I gritted my teeth as I stood up.
“Son of a bitch. Like hell you are,” Colt said, coming close to me. “You probably have a broken rib or maybe a broken arm.”
“I think I’m just banged up,” I said, wincing at the deep breath I had taken.
“You look like you're in a lot of pain,” he said, looking me over. “Get in the Rhino, I’m taking you to see Atlas at least.”
I wanted to argue, but I was really feeling like shit.
“Ok, but only if Nova feeds me,” I said, as Colt chuckled.
“You know the moment you step into that house, Theo and Nova will mother hen you.” He helped me into the UTV they had, that was more like a golf cart, but also more all-terrain.
I winced as I sat down, getting upset because I knew this was going to set me back a few days and I hated to do that to Theo. Colt pulled me close to minimize the jostling and the ride felt even longer than the one coming from the pasture.
My stomach was rolling as we got to their house, and I had to take several deep breaths to make sure I didn’t vomit as Colt helped me to their house. There was some commotion as Colt opened the door, but all I wanted was some painkillers and to stop moving.
“Stop moving him,” Nova snapped. “Just sit him down.”
I registered Nova’s worried expression in front of me.
“Ok, Theo, help me,” Colt said, as I felt another set of hands on me.
A jolt of pain made me gasp and then I was suspended in clouds. I sighed, closing my eyes as I laid back feeling better.
“Hey, Forest, can you tell me what hurts and what happened?”
I opened my eyes quickly to see Jude leaning over me.
Damn, he was handsome.
He was still in his uniform, so he must’ve just come from work. He filled out that shirt so nicely.
“Forest, are you ok? Did you hit your head?” he asked, looking at my head, but I shook my head.
“No, one of the heifers got spooked,” I said, finally getting my words in order. “She pushed me against the ATV right against the handle and the front end. My ribs and shoulder are on fire, but now that I’m not moving, they just throb.”
I wanted to add that since he was here that wasn’t the only thing throbbing, but I didn’t think my boss would appreciate that. Being around him and Sam lately was giving me blue balls, and I really needed one of them to get their shit together and give me a helping hand. I mean, both of their hands on me would work too. I mean, it was long enough that both of their hands would fit on my?—
“Forest.”
I flinched from the fingers snapping in front of my face.
“You sure you didn't hit your head?” Jude looked concerned.
He flashed a light in my eyes.
“Yes, I’m sure,” I scowled. “I really just need an ice pack, maybe some ibuprofen and some of Nova’s food.”
Nova laughed. “I got food cooking!”
Jude’s lips flattened, looking displeased with me or irritated. I didn’t know which one it was, but I was glad he was here. The distance he was creating between us was starting to get on my nerves.
He flashed the light in my eyes again as he assessed me with his professional face on. His fingers lightly touched my head as he skimmed for any cuts or bumps, I was assuming. Closing my eyes, I let him feel me up or that's the way I let my mind wander as his fingers trailed down to my shoulder and arm. His touch was feather light and then he checked my pulse.
“Atlas is on his way home,” Theo said, standing by his brother interrupting the fantasy that was playing in my head and making me chub up.
I took a deep breath to make myself wince, making that chub shrivel up and die.
