David shook his head and laughed. “Just a flesh wound. April Moore, you’re a breath of fresh air. Most people, even the strongest men, would be begging for painkillers by now. All you want is a hand up the stairs.”
She gave him a wobbly smile and wiped the backs of her hands over her cheeks, brushing away the tears. “Maybe you can add a couple of dressings to that list of help, please. Last thing I want is to get it infected or have it stick to the sheets.”
The drops of blood and liquid had hardly moved. They’d beaded in place, typical of this type of injury, the drops of serous fluid mixing with the blood. It would need a good irrigation and dressing. He’d get her into the treatment room first then give her a hand upstairs.
“Let’s get you next door first and deal with this. You’re lucky Karen stayed back tonight to do paperwork.” He slipped a hand around her shoulders and lifted her up. “Then we’ll tackle the stairs.”
By the time they’d cleaned and dressed the wound, April had tears streaming down her cheeks that she couldn’t hold back and he didn’t blame her. It was a nasty accident.
David spoke to Karen. “Leg’s definitely not broken. Tissue damage can be painful though, especially with the heavy weight she had on her. We can try ibuprofen first and if the pain doesn’t settle down, change to something stronger. But because of that rusty nail, I’m going to have to give you a tetanus shot, April, unless you know for sure you’ve had one in the last ten years.”
“I don’t want a shot.”
Karen put a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. It’ll be over before you know it.”
“I hate needles. Do I have to have it now?”
David spoke up. “No but I don’t see the point in delaying things. Ideally within twenty-four hours but I wouldn’t leave it any longer.”
“If it was me, I’d have it now and get it over and done with. That’s some injury you have there, April, and with that rusty nail, you’re courting trouble.”
David spoke. “If you want to wait and see how you go, that’s fine too. I’ll get Karen to give me a hand to help you upstairs and settle you in and if you like, I’ll check on you later after I’ve had dinner with my mother and I can give you the injection then. Give you time to work up the courage. I won’t be too late. That’s if you don’t mind?” Maybe giving her time to get used to the idea of a needle would make things easier. At least he hoped so because she needed it.
“You’d do that for me?” She blushed. “I didn’t think doctors did house visits these days.”
“Normally no, but this is a small town and we’re so far away from the hospital, and since you’re my neighbor I think I can make an exception this time.” He made a note on her file.
“Thank you, David. I appreciate it.” She accepted the hand he offered and sat up. “Wow. My head is still fuzzy.”
“Shock. You’re not concussed but I do want you to take it easy for the rest of the evening and probably tomorrow as well.” By the time they had April settled on her couch with a glass of water, painkillers, and the television remote, she was showing signs of strain.
“Rest up. If you don’t think you need me to call in later, send me a text message. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll let myself in. Is that okay?”
“Of course it is.” April gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you so much for coming to my rescue, both of you. One of the benefits of a small town, I guess. Everyone is so helpful and kind.”
Karen raised her leg on a cushion and tucked a blanket around her feet. “Don’t be silly and do too much. I can call in and see you in the morning in case you need anything.”
Chapter Eight
David couldn’t return fast enough. Her leg throbbed with an intensity that had her in tears well before she heard his footfalls on the stairs. It was a relief to see him walk into her apartment. When he saw the tears, he hurried over and sat on the edge of the couch. “Oh, dear. Just as well I came back then.”
She hiccupped and sobbed finding it impossible to get a word out, her mouth moving wordlessly. He held his arms open and she leaned against his chest. He wrapped her tight in his grip.
“I never should have left you alone.” David stroked her hair until she calmed down.
“I’m sorry. Not exactly the way a grateful patient should be acting.” April should sit up and give him space but it was nice and comforting to be held in his arms. She closed her eyes, got control of her emotions. He’d been so kind to her. How would she ever thank him?
“I brought you dinner. Mom insisted, actually. Said it was unkind of me to have left you alone like I did.” He patted her shoulder and she wondered if it was a signal to sit up. She ignored it.
“That was sweet of her. But you’re not responsible for my welfare, David.” She wiped her eyes and reached for a tissue. “I don’t want you to think that because we’re neighbors, you have to look out for me.”
“How about I look out for you because I like you?”
He liked her? After the mess she’d made of their first meetings, he actually liked her? Who would have guessed? Her cheeks flamed and she ducked her head, the pain and the confusion battling for top position. Today was huge. Almost too huge for her to cope with.
“Are you still in pain, April? I’m happy to give you stronger meds if you feel you need it.”
“I think I’d be silly to refuse. My leg is throbbing so much, I doubt I’ll sleep and
