Page 34 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

“Absolutely. We have a fabulous machine that lets us see inside your hand as you move. It shows up on a monitor. I’ll have the nurse pull up a chair for her, and she can be next to you.” The doctor nodded before walking out of the room.

“Was it moving when they tossed you out?” I stared at his battered hand.

“Yep, but not at full speed. I wasn’t thinking about what I’d have to tell the doctor when I asked you to come back here with me. I’m sorry.”

I leaned my head on his shoulder. “Don’t apologize. I can handle it.”

Forty-five minutes later, Garrett had a brace on his left hand, but his right hand, thankfully, had no broken bones. And his road rash was healed enough that the bandages were no longer necessary.

For a Monday, the day wasn’t turning out to be bad.

Garrett lifted a couch cushion.“Have you seen my phone?”

“It’s on your nightstand, but it probably needs to be charged.” I finished chopping vegetables before glancing up. “Why?”

“I want to call the deputy.” He walked down the hall, then returned, carrying his phone and a charger. “I put his number in my phone the day you picked up my truck. I don’t think I’ve touched this thing since.”

I pushed my phone across the counter. “Use mine. His card is in my purse.”

“No. I’ll use my phone.” He plugged it in. “It’s charging.”

Garrett had a stubborn side, and this afternoon it was on full display.

After washing my hands, I pulled the card out of my purse. “Why does it matter what phone you use?”

He leaned on the counter, his jaw tight. “Because even though I was on pain medication, I saw the way that guy looked at you, and I don’t wantyour numberinhis phone. That’s why it matters.”

“Seriously? He was probably looking at me like that because I was sitting next to the bed of someone I told him I didn’t know. Because I talked to him before I knew that I knew you.” I tossed the veggies onto a baking sheet. “I doubt I could’ve made that sound any more confusing.”

“Made perfect sense to me, but I’m not taking any chances.” He opened his laptop. “Want to play another game of cards later?”

“Sure. But I’m not going to let you beat me this time.”

He walked up behind me and brushed his stubble on my neck. “Let me beat you? Really? That’s funny, Tessa.”

“Are you saying I’m lying?”

“I don’t have to. It’s written all over your face.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks and every other part of me. “Even if you always win, I still want to play cards with you.”

He cupped my cheek. “I know I’ve said it a lot, and by the end of the week, I will have said it a lot more, but thank you for everything—amazing food, incredible care, and friendship. Even sore, I’m enjoying this getaway.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him gently. “I’m sorry you got hurt, but this has been fun. Getting to know you has been the best part. You’re hurting today, aren’t you?”

Nodding, he rubbed my back, then tightened his embrace. “I’m really glad we’re friends.”

I was beginning to think the zone for our friendship was approximately the same size as Texas. Big. Maybe even as big as Alaska.

Wakingup at one in the morning was happening all too frequently. I lay in bed, wondering why there was a light on in the living room. Garrett typically turned them all off before he went to bed.

Was he still up? Had he woken up because of a nightmare?

I pulled on my fuzzy socks before walking down the hall. “You’re still up.”

“Yeah.” He snapped his laptop closed and set it on the coffee table. “I was trying to be quiet. Sorry.”

I shook my head as I sat down beside him. “You didn’t wake me. I just woke up. Are you working my case?”

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