Despite how much I had been enjoying being that close to Grayson the rancher could see me wincing every time he brushed my hand. "Come on, Mia you should be resting inside not here in the stable," Grayson told me, gently tugging me toward the entrance.
"But I'm fine, Harlan." I protested, stumbling the moment he relaxed his grip on my arm and when he raised an eyebrow at me silent for several seconds I rolled my eyes. "Alright I'll go inside if it'll make you happy," I grumbled, dragging my feet as he helped me back to the house.
Thunder just neighed, snorting as he watched us leave his stall. Despite my earlier objections, Grayson could hear my heavier breathing and he frowned hoping that he could reach the couch inside. I remember reaching the door to his house before everything faded, two wide brown eyes swimming into focus when I blinked awake.
"You need to stop doing that, Mia," Grayson muttered, one hand pressed to my back as soon as I made an attempt to sit. "Before you ask you passed out...again. Maybe you should stay put and rest?" He suggested with a slow smile as he took in the faint blush spreading over my cheeks.
"I never take your advice so what makes you think I'll listen this time?" I countered, giving him a weak grin as he chuckled softly. "But that idea does sound better than trying to sweep the stables again," I admitted, settling back on the couch with Grayson's help. He'd barely spread a warm blanket over me when I started to doze, leaving the rancher positive that I would stay put. At least for long enough that he could make a quick trip into town.
Grayson arrived back over an hour later, shaking his head as he tossed a bundle of clothes onto the nearest table before he walked quickly over to where he'd left Mia. Once he found her still fast asleep he grinned, thankful that she was sleeping soundly. I woke when I heard a chair being moved and when I cracked open my eyes I found a familiar face peering at me in the dim light. "Didn't wake ya did I?" Grayson asked, chuckling softly when I managed a weak smile.
"No I was just getting up anyway," I whispered, barely managing to sit when I winced and Grayson sighed shaking his head before he helped me up. With the blanket draped around my shoulder, Grayson gently lifted my hand, checking over my injury before he noticed me staring at him. "How is it?"
"Better but try not to put any weight on it, okay? Can't have you injuring yourself again." Grayson answered once he saw me looking at my hand with a wide-eyed stare. "Relax would ya? It's going to heal but you need to take better care of yourself."
"Like not running around when I'm still healing?" I asked and Grayson nodded, kissing my forehead when I sighed. "That was dumb but I was trying to do something nice for you." He raised both eyebrows at me and I shrugged. "You know for taking care of me and letting me stay here," I added and Grayson nodded. Draping an arm around my shoulder he smiled when I rested my head under his chin.
"Mia, you took a bullet for me. I think that's more than enough." Grayson replied, reaching up before he cupped my chin. While I enjoyed the kiss I couldn't help the wooziness I felt too but Grayson noticed helping me lie back before I could fall asleep. "You just get as much rest as you need. I'll come back to check on you later so you'd better be here." He whispered noting with a smile that I'd already closed my eyes.
Grayson suspected that Mia was more exhausted than she cared to admit which he proved when he checked on her throughout the day and night, always finding her asleep. This brought a smile to his face as he worked around the ranch, feeding his horses and chickens. Even when he nailed a few loose panels on the chicken coop Mia didn't stir once, leaving Grayson positive that Mia wasn't going anywhere. At least for the rest of the day and night.
Grayson emerged the next morning from his bedroom with a yawn, making his way carefully towards the kitchen when he managed to spot me standing in front of the sink, a glass held tightly in one hand. "Mia, what are you doing now?" He called out and I jumped, only managing to grasp the cup with my one good hand before I turned around to see him staring at me. "I thought you promised you were gonna stay put?"
"I was thirsty and I didn't want to wake you," I muttered, cheeks a faint red as Grayson finally chuckled walking over to join me. "Sorry, I hope I didn't wake you up."
"Nah I was getting up anyway. But if you need something just ask me." Grayson explained, gently taking the glass before he turned on the tap. After filling the glass he handed it back to me watching with a faint smile as I sipped at the cold, clear water. "Better?"
"Yeah, it is. Thanks for taking care of me. I know that I'm not the easiest patient but…" I trailed off when he chuckled, getting an eye roll and a tap on his shoulder for his trouble. "Very funny."
"I thought so too but just be careful okay? Can't have my girlfriend getting hurt again." Grayson told me, reaching over and I could feel my face heating up as he lightly brushed a strand of hair away from my forehead.