Page 42 of Unpredictable
“Here.” I held it out to her, hoping she didn’t notice the way my hands shook. “Here.”
She flipped it over and looked at the ingredients before reaching for something in a pocket in her leggings I hadn’t noticed. Her face was going red, and I felt helpless. She pulled out a plastic tube, removed a blue cap, and then swung it toward her thigh. She held it there a few seconds, counting to three before her hand fell to the side. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the rock wall.
“Juliana?”
She held up one finger, but her response was far from reassuring. I took her hand in mine, wanting to comfort her—to do…something. Selfishly, I needed to know she was okay.
After what felt like an eternity but was probably no more than a minute, her eyes fluttered open. Her breathing seemed more normal, her skin color more regular. But I wasn’t a doctor, so what did I know?
“Are you okay? Do you want some water?”
She nodded, and I held the bottle to her lips. She took a sip, some of the liquid dribbling down her chin. “Thank you.”
I checked my phone again—no service. “We need to get you to a hospital.”
She shook her head. “Just…give me a minute. I’ll be fine.”
We sat there for a few moments before she said, “I should’ve read the package. I always read the package when they change the label.” She didn’t attempt to remove her hand from my grasp. It was nice—apart from the fact that she’d nearly given me a heart attack.
I frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“I’ve had these cookies before, but when the label changes, companies often change ingredients too. I’m allergic to coconut.”
I tilted my head back, feeling like an idiot. How had I not realized she was having an allergic reaction? My own daughter carried an EpiPen for her nut allergy, though thankfully, she’d never had to use it.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t realize…”
“You didn’t know. How could you have? I’ll be okay.” She slid her hand from mine. “I’m ready.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded and attempted to stand, but her knees buckled. I immediately reached out to steady her.
“It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
“Don’t say that.” She shook her head. “Don’t.” She closed her eyes as if pained.
“All right,” I said, hefting her into my arms without giving her a chance to protest.
“Harrison!” she shrieked, but it was weak. “Put me down.”
I shook my head and started down the trail. I didn’t care what she said; I wasn’t letting her go.
Chapter Thirteen
“Have some more water,” Harrison said from the lounge chair next to me.
We were hanging out by the pool, a slight breeze ruffling the umbrella above us. After returning from the hospital, he’d insisted I take it easy.Take it easy?I wanted to laugh. There was no way I could take it easy sitting next to the hottest man I’d ever seen. His bare chest was on display, showcasing a mouthwatering eight-pack. And he somehow managed to have evenly bronzed skin even though it wasn’t yet summer.Ugh.
I rolled my eyes beneath my sunglasses. “I’m going to have to start calling you Landon. He can be such a nag sometimes.”
He narrowed his eyes at me, and I flashed him a smile. I held out a moment longer, finally taking a sip ofwater before reclining against the chair.
“I’m not even sure we should be out here,” he said.
It didn’t matter how many times I’d told him I was fine, he insisted on taking care of me. I’d never forget the way he’d scooped me into his arms, carrying me down the trail. I wasn’t sure anyone had ever treated me like that—like I was something precious. In all honesty, it was nice to feel taken care of. Cared for.
He’d stayed by my side the entire time, supporting me while ensuring the doctors took good care of me. And he’d been insistent that I get a new EpiPen immediately. Though my body’s response to coconut was swift and scary, I’d reacted quickly and so had he. His reaction was especially impressive for someone who had never experienced something like that. Harrison hadn’t batted an eye; he was simply there—right where I needed him to be.
