Ben nodded. “Most of the work now is inside, but I can show up late. Hartcourt will understand. I’ll take her to get stitches, and you can stay here to take care of things.”
“Will you listen to me? I’m not going to a doctor. Not right now,” Charlotte insisted.
Wally ignored her protest and addressed Ben. “There’s a twenty-four-hour clinic on the edge of town. You’ll probably have less wait time there than if you take her to the emergency room. I’ll call ahead and take care of the payment arrangements.”
“You’re not paying for anything because I’m not going anywhere,” Charlotte shouted. “I’m not a child, so stop treating me like one.”
Wally crossed his arms over his chest. “Fine. Then answer my question like a mature adult. How bad did you slice your finger?”
Charlotte stretched her mouth into a thin line. She wasn’t certain, but considering the amount of blood soaking the towel and the pain she was feeling, she would have to admit the cut was severe.
Wally nodded as if she voiced her thoughts aloud. “That’s what I thought. Stop arguing and go see a doctor. Say the word, and I’ll take you myself.”
Charlotte almost agreed, but common sense made her second-guess the decision. The motel couldn’t afford to have the office unmanned during the day when people called for reservations and guests made requests. Closing the office for the time they were away at the clinic could cause issues for the business. She also didn’t want Ben to skip work for her.
“I’ll go, but I’m driving myself. I’ll let you know what the doctor says. And I’m paying my own bill. I insist on it.”
“I don’t think you should drive,” Ben interrupted, frowning at her. “You got lightheaded a moment ago. What if it happens again while you’re behind the wheel?”
“It won’t. I told you I’m—”
“Please don’t say you’re fine when we both know you aren’t.”
“He’s right,” Wally said. “Let him drive you. He can drop you off, and I’ll pick you up when you’re finished.”
Charlotte sighed, seeing no use in continuing the argument when the men were this stubborn. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”
She walked outside without waiting to see if Ben followed, though she knew he would. She stopped under the awning at the front of the motel and scowled at the pouring rain. The fat drops hitting the ground sounded like thunderous applause.
“Stay here.”
Ben ran into the rain before she stopped him. With a moment to herself, she closed her eyes to the pain and gave herself a mental beating for not being more careful when picking up the broken glass. She knew better than to be reckless like that.
She stepped back when the Tahoe pulled under the awning and stopped in front of her. Ben opened the passenger door from inside, and she slid onto the seat before sending him a curious look. “What happened to your truck?”
“It’s a work truck, and I figured you’d be more comfortable in the Tahoe. Buckle up and settle back. Do you know where the clinic is, or do I need to search for an address?”
She explained how to get to the clinic and then fixed her gaze to the scenery passing. She hoped he took the hint that she was in no mood to talk. In fact, the longer she sat in his SUV, the fouler her mood became.
It wasn’t the pain so much. She had a high pain tolerance. The loss of her blood had made her woozy, but she’d recovered quickly. Yet, Wally and Ben treated her like she was too fragile to look after herself. It was a cut to her finger, for goodness sake!
The parking lot of the twenty-four-hour clinic only had a few cars, so Ben was able to park close to the door.
“Wait for me.” Ben was out of the vehicle before she protested, but he was an idiot if he thought she was taking any more orders from him.
Using her left hand to release the door latch, she pushed it open with her shoulder, careful not to bump her hand. Swinging her legs out, she was ready to slide down to the ground when Ben crowded her space.
“Charlotte—”
She held up her left hand, palm facing out. “Don’t. I’m not helpless. I cut my finger, sure, and I’ll admit it’s probably worse than I let on. But I’m not some fragile statue you have to handle with care. I can walk inside without any help. I’ve been taking care of myself long before I met you, so you can stop with the overprotective routine. You’ve dropped me off. Now you can go to work. I’m f—”
He lowered his head before she realized what was happening. His lips closed over hers, warm and firm. Her eyes widened in shock before the thrill of the kiss took over. She closed her eyes and relished the heat building within her. His hand cuppedher cheek, his thumb smoothing her skin. Then he pulled away, leaving her fighting through a mind-numbing haze to figure out what just happened.
“What was that for?” Her tone was breathy, and her heart pounded in her chest.
“It was the only way I could think of to stop you from sayingI’m fineagain.”
“Wh...What?”
