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“I hate this,” she whispered. “I’ve always been so in control of my life. To have it suddenly…feel soout of controlis terrifying. There aren’t any mental health issues that I know of on my dad’s side of the family. But maybe it’s something on my mom’s?”
Asher didn’t think genetics had anything to do with it, but he didn’t say as much. There was something about the way her episodes came and went that didn’t sit right with him. Manic episodes and anxiety attacks frequently occurred without warning. But the way she recovered from her experiences was almost like someone flicked a switch and they were over. Yes, she looked exhausted. But she didn’t sound as though she still felt any of the dread or paranoia that had paralyzed her less than an hour ago.
“I think you should call Dr. Garcia,” Asher said, placing the first of three butterfly bandages over the injury. He didn’t know what could be triggering her episodes, if anything. But if it wassomething, then the former investigator was well-positioned to help identify it.
“It’s nearly seven o’clock on a Thursday night. I can’t imagine she’d want to hear from me.”
Asher didn’t say anything as he applied the final bandage. When he was satisfied that they’d all stay in place, he looked up. “I think she’ll want to know. If she’s busy, or doesn’t want to be disturbed, she won’t answer. You can leave a message.” His thumb stroked the pad of her palm below her thumb. He wanted to offer her more comfort. But he didn’t know what she wanted. Or needed.
Ellie’s gaze drifted to her hand and his two cradling it. He didn’t stop his movements, and a few seconds later, she exhaled. “I’ll call her,” she said, looking up and meeting his eye. “Like I said, I hate this. Whatever I can do to make it stop, I want to do.”
He had an insane urge to kiss her. To gather her to him and tell her she wasn’t alone. His gaze dropped to her lips. But when her fingers curled against his hand, he jerked his attention back to her eyes. He had no business thinking the things he was thinking. Especially not after what she’d just been through.
He cleared his throat. “Let me get this wrapped, and then you can call her. The pork should be done any minute. I can take care of that while you talk.”
Her own eyes dipped to his mouth, and he had the fleeting sensation thatshewas contemplating kissing him. But that was crazy. He was a reasonably attractive guy, he knew that. But for all intents and purposes, he was nothing more than a small-town doctor. Not to belittle himself, but there really wasn’t much to him that would attract someone as…worldly and as accomplished as Ellie Cavanaugh.
Then she took a bracing breath and nodded. “Thank you, Asher. And I don’t just mean for this,” she said, holding up her now-bandaged hand. “This was what I was worried about when you offered me the house at the lodge. Thank you for inviting me into your home. You didn’t really sign up for this—”
“I did,” he cut her off. “I hoped it wouldn’t happen, of course. I hate that you’re experiencing these episodes. But the moment you told me your concern, I knew what I was doing when I offered you the room. I wish I could help more, but I’m glad I could help a little.”
Her eyes searched his face then she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Her soft skin brushed against his. She smelled of fear and blood, but underneath that was a hint of musk and orange. He closed his eyes and inhaled subtly before she pulled away.
“Let me help you,” he said, holding his hand out. She set her uninjured hand in his and slid off the counter. She stilled, getting her feet underneath her, then smiled at him.
“Thank you, again, Asher. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come home when you did.”
He didn’t want to think about that either. But that’s not what he said. “You’re a strong woman, Ellie. You’ve survived these before. And while I hate what you’re dealing with, I know you would have made it through this one, too.”
Something he said must have struck a chord because he saw a flicker of hope in her eyes. Followed by a flash of strength and resilience.
“I’d like to think so, too. But I’m still glad you’re here. I’ll go call Dr. Garcia now. I think the timer is about to go off.”
He nodded and watched as she walked away. Before she turned down the hallway, she glanced over her shoulder and gave him another tentative smile.
And on cue, the buzz of the timer filled his house, forcing him to pull his gaze away from where it had no business lingering.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Ellie exited Dr. Garcia’s office, shut the door behind her, then paused to text Asher. Sofia haddropped her off for a late-afternoon appointment, but she planned to ride home with Asher.Home. She shouldn’t be thinking of it that way, but she couldn’t help it. Despite what had happened the night before, it felt more like home than any other place. It was the place she wanted to be. The place she felt most comfortable.
She reread the message she’d drafted then hit Send as her phone rang.
“Harry,” she said by way of answering.
“Darling. I wasn’t sure I’d catch you.”
That didn’t sound good. “What’s happened?” Asher hadn’t texted back yet, so she took a seat in Dr. Garcia’s waiting room. A room as straightforward and practical as the doctor herself.
“Nothing terrible,” Harry assured her.
She exhaled. “Then…?”
“The costume designer called. They want to come Monday rather than later in the week.”
She bit back a sigh. That meant she’d have to drive down to LA Sunday night. Or early Monday morning. Neither of which appealed to her.
Then again, the sooner she got the fitting over with, the sooner she could return to Mystery Lake. If she headed down on Sunday and back Monday night then, other than the Oscars, she’d have no reason to leave again until filming started in the middle of April. Which meant she’d have almost two months to work with Dr. Garcia before returning to her job. As Asher had said, the womanwasunorthodox. But Ellie liked her. Felt safe with her. And her approach felt more collaborative and exploratory than her prior therapist.
