“Alright, sweetheart, let’s get you sitting, okay?”
She met his gaze and nodded. He helped her to sit, and she tried her hardest not to wince but failed. As she sat on the pavement, every muscle in her body screamed. She sucked in a breath when she saw her scraped-up palms. A whimper escaped when she straightened her legs. Her left knee was throbbing, and her jeans sported a new hole.
Glancing past Xander, a sea of concerned faces stared down at her.
“I don’t know how the hell we didn’t crash into you,” a man said from atop his dirt bike, a disbelieving look in his eyes. “You alright?”
The tires racing toward her flashed in Freya’s mind. She’d been so sure they were going to run her over. She nodded, unable to say anything past the lump in her throat.
“Well, I’m glad you’re okay.” The second biker turned to Xander. “You need us to send the paramedics over?”
Xander shook his head. “We’re good. If you both hadn’t swerved, it’d be a different story, though. Appreciate the quick reflexes.”
“Me too. Take care.” The men on the dirt bikes gave them nods before continuing down the street to their waiting group.
“Here you go, honey.”
Overwhelmed, Freya startled at the woman crouched beside her holding out a wet wipe.
“You poor thing, you’re all scraped up.” Xander took the wipe from her, and she rummaged through her large diaper bag. “I have more wipes if you need them, and I’m sure I have some Band-Aids somewhere in here.”
“Thank you,” Xander murmured, gently pressing the wipe against Freya’s scraped palm. She bit her bottom lip to keep from hissing. “Don’t worry about the Band-Aids, ma’am. I have a first aid kit in my car.”
“Well, aren’t you just the Boy Scout,” the woman said with a smile as she rose. She turned to Freya and held out a couple more wet wipes and a small pack of tissues. “I have four boys under five, so I’m no stranger to scrapes and bruises. You’ll want to make sure they get cleaned out. That was a nasty fall you took.”
“Thank you,” Freya said, finally finding her voice as she took the offered items. “I appreciate these.”
“Of course. I hope it’s nothing too serious. I mean, that’s quite the tumble you took.” The woman glanced at Xander, who’d subtly repositioned himself between her and the woman. “It appears you’re in good hands though, so that’s a plus. I hope you’re able to enjoy the rest of the parade.”
“Thanks again,” Freya called out as the woman stepped away.
“Let me help you,” Xander said, reaching for her. When his arms wrapped around her, her breath caught. An uncomfortable twinge along her left side flared to life.
“Easy,” he murmured, effortlessly bringing her to her feet, careful of her side. For such a brawny man, it amazed her how he could be so gentle.
“Tell me what hurts.” His arm was still wrapped around her, like he was her own personal protective bubble.
A week ago, she would have smarted. She would have most likely insisted she didn’t need his help. But there was something about Xander. Something that filled her with warmth. Something that had her leaning into him. She’d never felt so safe before, so protected.
“I’m okay.” As much as she wanted to completely lean on him, she really was fine. Aside from her stinging palms, a minor twinge along her left side where she’d landed, and her sore left knee that had taken the brunt of the fall, she was okay. A little shaky still, but good. After all, she’d suffered worse.
“Are you sure, Frey?”
“I’m fine. I’m not really sure what happened, but it’s just some minor bumps and bruises. I promise.”
She gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile, took one of the baby wipes, and gently patted her left palm. Fire lit her skin, and she winced.
“Still fine, Frey?” Humor laced his words.
Frowning, she blew on her stinging palm. “Okay, fine. It stings a little.” More like a lot.
With a soft chuckle, he kissed her forehead. “I wasn’t lying when I told that lady I have a first aid kit in the car. You want to head back so I can properly clean that out?” His eyes narrowed as he peered down the street where more floats were making their way toward them. “Unless you want to stay for the rest of the parade. I can’t imagine they have that many more groups lined up.”
“We can head back. I think I’m all paraded out.” As much as she loved a good small-town parade, her knee was beginning to throb.
“Are you okay to walk?”
She nodded. For now, anyway. The faster she could sit down, the better. She had no doubt that Xander would have no problems carrying her to the car, but she still had her pride.
