“Let’s see if we can get it off you. It’s not…” I almost can’t say the words. “It didn’t puncture you, did it?” Because if it did, and I lift it off her, I could do more harm. There’s blood on her arms and legs, but I think it’s from scratches and not deep cuts.
“I’m okay.” She gives me a shaky smile.
I brush her damp hair out of her beautiful face. “Got yourself in another pickle, huh?”
She laughs and then groans. “Don’t be funny. I don’t have enough room to inhale.”
“Is she okay?” Paige shouts through the door.
“She’s in one piece,” I yell back. Thank fucking God.
I don’t know what I’d do if she was hurt badly.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were friends with Nick Silva?” her boyfriend asks on the other side of the wall.
“It never came up,” Paige says.
“But you could’ve gotten us tickets to the game.”
“My roommate is pinned to the ground by a tree, and you’re worried about football?”
I knew I liked Paige.
Turning to Abby, I decide we need some levity before this woman gives me a heart attack. “How do you always seem to get in these kinds of predicaments?”
“I don’t know.” She laughs weakly.
“I’m not sure how long it’s going to take the fire department to get here, so let’s see if I can lift the limb enough for you to scoot out.” I take a pillow and use it to dust off the glass next to her. “Are you ready?”
She nods.
“On the count of three.”
We count down together, and then I lift that damn thing with all my might.
“It’s working.” She scoots herself to the side until she’s free. Then she collapses in a heap. She looks so fragile lying there in her t-shirt and boy shorts. The rain is still pouring through the roof, and her clothes are stuck to her damp skin.
After I set the limb down again, I kneel next to her. “Hey. You okay?” Her arms are bloody, and she’s got leaves stuck in her hair, and when she sees me, her eyes get glassy. “Come here.” I hold open my arms, and she rushes to me. I hug her close but try to be gentle. “Don’t wanna hurt you.”
Her shoulders shake as she cries, and I run my hand down her back. “That tree came out of nowhere. One minute, I… I was getting ready for bed, and the ne-next I was on the ground.”
Jesus, that’s a terrifying statement. Life’s so fucking capricious sometimes.
I kiss the top of her head. “You’re okay now. I got you.” In the distance, I hear the arrival of the fire department. “Maybe we should get you dressed. Unless you’re angling for more dates from firemen.”
She laughs. “Shut up.”
I get up and hold out my hand. She takes it, and our eyes meet, and I swear it’s like I’ve been hit with a bolt of lightning. My heart races, and my skin gets clammy. What the hell is this woman doing to me?
It’s probably just the adrenaline.
She slowly stands with a groan, but when she wobbles, I catch a glimpse of her perfect ass in that skin-tight underwear. After I make sure she can stand, I avert my eyes, only to see her nipples poking through her white t-shirt.
Clearing my throat, I let go of her hand and stare at the wall. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Everything hurts, but I’m just glad I didn’t get speared.”
Fuck, I can’t even consider that.
