“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it. All the residents are at dinner, so we need to check you out first.”
“Oh, my goodness! What happened?” The owner of Careway, Tobias Weldon, came rushing down the hall, skidding to a stop right behind Hunter. His salt and pepper hair was neatly brushed back and his ever-present suit, spotless and pressed. He made everything about Careway his business, desiring to operate the finest nursing home in the area. His care and dedication to the residents, as well as the staff, were evident.
“I’m fine. I’m fine,” she insisted, still sitting on the floor cradling her injured wrist.
“No, she’s not,” Hunter interrupted, lifting his hand to gently touch the rising lump on her forehead.
“Oh, dear!” Tobias exclaimed, his hands worrying together. “We must get you to a doctor.”
“I’m sure it’s just a sprain,” she rushed, her mind filled with all that she needed to get done. Desperate for another night of studying, the idea of spending hours in an ER made her head hurt even more.
Hunter opened his mouth to contest her refusal, but Tobias jumped in first.
“Isabelle, no, no. I’m afraid it’s policy. You have to be seen by a doctor, so that he can sign off on any workmen’s compensation that might be needed. I’m afraid you have no choice.”
She closed her eyes, battling nausea from the pain, and dropped her chin to her chest. Sighing heavily, she simply nodded.
Rusty, one of the other maintenance men, turned the corner and as his eyes landed on the mess, he volunteered, “I’ll get the glass cleaned up.”
Tobias agreed and, turning his attention back to her, said, “I need to get someone to take you to the—”
“I’ll take her,” Hunter interrupted.
Her eyes shot open and she looked up, first at Mr. Weldon and then down to Hunter. “But—”
Tobias was already nodding enthusiastically, looking down at Hunter. “Wonderful, wonderful. Mr. Simmons, you can take her to the ER.”
She protested. “But you drive a motorcycle and I’m sure I can drive myself—”
“I’ll take the maintenance truck. Don’t worry…I’ve got you,” Hunter repeated. Placing his hands under her arms, he stood, assisting her to her feet. “Can you walk?”
“Of course I can walk,” she snapped, the pain overwhelming her good manners. Immediately contrite at the tone in her voice, she watched Hunter’s eyes rove over her. Unable to discern his thoughts, she turned to walk down the hall, still cradling her wrist. Battling tears, she forced a smile on her face as several other nurses and aides came toward her, all clucking their concern. Assuring them that she was fine, she moved through them with Hunter’s large presence parting the crowd.
“I’ll bring the truck around,” his voice rumbled. “Give me just a moment, and I’ll meet you out front.”
She felt a tingle as Hunter’s fingers landed lightly on her shoulder before he moved down the hall.
A few minutes later, she stood at the front of the nursing home, her purse slung over her shoulder. The huge pickup truck, with the nursing home logo painted onto the side, pulled to a stop right next to her. Before she had a chance to fumble with the door, Hunter met her at the passenger side. After he opened it, she looked up, wondering how she would ever climb into the seat with her injured arm.
Before she could ask for help, he scooped her up once more, placing her gently into the seat. He leaned over to secure her buckle, his face inches from hers. Her breath caught in her throat as desire pooled in her core. The intense desire to kiss him was broken when he accidentally bumped her wrist, and she winced.
“Fuck!” he cursed, breaking the momentary spell. Apologizing again, he closed her door before stomping around to the driver side.
The truck rumbled to life again and she leaned her head back against the headrest as he headed down the highway toward the hospital. Sighing, at both her clumsy accident and her ruined plans for her night of study, she glanced sideways at his hard, set jaw. Great, just great. The man of my dreams just fell into my nightmare.
3
Hunter scrubbed his hand over his face before sliding his fingers around to the back of his neck, kneading the tense muscles. Still unable to believe his placement of the ladder had caused an injury, he sighed, inwardly kicking himself. Knowing he would have felt this way no matter who had been injured, the fact that it was the woman he had obsessed over for months made it even worse.
