Page 29 of Safe With Me

She’d closed her eyes. “Are you dizzy, Anika?”

“No.”

“Do you think you can stand?”

“Yes.”

Enzo and Miles lumbered to their feet to assist her. Somebody dragged over a chair and they eased her onto it. “My recommendation is to go to the emergency room right away. You need X-rays and maybe more tests.”

“You said you’re the guy opening the clinic.” Miles said.

“I am.”

“Don’t you got an X-ray machine?”

“I do. But she’s a minor. I could provide immediate assistance because you were bleeding. But I can’t do X-rays without your parents there.”

“She only got us,” Enzo said. “And we don’t got insurance.”

Pax looked around. “Tell you what. Why don’t we get you to the clinic and see what we’re dealing with.”

* * *

Later, Pax and Steph walked into the YMCA and signed in—he as her guest. “You’re smiling,” he commented. “Why?”

“I guess I enjoy the clang of machines, the low buzz of conversation and the array of people here.” She sniffed and gestured to the pool off to the left. “And the scent of chlorine.”

“Hmm.”

“Let’s head upstairs to the machines and track.”

They took the steep flight easily. “You can’t be in too bad shape if you can climb the steps that fast without getting winded.”

“Yeah, I think I’m still worked up by what happened with Anika.” Who was safe at home now with her brothers.

They approached the treadmills. “Be sure to start slow and build up. Most guys don’t do that.”

“Well, I guess I’m not most guys.”

She liked this cocky remark and said to him. “I’m glad you’re not.”

Was she flirting with him? Huh. Well, she hadn’t been able to get their episode in the car out of her mind. She could still remember the taste and scent of him. Besides, he looked pretty good in navy sweats and a white T-shirt.

She’d tried to quell this attraction when they drove together in the car, but it was coming out now and she couldn’t stop it. So she jumped on the machine and tried to blank her mind as she escalated her speed.

Before their timer for fifteen minutes chimed, she said, “Now slow down easily.”

When they got off, she said, “Okay, Barry. You’re doing everything right. Where did you work out when you were in Syracuse?”

“A gym.”

“I bet it was exclusive.”

“Nothing was too good for Dr. Paxton Barry.” His tone was regretful.

“That woman you worked with called you Paxton.”

“Everyone did.”

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