“Maybe I’ll buy one and not let you drive mine either.” I tossed a hefty helping of sass in his direction. It was never a good idea to poke a man whom you didn’t know well. I had no knowledge of his extracurricular activities or what he wanted in a relationship. A relationship? Why had my mind wandered there? Probably because of the way he was taking care of me, even being injured himself.
“Why would you say that? If you can afford a Bentley, the fact that your car died shouldn’t be causing you any stress.”
"I can afford a new car, but my salary went from high six figures to significantly lower. I don’t have well-established credit because usually I buy things without financing. I’m stressed by the idea of having to navigate a new purchase.”
“I can understand that. I’m sure there are people who can help you, but you seem to be on edge. Do you want to talk about it?”
“No, but it’s not you. My hand hurts and I’m worried about my car and it’s too much on top of everything else,” I explained, though it didn’t cover everything.
“Try not to worry too much about it tonight. Would you like something to drink?”
“Yeah. I’d love a cup of coffee.”
“Sure thing.”
Watching him strut into the kitchen left me alone with my thoughts. I needed to get myself under control. Bratting should be reserved for scenes atCreekside Lounge,the BDSM club owned by my friends. The lounge always welcomed me. Someone always found time to help unwind the stress from my body. But I didn’t have time to relax. Scratch that. I refused to make the time.
Reed handed me coffee. Adding sugar and creamer to it gave me something to do.
“I apologize,” I said sincerely. “It’s been a weird sort of day.”
“You don’t have to apologize, lemondrop.”
The front doorbell rang, interrupting what felt like the start of a moment between us. Reed buzzed in August, who was carrying his jump bag on his shoulder. We lived in the middle of nowhere and the nearest medical facility was too far for simple things. Many of the healthcare professionals kept some sort of supplies on their person. August’s dirty blonde hair was wetwhich meant he’d probably driven here straight from work at the firehouse. Looking at him, fresh off a shift, made me remember my own shift that I was not going to make.
“I forgot to text Grant! Shit. I’m supposed to tend the bar tonight. It completely slipped my mind.”
“I’m sure he will understand. Tell him what happened,” Reed said as he sat next to me.
“Right, I’m sure he will.” Shooting off a quick voice message, I let him know about the injury and car troubles. Of course Grant understood. He gave me tonight and tomorrow night off.
August set his bag on the hardwood floor. He snapped on a pair of gloves and moved closer. I bet he could patch up the whole town with the amount of medical supplies on his person at any given time. He really was like a boy scout, always prepared.
“Hey, Eli,” he greeted me.
“Hey, August,” I said, pocketing my phone.
“What have the two of you been up to?” August looked back and forth between the two of us as if deciding which of us to attend to first.
“Nothing. Just another typical night,” I said as if my hand wasn’t screaming in pain.
“Rescuing stranded damsels apparently,” Reed joked.
“Oh yeah? New favorite pastime?” August asked as if trying to lighten the mood.
“Eloise burned her hand badly enough that she has blisters.”
“Reed hit his head, hard, on the hood of my car and then fell onto the pavement,” I chimed in.
August’s eyes narrowed. “Did you lose consciousness, Reed?”
“No, I’m just a bit dazed. I have a headache, but I’m not sleepy.”
“All right. I’ll start with Eli. Let me see your hand,” August commanded, wincing as he carefully examined the wounds.“Ouch. First-degree burns with a few second-degree ones. None of them are too bad, but I’m sure they hurt.”
“What’s the difference?” I wasn’t medically minded, so I didn’t know which was worse.
“First-degree is the type you get when you touch a dish straight from the oven. Second degree is a little more serious. It can warrant medical attention depending on the location. You need to keep your hand covered.”