He sat up straighter on the hard, plastic chair in the ER waiting room, his gaze pinned to the door through which Belle had been taken, as though staring at it would make someone come through with news about her.
Watching as the clock on the wall ticked another hour by, he startled when the receptionist called his name. Jumping up, he stalked over to the window, peering down at her sitting at the desk.
“You can go back now to see your girlfriend. She’s finished in x-ray and the doctor has been in to see her. She’ll be ready to be discharged soon.”
Nodding his thanks, he pushed past the door she had buzzed open for him. Not feeling guilty about identifying himself as Belle’s boyfriend, he knew it was the only way he would be able to get information. Hating that she was back there by herself, he wanted to make sure he knew what she needed when they left the hospital.
Walking down the hall, he headed to the ER bay the receptionist had indicated. A nurse walked out of Belle’s room and, catching sight of him, turned and called back into the room, “Your boyfriend is coming.” He felt the heat of blush creep up his face as he entered her room, seeing the quizzical look upon her face.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, her wrist was wrapped and lying in her lap. She stared at him as he made his way over to the bed. Aware of the smallness of the room, he tried to figure out where to stand so that his large body did not bump into anything important. He decided to ignore the boyfriend issue, and asked, “How are you?”
Belle blinked slowly, the pain medicine causing her thoughts to feel jumbled in her head. Deciding that she must have misunderstood the nurse, she replied, “I’m okay. No broken bones, just a severely sprained wrist. My head hurts where I ran into the ladder, but no concussion.”
“They give you something for pain?”
Nodding, she said, “Yeah. They gave me something that makes me kind of woozy, and a prescription for more.”
“We’ll stop by the pharmacy when I take you home.”
“No way, I’m loopy enough as it is,” she claimed. “I’ve got work to do tonight and can’t afford to not be able to concentrate.” She slid off the edge of the bed, staggering as her feet touched the floor.
Hunter reached out and grabbed her, pulling her body close to his as he steadied her. He watched as she gave her head a little shake, blinking, in an attempt to clear her vision. Just as he was about to suggest he carry her out, the nurse walked back into the room pushing a wheelchair.
Grinning at the pair standing in a clinch, the nurse said, “I almost hate to insist you use the wheelchair with that handsome boyfriend of yours willing to hold you in his arms.”
Opening her mouth to protest, Belle did not get a word out before he assisted her into the chair. Walking along as the nurse wheeled her down the hall, he said, “I’ll bring the truck around.”
Watching him walk away, Belle could not help but admire Hunter’s body once more. Wondering how she managed to get herself into this situation, she slowly shook her head.
“Your boyfriend is gorgeous,” the nurse said, grinning widely. “And, the whole time we had you back here, he kept asking the receptionist what was happening and how you were.”
Shifting her gaze up to the nurse, she remained quiet, her muddled mind having difficulty processing all the events of the past few hours.
The drive back to her house took almost forty minutes, most of which was spent in silence. Normally shy, she felt completely tongue-tied in Hunter’s presence and knew it had nothing to do with the pain medication.
“Can’t believe the hospital isn’t closer,” he grumbled.
She winced, assuming he hated the time it was taking to get her home. “I’m sorry. I could have called a friend—”
His head jerked to the side, his brows lowering as he pierced her with his gaze. “You got nothin’ to be sorry for. I just hated that it took so long to get you from the nursing home to the hospital.”
“Oh.” Silence filled the truck cab again and she fiddled with the brace on her wrist. Trying to think of something to say, she finally settled on the topic he brought up. “North Heron County used to have the hospital closer to Baytown. You could get there in about twenty minutes.”
With his brow still lowered, he asked, “They moved it?”
She started to nod but the motion made her head ache, so she said, “Yeah. Just about a year ago a new hospital in Accawmacke County was built, and they closed the one in North Heron. Actually, they kept it open, but it’s mostly doctor’s offices and labs. The ER went with the new hospital.”
