Hawkeye nodded briefly, but didnt slow the ATV. Though it was illegal to drive an off-road vehicle on a public road, he held steady, pulled into the clinic driveway and hopped off.
An ambulance had pulled up in the parking lot and EMTs were off-loading a gurney. A sheriffs vehicle was parked nearby.
Olivia Dawson stood beside the truck, talking to Abe and a sheriffs deputy. One of the EMTs shone a light into her eyes.
She pushed his light away. Im fine. Its Abe you need to worry about.
Maam, it looks like you hit your head in the accident. You might have a concussion. He insisted on wiping the dried blood from her forehead and applying a small butterfly bandage. I suggest you see a doctor before you drive yourself anywhere.
Really, Im fine. She pushed past him and gripped Abes hand.
The deputy flipped open a notepad. Maam, could you describe what happened?
A four-wheeler darted out in front of us on the highway. We swerved to miss it and crashed into a tree. You might want to send a fire engine to put out the fire and a tow truck to retrieve the truck.
Will do, maam.
And stop calling me maam, she said. Im not your mother.
The deputy grinned. No, maam. Youre not.
Olivia rolled her eyes and turned back to her foreman.
When the EMTs had the stretcher ready, they rolled it over next to her. She stepped out of the way and stood to the side as they loaded a now-conscious Abe.
The man was obviously in a lot of pain. His pale face broke out in a sweat as the EMTs lowered him onto the stretcher. Once he was settled, he held out a hand to Olivia.
She took it. Dont worry about me. I can handle the ranch.
No, Liv, you cant. Things arent the same as when you left. You need help.
Liv shook her head. I can work the animals better than most men.
Abe chuckled and winced. Youre right, but you cant do this alone. Promise me youll get help. His gaze shifted to where Hawkeye stood a few feet away. Make her get help.
Liv frowned. You cant ask a stranger to do that.
Abe nodded. I just did. He waved Hawkeye forward.
Not wanting to get into the midst of a family argument, Hawkeye eased forward. Sir?
Im Abe Masterson, and you are?
Trace Walsh, but my friends call me Hawkeye.
Hawkeye, this is Olivia Dawson. Olivia, Hawkeye. Abe lay back, closing his eyes, the effort having cost him. There, now you arent strangers. Please, Hawkeye, make sure Olivia doesnt try to run the Stone Oak Ranch alone. She needs dedicated protection. Somethings not right out there.
When Hawkeye hesitated, Abe opened his eyes, his gaze capturing Hawkeyes. Promise.
To appease the injured man, Hawkeye said, I promise.
The EMT interrupted. We really need to get Mr. Masterson to the hospital.
Im riding with him, Olivia said.
No. Abe opened his eyes again. The horses need to be fed and the cattle need to be checked.
They can wait. You need someone to go with you as your advocate, she insisted. You might pass out again.
I didnt pass out, Abe grumbled. I just closed my eyes.
Yeah. Olivia snorted. Thats a bunch of bullsh
Uh-uh, Abe interrupted. You know how your daddy felt about you cursing.
She glared and crossed her arms over her chest. Im not a child.
No, but you dont have to worry about me. Im alive and still kicking. I can take care of myself. You can visit me at the hospital, if it makes you feel better. But call first. I have a lady friend in Cody. Im sure shell come keep me company and put me up until I can get around on my own.
Liv pulled her lip between her teeth and chewed on it before answering. Are you sure?
The pucker of Livs brow and the worried look in her eyes made Hawkeye want to ease her mind. And pull her into his arms. He suspected she wouldnt appreciate the gesture, no matter how well-intentioned. As far as she was concerned, he was the bad guy in this situation. Hawkeye had yet to set the record straight.
Im positive, Abe said. Now let the EMTs do their job. Id like to get somewhere with a little pain medication. My leg hurts like hell.
Liv backed up quickly, running into Hawkeyes chest.
He reached out to steady her as the medical technicians rolled Abes gurney away.
Do you need a ride back to the ranch, Miss Dawson? Jonah asked. I have a few errands to run before I head back your way.
Liv nodded. How long do you need?
No more than thirty minutes. I just need to pick up some feed at the feed store and a few groceries for the missus. Youre welcome to wait in the truck.
She looked around as if in a daze. If its all the same to you, Id like to pick up dinner from the tavern. I dont think Ill have time to cook anything.
Jonah nodded. Ill pick you up at the Blue Moose, then.
Hawkeye bit down on his tongue to keep from offering the woman a ride out to her place. No doubt shed turn it down, preferring a ride from a friend to one from a stranger she thought had caused the wreck.
After Jonah left in his truck, the only two people left on the street were Hawkeye and Liv.
Liv turned to him and poked a finger at his chest, fire burning in her emerald green eyes. You!
He raised his hands in surrender. Me?
Dont lay on the innocent act. Her brows drew into a deep V. Your reckless driving nearly got Abe killed. Give me one good reason why I shouldnt turn you over to the sheriff. She crossed her arms over her chest.
Hawkeye glanced at the damning ATV. I didnt drive out in front of your pickup.
Like hell you didnt. Twin flags of pink flew high on her cheekbones. You didnt even look left or right before you barreled out onto the highway. What if we had been a van full of children? You could have killed an entire family. She flung her arm out.
It wasnt me. He shook his head. I was chasing a guy on another four-wheeler.
Right. Why should I believe you? Her finger shot out again and poked him in the chest. Youre a stranger. For that matter, why were you on my property? She jabbed him again. You were trespassing. I could have you arrest
As a sniper, Hawkeye considered himself a patient man. But the finger in the chest was getting to him, and the woman with the green fire blazing from her eyes was far too pretty for him to slugnot that he would ever hit a woman. But she just wasnt going to listen to him unless he did something drastic.
So he grabbed her finger, yanked her up against his body and clamped an arm around her waist, bringing her body tight against his. Then he slammed his lips down on hers. For the first time in the past five minutes, silence reigned.
With one hand captured in Hawkeyes hand, Liv pressed the other to his chest and gave a pathetic attempt at pushing him away. Hawkeye strengthened his hold.
After a few seconds, she quit pushing against him, her fingers curling into his shirt.
Her lips were soft and full beneath his. Even though hed stemmed her tirade, Hawkeye was in no hurry to raise his head. Instead, he raised his hand, his fingers sliding up to cup the back of her head.