Dolby(3)
Author: Maryann Jordan
Pushing that thought to the side, she reached the opening, blinking at the rain that blew in. Taking a step forward, she prepared to run. Bleeding. He’s bleeding.
She turned to look over her shoulder at how still he lay. Not my problem. I have no idea what he might be capable of.
She slipped out of the opening, staying underneath the slight overhang as she focused on the beach heading north. He won’t be capable of anything if I leave him here to bleed to death.
Taking a step forward, she hesitated again before dashing to the opposite side of the lighthouse to where he’d entered. Peeking around the corner, she spied him still lying on the floor but could see the blood dripping off his face. He seemed even larger. Tall. Wide. Thick muscles evident in his soaked pants and shirt. I don’t know him! How can I think of helping when he could crush me like a twig?
With her back plastered against the outside, her chest heaved more as she labored to breathe. Can I leave him here, alone and bleeding? That makes me no better than—
Crying out in frustration, she whipped around the edge, re-entering the lighthouse. Dropping her bag by the doorway, she crept over and could see the gash on his forehead more clearly. She had little at her disposal to assist, but going back to her bag, she grabbed the couple of napkins she’d included. After sticking her hand out to wet them with the rain, she then bent over the man and gently wiped the blood and mud from his gash. Stepping back, she stared at him. Okay, I’ve cleaned it. Good enough? Grimacing, she turned back to her bag. The bleeding had slowed, but the wound still needed a bandage.
She dug around, hindered by her not taking her eyes off him, until she found the plastic baggie that held bandages in case she’d worn a blister on her feet unused to hiking. Taking slow steps back to him, she crept with caution so she could run in the opposite direction if needed and knelt by his head. She carefully dabbed the wound. Hating to touch him, she was forced to hold the skin of his forehead with one hand while she adhered the bandage. Surprised to find that, in spite of the chilly rain, his skin was warm to the touch. Not feverish… just warm. Her fingers tingled, and she jerked them back quickly, swallowing deeply as she quickly stood.
Okay, that’s all I can do. Now I can leave.
And leave him here defenseless?
Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried to still the raging battle of indecision in her head.
“Ma’am, please, don’t be afraid.”
She squeaked as she jumped backward, her gaze dropping to his face, his eyes now opening as he rolled to his back. Chest heaving, she pressed her lips together but remained quiet as she stepped away.
He winced, then lifted a hand to touch his head. He pushed to a sitting position but didn’t stand. He looked up, his eyes blue against the dried mud covering his face. Only the swath where she’d cleaned was free of dirt.
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said. “I was hiking and…” He scoffed, shaking his head slightly before wincing. “I fell down the hill when the rain caused the rocks to slide.” He spread his hand out. “That’s how I got in this condition. Christ, I can’t believe I passed out at your feet. I must have hit my head harder than I realized. I really am sorry.”
“Um…” she stammered, uncertain what to say as her body primed to dart outside at the first sign of threat.
He touched his forehead again, his fingers tracing the bandage. “You… you took care of my wound?”
His blue eyes pinned her to the spot, and she nodded. Heat flooded her face at the vulnerable position she was in.
“Thank you,” he said.
She darted to the wide opening at the side of the lighthouse base. The rain was still pouring but getting wet was the least of her worries. “Well, I’ll just go, and you can… um… stay. Um… I hope you feel better.”
He remained perfectly still as though he understood that her flight response depended entirely on his actions. “Please don’t leave, ma’am. I know you’re uncomfortable, and that makes you smart. I’m going to stand now, and I’ll leave. I don’t want you to be out in this weather.”
His deep and smooth voice was strangely comforting. More emotions began to war inside her, and she hated the idea of making anyone leave in the middle of the storm. Plus, if he’s not trustworthy, how do I know he’d really leave the area? She kept her gaze on him but could hear the rainfall increase as it pounded the ground outside. If she left now, she’d be soaked before she took ten steps, and she had a long hike back to the house. Plus, it was already starting to get dark.
The man slowly stood and moved toward the opposite wall opening, as far away from her as he could go without actually stepping into the rain. “Will you be all right, ma’am?”
Her head nodded in jerks as she stared at him. With him standing, she once again realized how large he was. She was sure that he was the tallest, most muscular man she’d ever been around. His mud-covered cargo pants and tight, long-sleeved T-shirt were of an undeterminable color but showcased his build as he filled the space, making the lighthouse seem smaller.
“Okay, then, I’ll leave you now, ma’am. But please know you have my gratitude. I owe you.”
He turned to step outside, and, without thinking, she rushed, “No. Wait.” He stopped and looked over his shoulder toward her, his brow lifted in question.
“Um…it was nothing, and you don’t owe me anything.”
He leaned outside, the rain immediately soaking his head. He swiped his hand over his face again, removing much of the mud. Stepping back inside, he dragged his hand through his hair, slicking it back. His lips curved slightly, and she blinked at the expression that was both disarming and downright attractive. She blinked as she stared, unable to drag her gaze away. His smile widened, and just like when she touched his skin, a warmth traveled through her.
“Showing up, looking like some kind of mud-covered mountain troll, and scaring you is reason enough for me to apologize. You taking the time to care for my wound is more than enough reason for me to owe you.”
A tiny snort escaped at his description, followed by more heat infusing her cheeks. “Oh.” Unable to think of something else to say, she simply nodded, glad he hadn’t made fun of her reaction. Staring at him, she pressed her lips together, realizing she no longer felt frightened. Cautious, yes. But frightened? No.
He leaned down to pick up his fallen backpack. “If you’re sure you’re all right, I’ll—”
“You can stay.” As the words left her mouth, doubt crept in. “Um… it’s okay. Maybe if you sit over there, and I’m over here, we can wait until the storm passes.” Wiping her sweaty palms on her pants, she swallowed deeply.