Page 2 of Cherishing Little Charlee

“Don’t you start with me, Pierce. I’m not interested in your lesson.” I dipped my words in sass, tossing them his way. It was my go-to defense mechanism whenever anyone got too close to me. Besides, he had no fire power. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he studied my posture. His authoritative gaze caused wetness to seep into my panties, arousing me more. My calm flew out the window. Maybe it had been perched on the ladder when I toppled it.

“Come on, darling. We need to get you looked at. I’ll have someone clean up this mess.”

“I’ll take care of it myself,” I said, turning around to survey the damage. I’d remembered earlier to put tarps down. Smart move. It’d make it easier to clean up the aftermath and not permanently damage the wood.

“You most certainly will not,” he said with authority.

Turning on my heel, I pointed my finger at him. I couldn’t hide the wince of pain as I gestured. “You can’t tell me what to do!”

“I apologize. No, I can’t order you around, but your wrist is swollen. You need an x-ray to make sure you didn’t break it.”

He was right but I didn’t dare admit that out loud. “I’m not going to a hospital. I hate them with the passion of a thousand… fireflies.”

My absurd statement drew a chuckle but his eyes remained stern. “Regardless, you’re in pain. It’s written all over your face. Let’s go.”

“I’m not going anywhere, but I’ll stop by Master Derek’s office when it’s daylight and report it. Deal?”

Pierce crossed his arms over his chest and his eyes sparkled with mirth. “Oh, yeah? How’s that going to fare for you when you tell him you fell off a ladder and neglected to seek medical attention?”

Biting my lip, I stared up into his handsome face.Shit.I hadn’t thought that through at all. Master Derek took safety very seriously. If I didn’t provide some sort of document that I had been checked out by a medical professional, he’d take me there himself. Afterward, well, I didn’t want to think about that. Not a better option. Staring for longer than appropriate I realized I was backed into a corner. I didn’t like corners at the best of times.No. Not going tonight wouldn’t make me feel any better.

“You’re so bossy, Pierce. Why were you even sneaking around the theater this late?”

“I’m not bossy, and I’m not entertaining your snarky question. Answer mine. What would Master Derek say after you show up at his office door and ask for an incident report? Be honest, Charlee.”

“Nothing good. My reckless decision, not getting checked out? That would make him upset. He’d feel the need to take me to the clinic himself and even if I got a clean bill of health? Well, I’d be lucky if all he gave me was a lecture because I should have taken my safety more seriously.” Sighing, I accepted the fact I didn’t have much choice. Sure, I could forgo the exam but itwas going to happen one way or the other. I might as well allow Pierce to take me. The thought didn’t move to compliance.

“Mmmm. Then what’s it going to be?”

“Fine. I’ll go but…” Tears sprang to my eyes and I wiped them away with the back of my hand, forgetting how much it ached. I dropped it to my side, annoyed.

Pierce produced a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed my tears. “I’ll stay with you. If you’d like me to, that is. Nothing will happen without your consent.”

“Yes, please stay with me. I really hate medical places. The doctors never seem to listen.”

“I’m not fond of any sort of medical place either. But it shouldn’t take long.” Pierce stepped back. “They’ll check your vitals. Your wrist will take a quick selfie with a fancy machine. As long as it’s just a sprain you’ll likely be told to ice it, maybe wear an ace bandage and take some pain medication.”

“Okay, okay,” I agreed.

“Good. Let me text Colt. He’ll have this place cleaned up before we get back.”

“Thanks, Pierce,” I said sincerely though I wasn’t looking forward to the visit. He nodded and gave me a thumbs up.

“No problem, Charlee.” He took his phone out of his pocket as he led us out of the theater. I admired the way his jeans pulled on his thighs; the motion gave me something else to focus on.

Pierce

Leading Charlee into the new urgent care unit that had been constructed on Rawhide Ridge, we stepped up to the registration desk to speak to the receptionist. “Good evening, Hazel.”

Hazel looked up, her long ponytail swinging as she looked between me and Charlie. Despite the late hour, her smile was warm and welcoming.

“Hi, Pierce. I’d say it’s nice to see you, but given that you walked into a clinic, I’m thinking it wasn’t just to chat. How can we help you tonight?”

“You’re right. This is my friend Charlee. She teaches over at the University in the theater department and took a tumble off a ladder,” I explained patiently. “Her wrist is a bit swollen.”

“Oh no!” The sweet woman shook her head. “You poor thing,” she said to Charlee. “I’ll grab you some ice. There’s no wait right now. We’ll get you into a room and get you comfortable.”

Charlee tensed as if there was no way going into an examination room would bring her any comfort. She cradled her injured wrist to her body and the tears started again. “I’m sorry. I really don’t love being here.”

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