhi growls out at the two EMT workers who have been trying to convince him for the last ten minutes that he needs to be checked out. He jerks back when they try to touch him, his eyes a little wild.

“Sir, you need stitches and you may have a concussion. Do you have anyone who can watch you for the next twenty-four hours?”

Bodhi’s Adam’s apple bobs and he looks down as he shakes his head. I want to cry for him. I’m not sure what it is about him that affects me as much as he does. Yes, I have compassion for all the homeless around the world but, Bodhi, he’s different.

Taking a step closer, I clear my raw throat. I wince but try not to let my pain show. The EMT’s have already looked me over and besides a few scrapes and bruises, I’m fine. At least physically. I’m sure later when I’m alone it will finally sink in that someone tried to rape me as I left work.

“I can watch over him.” I smile timidly. I can feel my lips tremble and try to strengthen my resolve.

“You don’t need to do that. I’m sure I’ll be fine after a little rest.” Bodhi speaks barely above a whisper.

“It’s the least I can do after you saved me.” He shakes his head and starts to retreat away from me and the EMT’s. “Please, let me do this for you. I promise I won’t make it awkward.”Like I just did.“And you’ve got to at least let them stitch you up.” I turn to look at the two EMT’s but keep an eye on Bodhi, making sure he doesn’t try to escape while I’m talking to them. “Can you do that here? It’s obvious he’s not going to go to the hospital.” I lower my voice so only they can hear. “I think he’s worried about paying. He’s homeless or was. I’m not sure anymore.”

One walks back to the ambulance and the other sidles up next to me. He’s short and stocky with brown hair cut in a military style and kind brown eyes. “Are you sure you’re up for this? How well do you know this guy?”

“He saved me. Maybe even my life. It’s the least I can do.”

“But—”

I interrupt him. “He…used to hang around here sometimes outside the salon. This morning someone trashed our pumpkins and I think he cleaned it up before we could and then he proceeded to decorate our pumpkins. You should see how amazing they are.” The stocky guy gives me a strange look. “Sorry, I’m rambling.”

“No, it’s fine. I wanted to make sure you were comfortable. If he agrees and you're sure you want to take on the responsibility, I can give you instructions on how to treat a minor concussion at home and what to look for if it becomes serious, since there is no way to know without taking him to the hospital if he has one or not.” He proceeds to tell me as I watch the other EMT cut a few big chunks of Bodhi’s hair off so he can get to the area he’s bleeding from and stitch him up.

Bodhi remains stoic and doesn’t even flinch when he gets a shot in the head. I, on the other hand, have to turn away. I hate needles and it’s taking everything in me not to pass out.

“If he complains of a bad headache, or starts to throw up, youneedto get him to the emergency room immediately. If he refuses, you can always call 911 and explain the situation. They’ll send out guys who can handle him.” He eyes Bodhi’s large frame and I almost giggle. I have a feeling if Bodhi doesn’t want to do something, no one can make him. “Don’t let his stubbornness kill him. A concussion is serious business.”

“I won’t,” I vow. I wouldn’t let anything happen to Bodhi.

Ever again.

Why do I feel so strongly for him? I can understand after he saved me today, but even before I felt an inexplicable pull toward him that I’d never felt before.

“Are you sure you feel safe with him? You don’t know him,” he speaks out of the side of his mouth.

“I’m sure,” I respond softly. Somehow, someway I know that Bodhi would never hurt me.

“Now that the adrenaline has worn off, are you sure you’re okay?”

It’s sweet that he’s asking, but I have a feeling that he’s trying to separate Bodhi and me. Does he sense something I don’t? Should I be worried?

“It’s nothing a warm bath and a little ibuprofen can’t fix,” I assure him with an easy smile.

“The same goes for you, you know. If you start to experience any symptoms, head to the ER or call an ambulance.Ifyou can sleep tonight, you’ll probably wake up pretty sore tomorrow.”

“Thanks. If I need to, I can always call in tomorrow. Once we’re finished here, I’ll call the owner and let her know what happened.” She’ll be furious with me if I don’t. “Actually, I think I’ll call her right now before I forget.”

“Sure,” he eyes me as if he knows I’m trying to get rid of him. I’m not sure why I am, but his constant questioning is starting to get on my already frayed nerves.

Moving off to the side, but still in the light, I hit Trixie’s number and wait for her to answer.

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