Previously:
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell. I was trying not to hurt you. I would never hurt you, Anne. Never." "I'm fine. I'm not a child." "But you are hurt. Just let me take care of you. Please, Anne."
There was something in the way he said "Please" that made her heart melt, just a little. If she wasn't careful this man would worm his way past her guard.
"I don't need or want to be taken care of. Please, just leave." "I need to wrap your ankle first. Then I'll help you to bed." "It isn't made yet. I'm just going to sleep here on the couch tonight. You don't need to worry about me. I've taken care of broken bones before. I'm fine."
His dark eyes narrowed. "How often have you needed to bandage yourself up?"
No way he knows anything. Stay calm. Don't give anything away.
"I was a clumsy child who grew into a very clumsy adult. I was trained as a paramedic. It's come in handy a time or two." "If it's all the same to you, Anne, I'll still wrap it for you."
He didn't break eye contact as he reached for her foot again. It helped to fall into those chocolate depths instead of focusing on his large, warm hand on her leg, his long, nimble fingers prodding the swollen joint softly to determine the extent of the damage.
When he let his eyes fall to his work the spell was broken. Her breathing hitched. The walls were closing in. No escape.
Then he was done and he released her. So too did the panic that had been flooding her system.
"Stay off of that until the swelling goes down. If you come to your senses and want to see a doctor give Mom or Charlie a shout. I'll leave my phone number-" "Don't bother," she cut him off. His frown deepened and there was the hurt of rejection stamped clearly in his eyes. "I don't have a phone." "Well, I'll be around if you need anything." "Seth?" "Yes?" he looked hopeful. Who is this guy? "Lock the door on your way out."
Everything about him sort of sagged at the dismissal. Like a dog being sent outside and not even knowing what he's done wrong. maybe this first night would sting enough that he wouldn't want a repeat and would leave her alone.
"Alright Anne, goodnight." "Bye."
He sighed as he went through the front door. It didn't take long for Amaya to realize she was still wearing his coat and he'd never stopped to collect his shoes.