“I like sports.” She didn’t go for the ball. “What about your family?”
“What about them?” My hand shook slightly.
“Have you talked to them since the accident?”
“I talked to my father and my brother.” I ran my hand through my hair. How was I letting her get under my skin?
“About the accident?”
“Why would I burden them with something that would only make them worry?” I rubbed at my chest. “I’m fine. I wish everyone would stop questioning me. I’m perfectly healthy and able to go back to helping others.”
“Is this about helping others or avoiding the help you need?”
“I don’t need any help.”
“With regard to the accident or in general?” She tilted her head.
“Both.” I blew out a breath. “Isn’t my hour up?” I was done with this ridiculous game and her questions. It wasn’t as if she was going to give me what I wanted, and I didn’t care how beautiful she was. This entire afternoon had been a waste of time.
“Who said you only get an hour?” She crossed her arms. “Are you sleeping?” She’d asked me about that in her office.
“Yes.” The word came out harder than needed.
“How many hours?”
“What difference does that make?” I rubbed at my chest. “It isn’t like I’m tired.”
“Physically, you mean?”
“Yes.” What other kind of tired was there?
“How about emotionally?” She asked. “What about socially? Have you been going out? Talking to others?”
“Yes,” I snapped. “I was just at the hospital visiting my guys the other day.”
“I said socially.” She repeated. “Were you there to shoot the shit or check their progress?” Was she supposed to say shit?
“Does it make a difference? We talked, and I even talked to the head of the clinic. That’s socializing.”
“Okay. Let’s finish the game.” She turned for the ball and gasped. Her hand went to her side as she bent over.
“What?” I was next to her, and I reached out to place my hand over hers. “What happened?”
“It’s nothing.” She shook her head, but her breathing had completely changed. It was coming out labored, and her eyes were screwed closed.
“Yeah, right.” I knelt down. Everything else forgotten except taking care of her. “You’re clearly in pain. Let me help.”
“I’ll be fine.” She shook her head.
“Where does it hurt?” I pressed lightly against her abdomen. She winced. “Let’s sit you down.” I helped her to the ground and straightened out her legs. “Take a deep breath for me.” I wished I had my stethoscope, but I’d been in the field plenty of times with nothing and been able to help my unit. This was no different.
Rita drew in a breath and let it out slowly. “Maybe your hour is up after all.”
I chuckled. “Now that you’re the one needing help you want to be done.” I felt around the spot where her hand was still touching.
“So you admit you need help.” She nodded.
“That wasn’t exactly what I meant.” I moved her hand to the side. As soon as I replaced her hands with mine, she jumped. “Easy.” I lightened my touch. I could feel something there. I would have to lift her shirt in order to get a good look. As soon as I told her that, her eyes flew open.
