Page 16 of Twink Heart

?“It’s another half mile,” I said, waving Rowan on. “Not too far–”

?A searing pain shot through the bottom of my foot and I cried out. I fell forward, heading for the dirt when a pair of hands caught me from behind, bringing me back to my feet. But I could already feel the hot wetness of blood flowing across the bottom of my foot.

?“Are you okay?!” Rowan asked, panic clear in his voice. “What’s wrong?!”

?“Something got me,” I replied, managing a weak smile. I spotted a fallen tree only a few yards away. “Help me. We need to see what it is.”

?Rowan helped me limp over to the tree and sat me down. I pulled out my phone and flipped on the flashlight. I didn’t flinch when I saw the mix of blood and dirt plastered to the bottom of my foot. However, even in the dark I could see the color leave Rowan’s face.

?“It doesn’t look that bad,” I said, leaning down to get a better look. I hissed through my teeth as I poked at it. “But it hurts like a motherfucker and it’ll need stitches.”

?“Should I call an ambulance? What if it gets infected?!” I could hear the panic in his voice. “Are there predators around here that can smell blood?”

?“Rowan,” I said gently. “Calm down. It’s going to be fine. Take a deep breath.”

?He did.

?“There’s no need to call an ambulance and I’ll get it cleaned out so we don’t have to worry about infection.” I couldn’t help a small chuckle. “And last time I checked, there are no sharks in these woods, so I think we’re fine.” I pulled him down to sit on the log next to me. “Hold my phone while I clean this, okay?”

?Rowan did as he was told. I rummaged through my bag, finding the small first aid kit I always kept in there. Working in a vet clinic taught me that life favored the prepared, so I made sure to have one on me all the time.

?Using what was left of our water, I washed the wound free of dirt and grime. The cut was deep, but clean, telling me I’d probably stepped on a piece of glass. Thankfully there was none lodged inside. That made things easier.

?I dabbed a fair amount of iodine on the wound, turning it a gross brown color in the process. But I knew that would take care of any infection issues for the most part. After that I put on a few gauze pads and wrapped it up tight to staunch the bleeding. Meanwhile, Rowan looked like he was about to pass out.

?“Okay,” I said at last, packing everything away again. “I’m gonna need your help to get back to the car. I can’t walk on this.”

?“I’ll carry you.”

?I shook my head. “It’s okay, I can just lean on you.”

?“No.” He got up, threw the backpack over his shoulders, and scooped me up like I weighed nothing. “I don’t want to take a chance of you getting hurt again.”

?Despite the pain, I felt myself swoon a bit as he hefted me into his arms easily. “O-Okay,” I stammered, biting my lower lip. “If you say so.”

?He started back down the path once more. “Maybe you should consider shoes next time.”

?“Yeah,” I sighed, leaning my head on his shoulder.

?But secretly, I was almost glad I’d stepped on the glass. I never would’ve gotten to ride in his arms any other way.

?Talk about a good way to end a hike with a beautiful man.

Chapter Nine: Rowan

“A vet clinic?” I balked. “Really? What the hell are they gonna do for you?”

?“I work here,” James replied, smiling as always. “The vet stays here late on Fridays to finish up paperwork. He’ll get me stitched up.”

?“But this place is for dogs! And you’re not a dog!”

?“Astute observation,” James sighed. “But they have everything here you’d find at a hospital and it won’t cost me the next ten years of my life to pay off.” He gave me a stern look, cutting off any further argument. “Now help me inside.”

?I did as I was told, coming around to the passenger side of my car to retrieve him. We’d had to leave his car at the park because his foot was too injured to drive. Even though he resisted, telling me he could handle it, I wouldn’t hear of it. Besides, even if he got a parking ticket or something, I’d pay for it. I didn’t care about that.

?Scooping James into my arms once more, I headed for the front of the building. To no one’s surprise, it was locked, and the place looked closed save for a light coming from the back office. James rapped on the glass door, but when there was no answer, he pulled out his phone and began to dial. A couple of rings and someone picked up.

?“Hey Doc,” James said. “I’m out front of the clinic. Can you let me and my friend in? We need your help.”

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