I’d initially offered him the job that would ultimately result in him working for Emily because of that bond I’d witnessed between the pair. Emily didn’t have many crucial people in her life, so I figured it was important for her to keep the ones she could.
She looked away first, settling back against the cushions. “Thank you for bringing Stewart here.”
“You’re welcome.” I refrained from telling her I would give her anything in this world if it would make her happy. What it was about this woman, I didn’t know, but I was completely at her mercy, and she wasn’t even aware of it.
As she got more comfortable, I noticed for the first time that she looked tired. I glanced at my watch, saw that it was just shy of three.
Where the hell had the night gone?
There was a ding at the elevator, signaling the arrival of the car, so I made my way toward the foyer. A moment later, the doctor stepped out carrying a black bag, his coat laid over his other arm. He was dressed in casual attire, a pair of tan slacks and a navy blue sweater. His gray hair was hinting more to the white side these days, but as usual, it was trimmed and combed expertly, as was his thick mustache.
I escorted the older man into the living room, motioned him toward Emily.
“Em, this is Dr. Theodore Echelon.” I glanced between the two. “Dr. Echelon, this is Emily Campbell.”
“I’m his stepsister,” she said quickly, as though tacking on that fact might put some distance between us.
If she only knew.
I gave her a slow smile, stepped toward the foyer. “I’ll give you two privacy, but I’ll be close.”
“You don’t have to leave,” she blurted, her eyes tracking me. “I mean, if you … you know, don’t want to.”
I could sense her hesitation, so I moved to stand behind the sofa where she was seated so that I wasn’t in the way.
Dr. Echelon was my personal physician and I trusted him completely. He was the ultimate professional and was used to being prompt and discreet, both qualities I greatly appreciated. It didn’t take him long to examine Emily’s ankle, gently prodding, asking her questions, putting her at ease. He produced an ACE bandage from his bag, expertly wrapped it, and secured it in place. By the time he had finished, she was relaxing back, her face no longer holding that hint of concern.
“If anything, it’s a light strain,” Dr. Echelon told her directly. “I’d like you to keep it elevated and put ice on it, keep the swelling down. You can alternate with heat if you find that helps. But you should stay off of it for what’s left of the night.”
“She will,” I assured him, letting my fingertips brush her hair where it had fanned out on the cushion.
“If it’s not better in a couple of days, give me a call,” Dr. Echelon said, standing tall and picking up his bag.
“I’ll walk you out,” I offered.
The other man smiled. “No need. Call me if you need anything.”
I nodded and watched as he left the same way he’d come.
“I told you it was fine.” Emily’s tone relayed her obvious frustration with me.
I passed over her cell phone, which I had retrieved from her coat pocket earlier. “I’ll give you some privacy while you call your friends, let them know you’re all right.”
“Oh, crap,” she muttered, snagging the phone. “I can’t believe I left without telling them.”
“They’re aware,” I called out as I headed toward the kitchen.
As I suspected, Emily didn’t call her friends. She chose to text them, but I stood in the kitchen, giving her the privacy I’d offered while I admired her. As I was standing there, my phone buzzed in my pocket, so I pulled it out, glanced at the screen.
KIERAN:Please tell me our lovely girl is naked and waiting for me.
I shook my head, rolled my eyes, responded with:You’ll need to make more of an effort to get her out of her clothes.
KIERAN:Challenge accepted. Shall I come over now?
My gaze lifted to Emily, who was still messing with her phone. I answered Kieran with,I do think she’d prefer your company to mine, but I’d like to give her some space tonight.
KIERAN:Understood.
