From the corner of her eye, she saw Roxie rustle. “Shh, my girl. It’s almost over.”
“I’m going to need your help.” Aaron’s steady tone provided a calm to the situation. “It really hurts her every time I try to start wrapping and the bandage moves. I’m afraid I’m making it worse for her. Could you hold the gauze pad down until I get the first few rounds on?”
“Okay.” She turned her neck but stopped short of seeing the wound.I can do this. I can do this.
Aaron caught her gaze and understanding reflected in his eyes. “It’s covered up but give me your hand and I’ll put it where needed.”
His tenderness wrapped around her heartstrings, and she gave him her hand. His warm touch infused her with strength and peace. She blinked once, then made herself look at Roxie’s leg. As Aaron had said, the bulk of the wound was covered.
She stole a glimpse of Aaron. He bit down on his lip and his eyes didn’t move from the task at hand. His brows furrowed in concentration, and he worked quickly but with sure and steady movements. Once the gauze pad was secure, she moved out of the way so he could finish the task.
He cut two strips of medical tape and secured the bandage. “That will do it. Not too loose, not too tight.”
“You’re the MVP tonight.” She gathered the remaining supplies and put them back into the basket.
“Roxie might not agree with you on that.”
As though she knew she could relax now, Roxie sighed and laid her head on the carpet. Her eyes fluttered before closing. Within seconds, her breathing fell into an even rhythm.
“You’d be surprised. Roxie doesn’t do anything she doesn’t want to do.” She ran a hand down Roxie’s back. “That little she fought you shows she already trusts you. Otherwise, she would have growled and snarled.”
“She’s a great dog.” Standing to his feet, he picked up the bag of soiled gauze and threw it in the trash, then washed his hands again. “Do you need me to stop over in the morning to help?”
“I’ll be okay.” This time she meant it. Watching Aaron change the bandaging helped her overcome her qualms. “Unless she jerks around, but I know how to handle her.”
Creases formed along his forehead, and for a moment his eyes bored into hers. His face relaxed and he appeared to accept her words at face value. “If she doesn’t cooperate and you need help, give me call. It’s a working weekend, but I can swing by.”
“I appreciate it.” She walked him to the door, fighting another yawn.Too bad the night must end. Despite her exhaustion from the week, she wanted more time with Aaron.
He paused at the door. “Do you have plans for Sunday night?”
“Church,” she answered without thinking, then backtracked. “Actually, no. I forgot we switched to our summer schedule.”
“My church is having an old-fashioned singing and ice cream social if you’d like to come.” He shoved a hand in his pocket. “We have one every year at the beginning of summer. It’s nothing fancy, but we have a good time.”
“Sounds fun. I’d love to go.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow and finalize plans. Have a good night.”
After Aaron left, Rachel checked on Roxie who was still sound asleep. She brought out a pillow and blanket from her bedroom and laid down on the sofa near her pup. She relived the evening in her mind, mainly every interaction with Aaron. “I like him, Roxie. I really do.”
Chapter Eight
“What a day for an ice-cream social.” Aaron lifted his foot off the accelerator. His car slowed naturally as he entered a curve in the road.
Rain gushed from the sky in dreary waves of gray. At full speed, the wipers couldn’t keep up. If it got any worse, he’d have to pull off the road and wait out the storm on the shoulder.
Lightning illuminated the road for a split second.
Rachel flinched at the immediate boom of thunder which followed. “I hoped it would pass as fast as it came, but it shows no sign of letting up.”
“Welcome to summer, roaring like a lion.”
“Isn’t that spring?”
He squinted one eye, recalling the appropriate phrase. “I guess you’re right. Still fitting though.”
“The roads are ponding.”
