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33 Anna J. Evans Chapter Four Austin started running before Wren hit the pavement, the bag of groceries falling from his hands as he broke into a sprint, hoping that there might be some way to run fast enough to break her fall. But she was already on the ground by the time he reached the corner where she had stood. Wren! Austin knelt beside her, gently bringing his hand to her cheek. Carefully he began to scan her body for injuries. There was no blood or wounds readily apparent, but she was cold to the touch despite the heat of the day. Her face was pale and tears trailed from her closed eyes. The protective instinct that hit him was more powerful than anything he had ever experienced, strong enough to take his breath away. He wanted nothing more than to scoop her up and carry her home, tuck her into bed and hold her, stay with her until she was herself again, until he somehow made everything better. But it was a ridiculous impulse. He didn t even know her. He had no right to take her anywhere, especially his bed. Besides, how would she feel if she woke up in bed with a man who was basically a stranger? Thrilled beyond belief, a voice spoke in his head and Austin jerked his eyes up to look around him, but no one was there. Not a single other soul had felt compelled to stop and inquire about the girl who had passed out in the middle of the street, no one except a small black cat who Austin assumed must belong to Wren. Jesus, his ego was getting out of hand. Even in his college days when he d had more than his fair share of women, he d never been quite so cocksure about the reaction a female would have to being in bed with him. Thrilled beyond belief? What was wrong with him? The woman was hurt, couldn t he stop thinking about getting in her pants for ten minutes? Besides, no matter how compelling the thought of sweeping her up in his arms, he knew better than to move her. If she had a head or spine injury, he would only make things worse by shifting her position. He had to try to get through to her, let her tell him what had happened. Otherwise, he d have to call the paramedics. Wren, talk to me, can you hear me? he asked as he smoothed her hair gently away from her face, noticing it was as soft as he d dreamed it would be. Oh& crap& she moaned softly and moved her head to one side. Austin s heart leapt with hope for a moment, but then she lay still once more. Wren, can you hear me? Wren? he asked one more time before searching for his cell phone. He d call 911. He hadn t seen anything hit her, hadn t seen what made her fall, but she was obviously hurt. 34 Enchanted Hell, for all he knew she could have a heart condition or be a diabetic or any other number of things. Austin had to remind himself that he didn t know this woman as intimately as he liked to think. He was shocked to realize that he didn t even know what her last name was to tell emergency services. Outside of their few conversations, their contact had been mostly imaginary. Austin? Wren asked from the pavement, sounding surprised to see him and looking around her as if she wasn t certain exactly where she was or how she came to be there. It was a completely normal reaction, assuming she didn t make a habit of passing out in the middle of street. Are you okay? Do you need a doctor? he asked, his fingers still poised to dial the emergency number, though he was more than relieved to see her clear blue eyes open and lucid. She seemed to be all right, if a bit confused. No, no, I m fine, she replied, struggling to sit up. My head just hurts a little. Wait, take it easy, you might have hurt yourself, Austin cautioned. I m fine, really, just a complete idiot. Losing consciousness wasn t nearly as much of a relief as I thought it would be. At least sit still for a few minutes, he said. Wren ignored him and continued to work her way towards standing. He reached out to help her, but she waved him away, coming to her feet easily and brushing off her clothes before tucking her hair behind her ears. I think someone stole my ball cap, she said, scanning the sidewalk and edge of the street. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |