Page 3 of More Than a Little Spark

“We’re okay.I’ll call back if something changes.”I shove the phone back into my pocket.“They’re coming, but it might be a bit since we’re far from everywhere.”

She nods and leans out of the truck.

I step closer so that if she falls, I can catch her.“Please be careful.”

“I was just looking at my car.It’s totaled, isn’t it?”

“Because of the rollover, that’s probably what will happen.Often the frame gets bent, and that’s not easily fixable.”

She drops her forehead onto my chest, which makes me wish I’d fastened a few more buttons.My idea of being funny by showing off a bit of chest hair is proving to be a poor choice.

“I didn’t even get a look at his license plate.”She’s shedding tears, and they are running down my front.If they start pooling in my belly button, we’re going to have a problem.

But she’s crying, so I already have a problem.And I’m not sure whether to shove my hands in my pockets or wrap my arms around her.

“Once EMS gets here, I’ll check my dash cam.I’m hoping I have footage of the entire accident.”I opt to shove my hands in my pockets.

She shifts and cries out.Then her body goes limp against me.

Now I’m really worried.Obviously, I don’t want her to die.I’m not an awful person.Plus, having police show up when I’m holding up a dead woman isn’t exactly how I want my night to go.Or the next fifteen to life.

Thankfully, she’s still breathing, so she isn’t dead.

I run a hand down her back, checking for any injuries I may have missed.And I don’t see any blood, which I think is a positive sign.“Daphne, are you okay?”I lift her head and pat her cheek.“Wake up.Open your eyes.”

Her eyelashes flutter, and her eyes fully open moments later.“The pain.”She sucks in a deep breath and winces.

The seat belt and airbag likely saved her life, but they also probably bruised her and maybe cracked a few ribs.It’s possible she passed out from pain.I’m hoping that’s the reason and it’s not something worse like internal bleeding.I need to focus on the positive.

“The ambulance will be here soon.”

She shivers and burrows against me.“It’s cold.”

“Sit up a sec.”When I know she won’t tumble out as soon as I move, I reach into the back seat and grab my coat.“Here, put this on.”

“Thank you.”She stifles a sob as she lifts her arm.

“Don’t hurt yourself.I’ll just put it around you.”I drape it around her shoulders and zip up the front, her arms tucked inside the coat.“Is that better?”

“Carson.You’re my hero.”

“Nah.Just doing the same as anyone else would.”

She rests her weight against me again, then shakes her head.“I don’t think so.Wake me when they get here.”

“Oh.no.Absolutely not.You need to stay awake.Talk to me.Where were you headed tonight?Were you meeting Velma somewhere?”

Not lifting her head, she shakes it again.“My friend is having a party.But I can’t call her because I don’t have my phone.I don’t even know where it ended up after the crash.And she’s not dressed like Velma.”She lifts her head, and we’re nose to nose.Then she looks at my chest.“Are you cold?”

“Not right now.”My blood is pumping way too fast for me to be chilly.Plus, she’s snuggled against me, which is making me the opposite of cold.

Daphne’s talking and coherent, and I hope she stays that way until the paramedics arrive.Once she’s getting treatment, I’ll call Dallas and let him know why I’m a no-show tonight.And if I had to guess, Rose might want to know what’s going on with Daphne.

Chapter2

Daphne

Daphne

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