He grunted his disapproval of the ER’s move and she wondered if she should try to keep a conversation going. “I really do appreciate you taking me so far. I feel bad that your evening was ruined.”
He glanced her way again, before saying, “You don’t gotta thank me, since it’s my fault you got hurt. I shouldn’t have put the ladder so close to the corner.”
Twisting slightly in her seat toward him she argued, “You can’t help where the light fixtures are. You had no choice but to have the ladder where it was. I was the one who didn’t pay attention to where I was going.”
Seeing him about to protest again, a giggle slipped out. “You know, it’s kind of silly for us to argue about each one of us is taking the blame. It happened, it’s over, no big deal. Nothing but a sprained wrist for me and a lost afternoon for you.”
The heaviness in Hunter’s chest began to ease as he watched the smile on her face beam toward him. He had spent two months watching her, thinking about her, even fantasizing about her. He never figured he would have a chance for a real conversation and here she was, in the truck with him. Turning onto the road leading to Baytown, he now wished they had longer.
“You said you wanted to study tonight. Are you taking classes?” he asked. Seeing her smile continue, he breathed a sigh of relief, glad that he had chosen a topic she was obviously happy with.
“I take nursing classes at the Eastern Shore Community College.”
Shifting his eyes from the road again, he glanced at her. “I thought you already were a nurse.”
“I am. I’m a Licensed Professional Nurse, but I’ve almost finished my degree to become a Registered Nurse.”
“Did you have a class tonight?”
“No, thank God,” she breathed, before another sigh escaped. “But, I do have one tomorrow night and have an exam that I need to finish studying for.”
Before he had a chance to speak further, they arrived at her neighborhood and he flipped on the blinker to turn into the mobile home park on the east side of town.
Looking out the window, she asked, “How did you know I live here?”
“Seen you here. I got a camper and the manager let me set up on one of the empty lots. We get off work about the same time, and I happened to be behind you one day. I saw you pull in and figured this is where you live.” He did not add that he had been paying close attention, watching her every chance he got.
“Oh.” Belle already knew that he lived there, having watched him going in and out of the park on his motorcycle. Then, what he said made it through her foggy mind. “Camper? You live in a camper?”
“Yeah.”
She twisted slightly so that she could face him in the cab of the truck. “Like a little camper or one of those great big motorhomes?”
Chuckling, he replied, “Can’t see a man my size living in a little camper.”
Shaking her head, she agreed silently.
“But then, I don’t have a big motorhome, either. I got a good deal on a mid-sized camper. It’s just me, so I make do.”
“But why?” She realized belatedly, the pain medicine was making her mouth run more than usual, but her curiosity won out. “Don’t you want a real home…a place to put down roots?”
Shrugging, he said, “Never needed them before. Left home to join the Navy and it wasn’t a place I wanted to stay when I got out.”
“So…you came here?”
“Nah…moved to Norfolk. Had a couple of jobs…one thing led to another. Finally took Zac up on his offer and got a job at Careway.”
“And the camper?”
“I take my home with me. Don’t have to worry about finding an apartment, or rental agreements, or roommates. Always got my stuff with me as long as I can find a place to park it.”
She remained quiet, turning his words over in her mind. The way he explained his camper, it made sense. And yet, seemed so temporary. Is he just here for a short time and will up and leave soon? Yawning, she leaned her head back, too tired to ponder the mysteries of Hunter Simmons anymore.
Driving to her home, Hunter was pleased it was in the renovated section of the mobile home park. Each of the homes here was well maintained, lawn mown and flower beds planted. Turning onto her short driveway, it was easy to see the work she had put into maintaining her place. Flowers bloomed along the front walk from the gravel driveway to her steps. Her shutters and front door were painted blue against the pale, yellow siding.
“You’ve got a nice place here,” he said. When she did not reply, he slid his gaze to the side and observed her looking out the window at her single-wide, mobile home, light pink staining her cheeks. He reached over and placed his large hand on her arm, and reiterated, “I mean that. It’s a really nice place. I can tell you’ve done a lot to make it your home.”
