Page 3 of Saved By the Surly Medic

"Yes. Like I said: I'm a medic. I'd rather not release you until you've been properly treated. Which means warmed up and examined properly."

Watching her eyes carefully, I look for any signs of fear. Most of my patients are okay with my size and crusty demeanor, because they've known me forever. But this girl doesn't know me. For all she knows, I could be some kind of crackpot.

"I'm fine," she says again, but her resolve is weakening. "I can drive into town, check back into the hotel and take a hot bath."

My head is shaking already. "I can't let you drive in your condition. You could pass out." Softening my tone as much as I can, I begin to force a professional smile, then realize it's genuine. "I have a dozen people you can call right now if you'd like to check my references. But I think the healthiest thing we can do right now, if you're worried about the hospital expense, is to get you to my house where you can take a hot shower, drink some tea, and I can check your ribs over properly."

Am I imagining the light in her eyes? Imagining the way she looks up at me with… It's not just a smile. There's something else.

"Thank you," she says softly. "I really appreciate it."

I practically lift her into the truck, cranking the heat and wrapping a blanket around her.

As we drive to my house, I'm flooded with both worry and exhilaration. I'm an expert in picking up signals about someone's health. Injuries. Illness. Complications. Things they're hiding or are embarrassed about.

Reading women, though? I have absolutely no clue.

And yet, it feels like Brooke is interested in me, in more than a healing capacity.

The idea makes my heart race as hard and fast as the rapids.

2

BROOKE

I’m accustomed to being immersed in the adventures of the books I read for work. Well, work and enjoyment, if I'm being honest. This particular real-life adventure, though? Very mixed reaction so far.

Snuggled in Jonah's coat and a thick blanket, I keep sneaking glances at the profile of the incredible man who just saved me.

He's striking. Powerful features, and deep dull green eyes that somehow hint at years of experience. His rugged jawline, wide shoulders, and sturdy frame make him look every inch the mountain man. He's hard as stone, and his chiseled features make me think of Greek statues.

Plus, in those wet jeans, I got a quick but fabulous glimpse of his tight ass.

He's also pretty quiet. Grumpy, even. I can tell he isn't used to being chatty. But he listens well. Listens to me.

Even when I was stuck in the rushing water, when the only options were to release me and hope that I could swim for it or pull me up over the rock, he let me make the choice. I mean, yes, he took control of the situation and was telling me what to do by pointing out the obvious, but he let the decision be mine.

I could feel how cautious he was being, and that every time I winced, it seemed to hurt him as well. I've never had anyone treat me with such care. Going to a stranger's home might not normally be the smartest idea, but letting Jonah help me feels like the right decision in this case.

Even though the left side of my ribs really hurt, and the chill feels like it's completely saturated my bones.

"Warm enough?" Jonah's voice is rich, and a bit scratchy. As rugged as the rest of him.

"Pretty good, thanks."

He sneaks a sideways glance at me, then grunts slightly before his foot presses down on the accelerator harder. "We'll have you inside in just a minute."

I gasp and clutch my side as we zoom up a long driveway toward a gorgeous house, kind of an upscale modern cabin, you could call it.

Jonah parks right in front of the large wraparound porch, then helps me out, carrying me inside and heading straight for the bathroom.

"Do you feel like you're steady enough for a shower? I'm worried about you getting in and out of the tub on your own."

As my fingertips brush the back of his neck, I wonder whether I really want to be alone. There's something about this strong, capable man that makes me want to touch him as much as possible. Or more to the point, have him touch me.

"I'm good to stand, thank you. You're right, bending up and down is probably a bad idea."

He sets me down by the door frame, and I hang onto it as he reaches down and takes off my shoes. Then he removes the blanket from my shoulders and helps me out of his jacket. "Don't move. I have an idea."

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