He decided to text Mercedes.She was fairly close and might even be able to go back to work after dropping him off.
—Hey, any possibility you could take a short break and pick me up at the walk-in clinic on Governor’s Ave.and bring me home?If not, no worries.—
Leaning his head back against the window, he shut his eyes again.It was only a minute before his phone vibrated.
—What happened?Are you all right?Why don’t you have your truck?—
He had a feeling she’d get her maternal side flowing.—Little accident on the job.Nothing serious, but I need a ride.I can’t drive.—
This was the part he hated.Being vulnerable and needy.Having to rely on someone else.Yet, for some reason, he didn’t mind Mercedes being the one to help him with it.Her calm, steady presence was what he needed right now.The fact she spoke his language, after a day of lip-reading and texting, was refreshing.
—On my way.That’s not far.Unless there’s traffic, I shouldn’t be more than ten minutes.—
There was always traffic, but it was right around the corner, so hopefully she could make it quickly.He could feel his body sagging.
—You’re perfect.Just pull up.I’ll wait by the door.—
She sent back a thumbs up emoji, which hopefully meant she was getting in her car and couldn’t text.He rested back in the chair, his eyelids heavy again, letting the harsh light fade away.Only for a few minutes to lessen the pounding in his brain.Mercedes would be here for him soon.That was a wonderful thought.
Chapter Nineteen
Her heart picked up speed when Mercedes got the text from Evan.He was at the walk-in clinic and needed a ride.What were his injuries?Was it bad?He’d said it wasn’t serious, but it was obviously bad enough that he couldn’t drive.Had he hurt his foot or leg?Anxiety flowed through her as she dashed to her car and started it up.She quickly set her GPS, which said she’d be there in seven minutes.Let’s hope it was accurate.
Praying Evan was okay, her mind whirred as she drove.Well, obviously he was okay enough to text her and leave the clinic.It couldn’t be that bad if they released him, right?Maybe she was worrying about nothing.She pulled into the clinic parking lot exactly at the eight-minute mark and began scanning for the gorgeous man.There he was, at the door.
There was already a vehicle in that spot, letting someone out, so she pulled behind them and shoved the car in park.Popping out, she figured he might need some help.When she rounded the car, he headed toward her, no limping noticeable.Okay, maybe not a foot or leg.Oh, he had a bandage on his forearm.And he was squinting, pain on his face.That wasn’t good.
His eyes softened when he spotted her, and her insides flipped.In two steps, her arms were wrapped around him in a tight hug.His arms came around her in return.
Easing back, she signed, “Are you okay?What happened to your arm?”
“Stupid.That kid I told you about, he’s an idiot.”
“He caused this?Did he get hurt, too?”
Evan rolled his eyes, then grimaced, pain slashing across his features.“No, he’s fine.I’ve got stitches and a concussion thanks to his actions.”
“A concussion.What did they say you had to do for that?”
He handed her a sheet of paper, and she skimmed her eyes down the page.She could handle this.First, she had to get him home.
Taking his elbow, she started guiding him to her car, but he shook her off.“I’m not an invalid.I can walk.”
The hurt she felt must have shown on her face, because he took her hand and squeezed.“I’m sorry.I’m somewhat defensive right now and more than a little cranky.Too much concentrating causing fatigue, if you get my meaning.”
She gave him a winning smile.“It’s okay.You can be cranky.Why didn’t you call earlier?I could have interpreted for you.”
His lips thinned and tightened.“I can communicate by myself just fine.But thank you.I’ll remember for the next time I get hit by a drainage pipe and land on a backhoe.”
Oh, dear.That didn’t sound like a minor incident.Evan was downplaying it, most likely to keep her from worrying.Pressing on her toes, she kissed his cheek.“Yes, you remember, please.”
His mischievous grin showed up.“You can come with me when I have to get the stitches taken out in ten to fourteen days.I’ll even let you call and make the appointment with my doctor, since I hate having to go through Deaf Relay for stuff like that.”
“You’ve got a deal.We’ll call as soon as we get home.”
They got in her car, and Evan rested his head back as soon as she put the car in drive.It wasn’t like him to take a nap during the day or show any kind of weakness.He must be hurting.
The ride home was quick, and soon she was following him up the stairs into their apartment.Before he headed down the hall, she took his wrist.His pulse thudded against her fingers, reminding her he was alive and well.
