Page 36 of Rescuing Ryder

“I accidentally scared someone and it sorta happened,” she explained. “Are you sure it’s ok to hold Tori and Em? I don’t want them to get any residual. I’ve washed it off, but I’m worried if even a speck got on them…” her voice drifted.

“Princess, you’ve soaked in lemon juice, bathed in milk, and thrown away the clothes you wore. I promise. You can hold the baby and Em without issues.”

“Tori snuggles into my neck and I’m concerned I missed some of it,” Kassie fretted. “I know, I’m overreacting and it happened a couple of days ago.”

“Believe me, Kassie, it’s long gone, and you’re right about your sensitive skin. The redness can last from two to four weeks. Do your eyes hurt? They still appear bloodshot,” Ryder asked her gravely, forgetting why he originally came to talk to Chase.

“They feel fine. The redness decreased from yesterday, but the dryness bugs me. Chase gave me eyedrops to lubricate them, and it’s helping,” she said. “Thank you for the advice.” She smiled.

“We can go to my office,” Dr. Winters offered as he led him two doors down. Instead of going behind his desk, Chase sat on the couch, leaving Ryder the chair.

“I wanted to talk to you about switching from Claire to Dr. Hill,” he said.

“Really? Did you talk to Claire? She didn’t mention it to me when I spoke with her.” Dr. Winters sat back, surprised by his request.

“I didn’t discuss it with her. It’s not anything personal. Dr. Hill is a veteran. I think he understands what we went through better. Claire may help veterans but I don’t think she trulyunderstands what happens over there,” he explained. It sounded like bullshit, even to his own ears.

Dr. Winters nodded. “If you feel more comfortable with Dr. Hill, then I’ll ask him to add you to his schedule.”

“I already talked to him and start on Monday as long as you approve,” he blurted.

Chase frowned. “Of course, I’ll inform Claire.”

Ryder left the office, feeling like the biggest heel ever, and hoped Doc didn’t take his demand as if Claire did something wrong.

Claire stretchedand glanced toward the cabins, wondering if Ryder still ran. With the weekend looming, she didn’t encounter him on the path for their daily run the entire week.

The mornings turned brisk and she zipped up her jacket before starting a slow jog. The tapping of her feet on the pavement pulled her into a sense of calm as she ran through the list in her head.

Set up a ride for Sara to visit her dad, call the security company for a new estimated date for the alarm, try to reach Dr. Klein, and work on finding Scott, the young soldier, a mentor around his age.

Whiskey’s schedule between the team and his time at the hospital grew hectic, and she hated to ask him to take on more, considering he still dealt with his issues, too. His wife, Samantha, supported Whiskey’s efforts to help his fellow brothers, but with her expecting their second child, Claire knew how important his presence at home meant to the couple.

Running around the path’s bend, she pulled out her water and sipped. Her hand brushed against something crinkly in herpocket when she replaced it at her hip. Wondering what she left in it as she recently washed it, she frowned as she discovered an unwrinkled note. It didn’t appear washed or faded. She slowed her jog and eventually stopped near the brightest light to see what the note contained.

You sleep peacefully, Claire. It's almost as if you were meant to do it forever. Sweet dreams…

Stuffing the note back into her pocket, she took off at a dead run, glancing behind her every few minutes to ensure no one followed. Claire’s chest heaved as her heart raced. Her breath caught in her throat. Tears threatened when she reached the last section of trees before the parking lot. She sobbed in fear and glanced back when two strong arms grabbed her, making her scream.

“Claire, geez you gotta stop screaming every time you see me. I’m getting a complex.” Ryder glanced behind her, searching the path for whatever frightened her. She let out a relieved cry as she clung to his shirt.

“What happened, Claire? Are you hurt? Did you see a bear? Tell me,” he demanded.

“I…I…” She shook her head, unable to put a coherent sentence together.

Ryder pulled her to his chest. His hand held the back of her head as she trembled. His gaze focused on the woods behind her.

“Hey Claire Bear, you’re safe,” he murmured in her ear. “I’ve got you.”

Claire raised her head to try to explain, but his lips crushed against hers as he cradled her head. Their bodies melded together in desperate need. Her arms wrapped around his neck, bringing him closer. Their tongues dueled and Ryder growled into her mouth. Her hands clutched at his shoulders, begging him not to let go. Claire ceased to breathe but for anotherreason other than panic. Ryder stole her breath away. His body enveloped hers, making her feel safe and secure.

“Claire,” he whispered.

She jerked back as if ice poured over both of them. She panted heavily as she stared at his mouth. Her fingers touched her lips as if reliving the searing heat scorching them.

“You're my patient, Ryder. We can’t…can’t do this,” Claire stammered.

He stepped forward, closing the space between them. Her hand shot out.

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