Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
I purse my lips.
“You haven’t told me what kind of ice cream you like,” Theo encourages, stroking my neck.
I wince when something stings on the back of my leg. “Owie.”
“I’m sorry, Little one,” the doctor says. “I’ll be quick.”
I look back at Theo as Dr. Rubio rubs some kind of soothing ointment on my abrasions. “Uh… There’s only one flavor of ice cream,” I tell him.
He chuckles. “Is that so? What kind is it?”
“Blue,” I mutter.
Theo chuckles. “Blue? That’s not a flavor, silly girl.”
I nod. “It is so.” My Little is strong. I can’t tamp her down.
Dr. Rubio moves his attention to my tailbone, pushing around it. “I have to agree with Layla. Blue is an excellent flavor.”
Theo laughs harder. “Blue? You’re both bonkers.”
“Nuh uh,” I defend, and then I cry out as the doctor presses against my tailbone.
“I’m so sorry.” He holds my hip. “Can you be brave for me, Layla? I’m almost done.”
“Yes, Sir,” I whimper.
Theo’s brow is furrowed, and his jaw is tense as if the doctor’s exam is hurting him instead of me.
I grit my teeth as Dr. Rubio pushes against my tailbone a few more times. It hurts, and I clench my butt cheeks. I’m embarrassed that my entire bottom is exposed and he’s had to spend so much time examining it, but somehow having Theo holding my hand and whispering to me makes it better. He’s a great Daddy. I wish he were my Daddy.
Finally, Dr. Rubio covers my bottom with the gown and blanket. When he comes back around to my front, Theo starts to rise from the stool, but the doctor stops him with a hand on his shoulder. “You’re fine. No need to get up.”
Theo’s face is softening now that I’m no longer wincing.
Dr. Rubio strokes the top of my head and tips it back. He uses a pen light to look into my eyes. “Pupils look good. I don’t think it’s necessary to take any X-rays. I don’t believe your tailbone is broken, just badly bruised. Those take a while to heal. You probably won’t want to sit very often for a while.”
“Okay.” It’s not like I sit at work. I’m sure whatever job I get next will still involve me racing around serving people.
“As for your head, just to be cautious, I’m going to assume you have a mild concussion. Someone should monitor you for the next twenty-four hours. Do you have someone who can do that?”
I swallow. “I live alone.”
“I’ll do it,” Theo says.
I glance at him. “You can’t do that.”
“Why not?” he asks.
“Because… Don’t you have places to be?”
“My appointment for today got cancelled right before we collided. I’ll reschedule my other appointments for tomorrow.”
I stare at him, mouth open. “But…”
He squeezes my hand. “No buts, Little one. I feel bad about knocking you down. It’s my responsibility to make sure you heal. Concussions can be serious, Little girl.” He narrows his gaze at me, his full-on Daddy tone brooking no argument.
Knocking me down? I ran smack into him. I knocked myself down. I don’t know why he’s taking any amount of responsibility for my clumsiness.
“He’s right, Layla,” Dr. Rubio says. “Someone needs to monitor you.” He turns toward Theo. “You want to watch for nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Make sure her pupils remain equal. I’ll give you a list of what to look for. If there’s any doubt, take her to the emergency room.”
Theo nods. “Thank you.”
I try to push to sitting. This can’t be happening. “I’ll be fine. I need to get home and then…”
Theo takes the teddy bear from between my arms and sets it on the table next to me as he helps me sit upright. He stops me from continuing to speak with a finger to my lips. “Whatever you were going to do today can wait a few more days, Little one.”
I wince as I put pressure on my tailbone.
Dr. Rubio pats my shoulder. “I’ve known Theo for years. You can trust him, Layla. I promise. Take it easy for two days. No running or sudden movements. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, try to eat soft foods until you feel better. I’ll give Theo a prescription for some acetaminophen that has a higher dosage than over the counter.” He moves toward the cabinet and returns shaking out a pair of loose, drawstring pants. “Kristen told me your clothes are soaked. These will at least cover you until you can get home.”
I take them from the doctor, but I’m still reeling. Theo is going to watch me? Where? In my tiny studio apartment? That’s not going to happen. I’d be too embarrassed to show it to him. Plus where would he sleep? There isn’t space for a guest.
Dr. Rubio says a few more things to Theo and then leaves, shutting the door behind him.