“I’m fine!” Ryan almost shouted it to prove his point.
“Listen,” Vince said, holding a hand out to shut them both up. “You,” he said, pointing to Bailey. “Relax and be quiet for a minute. You…” He turned his finger in Ryan’s direction. “Relax. Take a deep breath. The blood looks scary, but she really is fine. It’s not that bad, but we need to take her to the emergency room for stitches, okay?”
Ryan swallowed and nodded. “I’m fine.”
“On three, you pick her up. I’ll keep the pressure on her foot.”
Ryan slid one hand under her rear and the other under her shoulders.
Vince said, “Three, two, one.” They both lifted at the same time while Bailey crossed her arms over her chest in irritation.
CHAPTER TEN
“I told you I can walk,” Bailey growled.
Ryan glared at her. “The doctor very specifically said you should stay off your feet for twenty-four hours. Don’t make me throw your ass over my shoulder.”
He snatched her up out of the back seat so fast, she couldn’t do anything but yelp.
“Bailey, I’m right next door if you need me for anything. Any more bleeding or pain, just give me a call.”
“Thanks so much, Vince. I’m sorry for being so much trouble.”
“No trouble. I’m just glad it wasn’t worse.” He kissed her cheek then gave Ryan some last-minute instructions before walking back next door.
Ryan carried her into the house and up the stairs, then set her on her mother’s bed.
“You should’ve taken me back to my apartment.”
“No, Dad said someone needs to keep an eye on you.”
“I don’t think that should be you. If I start bleeding, you’re just going to pass out.” She sneered at him and said, “Your mother was a nurse, and your dad is a paramedic. How is it that blood makes you queasy?”
“Your mom was a music teacher, and you can’t play a note.”
Bailey’s face grew instantly hot at the reminder, the answer to her question now obvious. “I can call Mae. You don’t have to be the one to take care of me.”
Ryan dropped his chin and shook his head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t say that to hurt you. If you want me to call Mae, I will.”
“It’s okay. Mae’s probably already in bed.”
“Make up your mind.”
“What are you angry about?”
He stared at her for a moment and took a deep breath. “I’m not angry.”
The room was dark except for the small bedside lamp he had turned on, but it was enough light to see his frustrated expression.
“Ryan.”
“What?”
“I really want to take a shower. I haven’t…” Her eyes dropped to her clothes. “It was a long night.”
When he frowned, she instantly wished she hadn’t said anything to remind him of their night together. “I mean—”
He held up a hand to stop her. “I’ll run a bath. You can prop your foot up on the side of the tub.”
“That’s perfect. Thank you.” She smiled at him, hoping it would be some sort of a peace offering.
Ryan went into her mother’s bathroom and started the water. “Do you want bubbles?”
“Bubbles,” she said longingly. “Yes, please.”
She sat up and slid off the bed to go to the bathroom. She had a big black boot on her injured foot, which was stupid. It was only a cut, but the doctor said it would keep her from banging it on things for a few days, and she’d be able to walk.
She stomped into the bathroom and plopped down on the toilet seat.
“You’re supposed to stay horizontal.”
She lifted both eyebrows and said, “I can’t have you carrying me everywhere.”
“After this bath, you’re going to bed.”
“You’re bossy.”
“Bossy is the only way to get through to you sometimes.” When the tub was full, Ryan shut the water off and stood over her with a look of pure fear. “Can you get in the tub yourself, or do I need to help you?”
“I think I can do it. You’ve seen enough of my nakedness.”
His face relaxed, and he nodded. “Be careful, please. I’m going to clean up the blood on the floor.”
She carefully pulled all her clothes off and the big, stupid boot. She was still in the layers she wore on the boat, Ryan’s sweats with her dress underneath. She held his shirt to her face and inhaled, remembering the night before. God, he had felt good. She missed him just thinking about it. Her throat swelled, and she fought to swallow back her tears.
Ryan had been so sweet, his hands so deliberate and smooth. If only she’d drunk less so she could remember all of it. Patches of the night were crystal clear, like scenes from a movie: the look in his eyes, the feel of his skin against hers, her hands gliding through his silky hair. She almost wished she didn’t remember.
She could also recall the emotions that came with making love with her best friend. She’d never forget it for as long as she lived. It would haunt her forever. A blessed moment in her life she could never repeat, but would always remember.
She carefully lowered herself into the tub, and the scent of the lavender bubble bath seeped into her senses. Still, no amount of willing away the thoughts of the night before could make her stop regretting that she would never be able to touch Ryan again. She mourned it like she mourned her parents. How could one night change so much?
“Bay, are you okay?”
She held her breath and quickly wiped the tears from her face. Then she exhaled slowly to steady her voice. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Call me if you need help.”
She nodded then rolled her eyes, knowing he couldn’t see her. “I will.”
* * *
Ryan left her alone, stepping away from the bathroom, listening for sounds of distress. After a few moments, he went in search of cleaning supplies. When he stepped out into the hall, he scanned the space from one end to the other and fought the urge to throw
