"Should be healed up in another week," Macklin, the ranch physical therapist, interjects.
"Great. That tub free?" Jacob points to a tub in the corner.
"Yep. Something happen?" Macklin asks, looking at me.
I shake my head. "Nothing much. Just got tossed and need to ice."
Jacob grunts and exchanges an amused expression with Macklin.
"Well, get in," Macklin orders.
I carefully strip out of my jeans, clenching my teeth so hard at the pain, I think I might crack one. When I finally get them off, I step into the tub and dunk my body as soon as possible, knowing it's best to shock my nerves quickly and all at once. I lean back against the metal and close my eyes as my body turns cold and numb.
As I lie here, my thoughts circle back to what Jacob said.
Is he right about me being too cocky?
No. I always respect the bull.
Maybe I didn't as much as I should have?
The debate continues until the alarm rings. I open my eyes, push myself to my feet, and grab the towel off the hook. I step out and wrap it around my body.
"Let's get a quick X-ray," Macklin suggests.
"I'm fine," I state, wanting to get out of here and head over to the barn to catch Willow before she leaves.
"Do what he says," Jacob orders.
I sigh, then walk toward the X-ray room.
Macklin comes behind me, shuts the door, and directs me on how to stand, then says, "Don't move."
There's a click.
He makes me turn twice, then states, "Yep. You're going to have a big bruise for a while."
I grunt.
"Okay, all good on my part," he announces.
I return to the main room, and Jacob holds out a pair of sweatpants. "These will feel better than jeans right now."
I don't argue, and carefully slide into the sweats.
Macklin booms, "Your ass is intact. No fractures. You're just going to be sore for a while. I'd tell Jax to give you a week off."
"I'll be fine," I declare, still upset Jax told me to skip a day. The only way I'll make it on the main circuit is to practice and get through the levels. I pull my T-shirt over my head and then ask Jacob, "Am I excused now?"
"Yes. But you should listen to Macklin," he asserts.
"I'll take it under advisement. Thank you," I say to Macklin, then slide into my boots. Before anyone can say anything else, I move as quickly as possible and head out the door.
I make my way across the yard toward the barn.
Jagger steps past the wooden door, stating, "Just in time. How are you feeling?"
I groan, still embarrassed I got tossed so quickly and the entire family knows. "Still numb from the ice bath, but no biggie. Hey, I'm sorry you had to cover tonight. I'll take one of your days to pay you back."
