"Don't be silly , Brian. I know what I was in for. I'd never blame you for...."
"Of course you woulda't blame me. You're not the type," I interrupted. "Still, its entirely my fault," I insisted. And I'm very, very sorry. I hope you can accept my apology," I said I glanced over at her, I was suddenly conscious of my nearness to heras we sat side by side, I held her gaze for an instant then Looked back out at the road again.
"All I need is some ice and a few aspiring. I'll be fine in no time," she said lightly.
"Don't worry. I plan to take good care of you tonight, Olivia."
I tumed my head to look down at her, and as she gazed into my eyes, I felt something in my heart turn over. I did know what it was about her, but this woman had the power to get to me.
"Maybe later we can all play Brain Quest ,"Noah said hopelfully.
"Good idea," Olivia agreed. "The child is a walking encyclopedia," she warned me. "He knows he'll beat the pants of us. I'm afraid he just likes to show off."
"You guys can combine brain power if you like.It's all right with me," Noah said with a shrug.
"See what I mean?" She asked me.
"Combine brain power, eh?I wouldn't be so sure of myself, pal," I teased Noah with a grin. I m pretty good at those question and answer games." I don't why but there's something about this boy that made me loved him, sometimes I see myself in him when I was about his age. I would like to know more about him. Just hope his mommy will open up a bit.
"Really? Mom says people who know a lot of trivia have their heads full of useless information," Noah replied brightly.
"Noah! No need to be a wise apple," Olivia warned him.
I just laughed, a deep, warm sound that made Olivia smile, too.
"You know your mom could be right about that I replied, surprising her. "I'Il have to give it some thought."
When we reached her house, I parked the truck close to the back door. I helped Olivia into the house and set her down on a chair in the kitchen. Pulling over another chair, I elevated her bad leg and removed her boot and sock
We all stared down at her ankie. it was swollen on the one side "it hurt like to dicken," she said when she try to move it. But I know a lot about first aid, examined her carefully and said . "I didn't think any bones were broken." Looks like just a bad sprain to me," I said as I finally, setting her foot down on the chair cushion "Of course, you should probably get an X ray as soon as the roads are clear. Just to be sure,'" I added.Let's put some ice on it. I think that's the best help for you now."
While I retrieved the first-aid cold wrap from the freezer, Noah helped Olivia wriggle out of her waterproof parka. The sweatshirt she had on underneath was soaked, as well, but when she re-moved it, she felt embarrassed by the her clingy, damp T-shirt. It was positively...indecent, I thought glancing down at her. She crossed her harms over her chest, not that it helped much.
"Noah, would you run upstairs and bring me my white sweatshirt with the zipper? she asked her son quietly
As Noah left the room on his errand, I wrap her ankle then applied the ice wrap to her ankle. "Do you have any pain relievers around?"
She told me where to find the bottle in the cup board above the sink, and I brought her two tablets with a glass of water.
I know that the ice on her ankle make felt good. All her clothes were soaked and muddy .Then she sat stone still as my gaze slowly traveled from her injured ankle up the rest of her body. When I reached her chest, I blink. But like a gentleman, I didn't stop and stare. Well, not long enough so that you'd really notice, Finally my gaze met her own. "You're soaked to the skin. Olivia. You've got to get Out those wet clothes right away and take a hot bath."
"The bathtub is upstairs. I think I'd better take my chances down here, in the shower."
"You'll break your neck in that shower, I said simply. Don't worry. I can get you upstairs and into the tub. No problem."
"Yes, problem, she replied with a sweet, tight smile. For one thing, I hardly know you well enough to let you give me a bath," she sputtered.
I laughed at her distress. "Really? How well do you need to knowa guy before you might permit that delightful privilege...just for the record?"
"Just for the record," she said tightly, "a hell of a lot longer than you plan on hanging around."