"I'll tell you what," said Trip."I'll give you both a minute."He touched Emmett's shoulder."Just press the buzzer when you're ready for me."
Emmett gave him a nod, and Harper watched as he and Shelley left the room.Blane had taken up position in the corner, arms folded across his chest, feet apart, standing like a sentry.
She was kind of hoping that he'd follow Trip and Shelley out of there, but he just stared back at her impassively.
"It's okay, bud," Emmett said in a surprisingly gentle tone."You can give us a minute."
Harper was fascinated to watch the way they interacted.Blane turned only his head to meet Emmett's gaze."You sure about that?"
"I am.Just a few minutes, okay?"
Blane nodded curtly."I'll be right outside the door."On his way out, he addressed Harper."But I'll be back in just a few minutes."
She pulled herself up to her full height, bristling at his tone, but managed to stop herself before she started.
As soon as the door closed behind him, Emmett chuckled again."You'll get used to him.He's kind of protective."
She let out a short laugh."You can say that again.Is he like that with everyone, or does he have a problem with me?"
The way he hesitated before he answered made her heart sink.She wanted to know if maybe Blane had been close with Emily, but this wasn't the time for questions like that.
Instead, she approached the bed and didn't need to force herself to smile.It came naturally when she was close to Emmett.
"How are you doing, then?I take it you're going to live."
"Trip seems to think so, but only thanks to you."
She shook her head rapidly."It had nothing to do with me."
"Hey."She was surprised at the stern note in his voice."That's not true, Harper.You saved my life."
She waved a hand at him."I did nothing of the kind.I created a bit of a diversion, that's all."
He smiled."You're just the cleaning lady, huh?"
She had to smile back at him."It was the first thing that came into my head.I didn't know what to say.I didn't know what to do.I panicked."
"No.You didn't panic.That's the point.You kept talking, diverted his attention—you gave me the opening."He met her gaze and held it."You saved me."
She huffed."Okay, well if you insist on saying that; you saved me, too.I already told you about my one previous experience meeting a gun.If I recall correctly—and I do—I was eye to eye with his gun until you took him down."
Emmett reached for her hand, and it was only when she took his that she realized how much her own was shaking.
"You were brave and smart, calm under pressure."He gave her hand a gentle squeeze."Are you okay?"
She let out a short laugh."Me?Of course I am.I'm fine.Are you worried about my hand?It's probably the DTs—I could use a drink right about now."
He gave her a stern look."Don't try to laugh it off, Harper.You could be in shock."
She rolled her eyes."If I am, it's at the sight of your very masculine, if slightly battered, chest."She let her gaze run over him."I never suspected you were hiding all that muscle under the capable vet, caring dad front you put on."
He chuckled."No.It's not a front."
"I know.Just let me ramble to cover my embarrassment, would you?"
"Fair enough.I can do that.As long as you know I see straight through it."
She sucked in a deep breath and held it for a moment before letting it out slowly."You're not supposed to be able to do that, you know.Most people can't."
