His breathing turns shallow as he starts to drift off to sleep again. Oh shit. “Do not fall asleep!” I shout, startling his beautiful eyes open.
He pulls his arm over his face, hiding those gorgeous emeralds. “Leave me alone, lady.”
“I’m calling an ambulance,” I argue, pulling out my phone, finger poised on the nine.
“No,” he mumbles. “I won’t go.”
What a stubborn ass.
“I’m not leaving you here to die.” I mean, really, what kind of person would I be if I just walked away now, doctor or not?
His eyes narrow to slits. He looks pissed, but that doesn’t bother me. Get in line, dude. Male assholeness is no match for me.
“Go away,” he repeats, his words slow and muffled.
Too bad for him I am the bigger stubborn-ass. I roll my eyes, annoyed, and with a resigned huff, I reach for his arm. “Come on, dude. Let me get you warmed up then I promise to let you go so you can die another day.”
He just stares at me for the longest moment. I keep my hand extended, waiting for him to take hold. When he doesn’t, I latch on to him and pull. Hard. He grunts from the motion but doesn’t move. For a scrawny guy, he sure is heavy.
“We can do this my way or the hard way. Either way, You. Will. Do. It. Now, come on!”
He looks at my outstretched hand once more before he clasps it and helps me haul him up. Shit. He’s heavier than I thought. And tall. He must be a least six-two. Suddenly, this rescue mission doesn’t look like such a great idea.
My newly acquired bum throws his arm over my shoulder and tries to walk, stumbling several times.
“We’re going to take it slow. Okay?” I think he nods, but I can’t be sure. It’s taking all I have to stay upright myself. But he does start to take small steps, thank goodness. Have I mentioned the smell? It’s not quite a sewer smell, but it reminds me of an attic that had a wet dog living in it for a month or two. Maybe four.
We’ve developed a rhythm somewhat after a few minutes and while my back is pissed at me for the added weight, I don’t slow down. This man really needs a doctor.
“What’s your name?” I ask to keep him talking.
He grunts and I start to think he isn’t going to answer me but then he looks over and with chattering teeth stutters, “C-C-ade.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Cade. I’m Anniston McCallister.”
He nods his head but doesn’t offer anything else to the conversation.
I try again. “You know, Cade, you’re pretty cold. It would really make me happy if you would allow me to take you to the hospital.” I give him my please-Theo smile.
It doesn’t work. He just stares at me with those striking green eyes. “No.”
Okay. I see how it’s going to be. I blow out a harsh breath, agitated at this butthead and his lack of self-preservation skills.Think, Anniston, think. Where the fuck are you going to take him? Home? Theo will flip his shit if he finds out you brought a strange man into the house, alone.
But what am I supposed to do? He won’t go to the hospital. Am I supposed to leave him on the porch like a stray dog, with a bowl of food and an old towel? No, he needs help. Theo will just have to deal. And if he kills me, well, then I’ll be dead and Theo won’t have a chance to scream at me. Problem solved.
“Fine,” I relent. “But when we get to my house, you will allow me to check you over.” When he continues to stare, I add, “I’m a doctor. I can help you.” I give him a hesitant smile. Desperate, I lay it on thick. “Please, let me help you, Cade.”
He blinks several times like he’s not sure if I am real or not. I guess he decides that he has nothing to lose because he gives me a curt nod.
After a grueling mile-long walk with multiple stops to rest, we finally arrive at my country plantation. I help Cade up the steps of the front porch and prop him against the side of the house so I can get the door unlocked.
We stumble through the door awkwardly, Cade lethargic and circling the drain quickly. I need to get his body warmed up pronto. Maneuvering him through the expansive hallways toward the main floor bathroom, I explain, “I need to get you warmed up, okay?”
He’s not responding and getting heavier by the second. I squeeze us through what seems to be the smallest bathroom door, but actually is wider than a normal doorway. Cade is just so big and trying to pull him through limp like a noodle is a tight fit. Leaving Cade to crumple onto the tiled floor, I start the water in the clawfoot tub.
I give him a little shake. “Cade. Cade. Open your eyes for me.”
He does, thank goodness, but his lips are blue. Oh shit. I open the vanity drawers, trying to find some scissors.
