Badland Bride (Book 2 - Dakota Hearts) Read Online Free PDF Page B

tears.”
    His kind words only made Regis feel worse and her tears renewed.
    “I can’t do what I have to do with this leg.”
    “The longer you stay off it, the better chance the wound has to heal and stay closed.
    “I can’t stay off my feet long enough for this to heal.”
    “You don’t have sick time from work?”
    “It’s not that. I’m sure I can call my office and they’ll send another adjuster out here to replace me. But…”
    He cocked his head slightly to one side and waited for her to go on.
    “I’ve been at this a long time,” she said. “There are a lot of people who do what I do who aren't thorough.”
    She glanced up at him, hoping he’d get her meaning. After a second, he nodded.
    “It’s very noble to be conscientious about your job. In fact, that’s something I got from you immediately. You care about what you do. I’m sure not everyone would be as dedicated.”
    “Thank you. I just want to make sure these people get what they need first.” She took a deep breath and used the tissues to wipe her cheeks. “So what’s the prognosis? Am I back in the saddle when you get me patched up?”
    His slow sigh gave her the answer. “If you want this leg to heal so you can really get around the way you need to, you’re going to need to stay off it for at least another day.”
    “That’s not poss—”
    “Or every time you bend your foot or rub up against something, you risk re-injuring yourself.”
    “So warned.”
    He finished inspecting her leg and then wrapped it up. He dropped his latex gloves in the trash and turned to her.
    “Who do you have on your list today?”
    “My schedule is in the car.”
    “Then let’s take a look.”
    Fifteen minutes later they were standing in the clinic parking lot. Regis pulled her tablet from the car and was now scrolling down the list of names of people she’d need to contact.
    Keith was standing incredibly close to her. She felt the heat of his body as it shielded her from the March wind, and the light smell of aftershave. She hadn’t noticed it earlier, but that was the difference about him today. She’d noticed the light scruff of hair on his jawline yesterday, but now it was cleanly shaven. Just standing so close to him made her head light, making it hard to concentrate.
    “You were going to go to the mill today,” he said, seemingly unaware of his effect on her.
    “That was the plan.” The wind whipped her hair around her face. She fought with trying to keep it from obstructing her vision for a few seconds. When it subsided, she noticed Keith was staring intently at her list.
    “Okay, then,” he said, moving away from her and leaving her in the wind. He opened her driver’s side door and reached inside the car, pulling out her camera.
    “Okay then what?” she asked.
    “We’ll take my truck. This is the only camera you use?”
    Confused, she said, “Yes. But don’t you have appointments?”
    “I had them all this morning. I was just about to leave when you came in.”
    “Doesn’t anyone else besides me need a doctor around here?” she said, chuckling.
    Keith laughed too and the sound of it made her smile. Not just a smile on her face, but a smile she felt inside. Good Lord, when was the last time any man had made her feel that way? Ever!
    “Hopefully not for the rest of the day. That way we can get through the list.”
    “You’re going to come with me?”
    “Yes. If it means you’re not going to hurt yourself again. Look, I know the area better than you. I also know the terrain. If there is any place that is too difficult to walk on or can cause you injury, I’ll go and take the pictures. Then you won’t get too far behind.”
    She looked up at the strong features of his face, scrutinized the blue eyes she couldn’t stop thinking about, just to see if he was kidding. He was serious.
    “Why are you doing this?” she asked quietly.
    “Why not?”
    “You just met me. You don’t even really know me.”
    He nodded and