Page 14 of Beyond the Blue Horizon
The man was kind and thorough and skilled, and I couldn’t stop the rush of gratitude that Theo had facilitated this.
I’d needed the reassurance that we were all fine.
I cleared my throat. “Thank you, Dr. Reynolds. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you coming out in the storm like this.”
“No need to thank me,” Dr. Reynolds said with a gentle, crooked smile. “I’m always happy to help out someone in trouble.”
He glanced at Theo when he said it.
Theo who had been loitering entirely too close while the three of us had been examined.
Refusing to budge.
I’d suggested that he leave us and our belongings on the sidewalk under the covered drop-off area in front of the lobby when we arrived, but he’d only sent me one of those grins as he’d said, “You wouldn’t want me to lose sleep tonight not knowing if the three of you are fine or not, would you?”
Then he’d hopped out of his truck and rounded to my side to help me down.
I’d again tried to refute by telling him he’d done too much, and his mouth had come far too close to my ear when he’d murmured, “It’s my pleasure.”
Chills had streaked far and wide as we’d stood too close in the passenger door of his truck.
This intensity zapping from him that had lit across my skin.
Compelling.
Provoking.
Chains that I could so easily get tangled in.
Now, Theo tipped his chin up at his uncle, their gazes locked like the two were sharing some silent conversation.
A thousand words passed between them without either of them making a sound.
The old man finally pulled his attention from Theo, and he was quick to latch up his medical bag. “I’ll get out of your hair so you can get settled in a room.”
I popped up from the couch. “Will you send a bill or…?”
I had no idea what a house call would cost. I didn’t even know that was a thing anymore. But whatever it was, the peace of mind was worth it.
The old man rumbled a tender laugh. “Oh, no, dear, there is no charge.”
My brow pinched. “What do you mean?”
He glanced at Theo again. “I owe Theo a favor or two.”
Disbelief shook my head. “But I’m not one of them.”
“Sure, you are.” That growly voice skated over me from the side.
A shiver lifted in its wake.
I whirled that way, and I nearly stumbled back at his proximity.
Overwhelmed by the shock of energy that Theo Mallin emitted.
I got myself together enough that I could speak, though the words were low and jagged, “Theo, absolutely not. I know you’re trying to help us and all, but this is ridiculous. I have no idea what a house call costs, but I’m sure it’s plenty. Save your favors for someone who’s earned them.”
Someone who meant something to him.