Belle’s eyes landed on his hand resting on her arm, the warmth and tingle from them unfamiliar, but not unwelcome. Her lips curved ever so slightly, as she lifted her gaze to his. With a slight shrug, she said, “It’s home. This neighborhood is the only home I’ve ever known. I grew up here…it wasn’t so nice back then. But, I’ve worked hard, and I dream.”
“Dream?”
“Dream that one day I’ll have a real house, on my own piece of land. One with an upstairs and downstairs. One with a front porch that’ll hold a swing and a back deck, where the breeze off the bay can keep me cool.”
His smile met hers, and he said, “Sounds like a real nice dream.”
“One step at a time.”
She reached to open the truck door, but his growl stopped her. “Don’t touch that door, Belle,” he warned. “Let me get it.” He moved quickly around the front of the truck and opened her door, assisting her down with his large hands on her waist. Walking her to the front steps with his hand on her good arm, he slid her keys from her hand and opened the door, escorting her inside.
A quick view gave him the knowledge that she cared as much about the inside of her house as she did the outward appearance. The front door opened into a living room with a vaulted ceiling and cream carpet on the floor. A buttery yellow sofa, with blue throw pillows, sat on one wall underneath a window. Two matching blue chairs flanked the sofa. In the corner was an entertainment stand complete with a flat-screen TV. Framed paintings decorated the walls.
Off to the right, was the eat-in kitchen. A small oak table with four matching chairs sat next to another window, facing the L-shaped kitchen counters. Yellow and blue curtains fluttered over the window. Through the kitchen, he could see into a small bedroom. To the left of the living room was a hall, and he assumed it would lead to the master bedroom and bathroom.
Hearing a noise, he turned around and observed her moving into her kitchen. She reached into a cabinet and pulled down a bottle of ibuprofen with her good hand. Before she had a chance to struggle with the lid, he stalked over and gently took it from her hands, popping off the top. She shot him a smile as she filled a glass with water, taking two of the tablet
s.
“Are you sure you don’t want the stronger painkillers?”
Shaking her head, she said, “No way. This will knock the edge off the pain and I really do need to get some studying in tonight.”
“Are you going to take tomorrow off?”
“Oh, goodness gracious, no! I’ll be fine… Remember, it’s just a sprain.”
He grimaced his disapproval, but said, “Listen, Belle. I’ll come by tomorrow and pick you up to take you to work.” Seeing her about to protest, he added, “Your car is still at the nursing home and so is my motorcycle. I’ll get you there tomorrow, and then, if you feel okay, you’ll have it to drive to your class tomorrow evening.”
She nodded and stepped closer. Lifting her uninjured hand, she placed it on his arm, holding his gaze. “Hunter, thank you. You’ve been a really good friend today.”
He liked hearing her call him a friend. Nodding his acknowledgment but unable to think of another reason to prolong his stay, he turned to leave. Stopping at the door, he twisted back around, his eyes pinned on her. “You got a really nice place here. And you keep taking classes to get more education. Sounds like you know exactly what you need to do to make your dreams come true.” With that, he stepped through the door and gently closed it behind him.
Belle walked to the window near the table and peered at him as he climbed up into the truck. Sucking in a shuddering breath, she closed her eyes for a moment. So handsome, it almost hurt to look at him, she let the air hiss through her lips. It was true…she was working hard to check all of the goals off of her life-list, but there was one she had not found yet. And that was a man to share it with.
As she watched him drive away, she wondered if that dream would ever come true.
Hunter drove toward the middle of the mobile home park, his camper on a lot that was between the renovated section and the back lot that was still a run-down area. The owner had assured him that he was in the process of reclaiming all the lots from previous owners, instigating new rules concerning the landscaping and cleanliness of the mobile homes, but it was a slow process. Some of the residents had lived there for years and getting them on board with the new regulations had been difficult, especially since some of them owned their homes and did not just rent them.
Waiting for Sunrise: Baytown Boys Series Page 3
