3. Chapter 3
three
Gene turned into the driveway of a duplex Amanda had directed him to. After another half-hour of signing forms, answering redundant questions from the police, and waiting for the traffic to clear up, they’d escaped. Amanda, despite her bravado, was fading with each minute. Even if she didn’t have a concussion, which was still an if, she still needed to lie down and rest her head.
“Which unit is yours?” Gene asked.
“The one on the left.” Amanda said.
“Wait till I come around,” he instructed.
“I can walk.”
“Wait!”
He used his firm voice and stepped out of the car.
This woman was driving him nuts. Her complexion had blanched during the drive—a sign that the adrenaline had worn off—but still managed to argue. He was becoming more inclined to say she couldn’t have a concussion seeing how hard her head was.
Before he came around, he grabbed his duffel bag from the trunk. When he rounded to the passenger side, she already opened her door and was pulling herself out of the seat. He dashed to her side.
“Why can’t you wait for ten seconds?” Gene grumbled. “Do you want to fall and hit your head again?”
“Jeez, Doc. I’m not gonna fall,” Amanda insisted.
Maybe he was being too cautious, so he just said, “Come on. Let’s get you inside.”
Amanda navigated the short stairs without issue. She handed him her keychain full of color-coded keys.
“The blue one,” Amanda said. “Blue door, blue key. And hurry before Loki barks and wakes up Miss Lydia. He’s a sweet dog but can be too exuberant. Beware.”
Sure enough, they could hear some shuffling behind the door and an impatient whimper. Gene quickly unlocked and let Amanda enter first.
A medium-size black and white dog jumped up to bring its front paws on Amanda with a woof. Gene kept a steady arm around her back to brace herself from the dog’s greeting.
“Hello, baby,” Amanda cooed at her dog, who was obviously happy to see her.
“His name is Loki?” Gene watched the owner-dog interaction. “After the Norse god of mischief?”
“The comic book version,” Amanda explained with a smile. She gestured for the dog to sit and he obeyed immediately. “I adopted him a couple of years ago after a family re-homed him for being too playful around their kids. I think he’s just misunderstood like Loki is.”
Gene noted this interesting part of Amanda with a grin. From the way she dressed in a flowery dress, he’d never guessed she read comic books. He offered his hand to Loki to sniff, then gave the dog a scratch behind the ear.
Amanda flipped a light switch and two more lamps came on, casting warm light into her living area. Gene suddenly felt cozy despite the chill in the night air. Colors seemed to pop from everywhere. Not bright, blinding colors, but warm, soothing ones.
There were artfully arranged dried plants and flowers in whimsical looking vases gracing some surfaces. There was also a large live plant with huge wide leaves by a window and flower-shaped origami strung on fishing lines hung from the ceiling. A colorful knitted blanket adorned the forest green sofa set. There was a lot to take in.
“I’m gonna let Loki out in the backyard to do his business.”
She kept moving, making him move with her since he was holding her arm.
“I can do that. Just let me help you to bed first.” Gene asked. “Do you have pain relievers? Acetaminophen? Tylenol?”
“Yes, in the bathroom.”
Gene dropped his duffel bag by Amanda’s bedroom door. This room was as warm as the outer room, though she kept the color selection more subdued with a combination of green and cream. Gene wondered why he noticed the details of Amanda’s home.
Maybe because my apartment is basic as fuck.
It was a place to crash after a long shift. He didn’t think he owned even one vase. There was one fake plant, but he was pretty sure the leasing agent left it there when he’d signed the lease. He had stuff in there, like kitchen stuff, good linen, and comfortable furniture. They were functional, not necessarily homey.
“Bathroom.” She pointed to a door. “I need a shower to get all this blood off my hair.”
“Maybe a bath is easier,” Gene suggested as he sat her down on the closed toilet. “It’ll help you relax your muscles and calm your mind.”
Gene pulled open the shower curtain and started the bath.
“Do you have any bath bubbles or salt I can put in? It’s not important, but if you have Epsom salt—”
“Are you drawing me a bath?” Amanda sounded incredulous.
“It’s safer for you than a shower right now,” Gene said. “Soap? Salt?”
“Under the sink.”
Gene found both the salt and bubbles, so he put both in. They smelled like lavender.
Perfect.
Once done with that, he straightened up.
“Can you manage getting in and out? Or do you need help?”
“Uh…” Amanda’s face pinked. “I think I’ll manage.”
Gene then opened the medicine cabinet and found the Tylenol bottle. He handed her a dose and filled a glass he found at the side of the sink.
He pointed to her head. “That should help with the pain.”
“Thanks.” She didn’t argue and just took the meds.
“Need me to fetch you something before you get in?”
Gene gestured to the filling bath. The blush on her face deepened for some reason as she stared at the bubbles in the tub.
“I…”
“You asked me to help, Amanda,” he teased. “Don’t start getting bashful on me.”
Amanda gave him a side eye. “What? You’re gonna scrub my back, too?”
“If you can’t reach your back and need help washing…”
“Just get out.” She scoffed. “I’ll manage.”
Gene lifted his hands in a peaceful gesture and left her to her privacy. She still had a bit of that fight left. The bath would help calm her and maybe make sleep easier to come.
After a quick cleanup at her kitchen, Gene led Amanda’s dog, who was following him with interest, to the back door. He probably wondered who the hell this guy at his house was. While he waited for Loki to sniff around in the small, enclosed backyard, he made a call to his parents, who were probably worried by now.
His mother, Martha, picked up on the second ring. “Hello?”
“Hey, Mom.”
“Gene! We were expecting you for dinner,” Mom said. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. There was an accident on Browns Bridge Road.”
“Is anyone hurt?” Mom asked, sounding surprised.
“It was a single-car incident. The driver has a minor head injury, but she’s doing okay.”
“That’s good to hear.” Mom paused. Gene could hear the gear in her brain turning. “Wait. How do you know so much?”
“I was on the scene, helping.”
“Of course you were.” Gene could hear the smile in her voice, if that was possible.
“Are you almost here? Where are you now?”
“I can’t get home tonight.”
“Why?”
“I’m at the injured driver’s house. Long story short, she refused to go to the hospital, so I’m here monitoring her for the night.”
“Gene, are you sure that’s wise?” Mom asked.
“I’m worried about her head and she has no-one else to help her tonight.”
“Who is it? Maybe I know her.”
“She remembered me from high school. Amanda Garner.”
“Amanda, oh no. How is she feeling?”
Mom’s tone completely changed from suspicious to worrisome.
“She’s feisty, so that’s a good sign. But I expect she’ll crash soon. She was really worked up at the scene.”
“What happened?”
“She went off the road avoiding something and hit the trees. Her injuries are mild, but there’s always a possibility of a concussion.”
“I’m glad you’re there with her.”
“How do you know her, Mom? I can’t recall her from high school.”
“She wasn’t in your class, but I think her older sister Becca might have been.”
Gene flipped through his memory banks. Though there were many memorable high school moments, he couldn’t pinpoint a Becca Garner in his mind, either.
“They’re the daughters of the Homestead Bakery owners. Remember? I used to buy all my pies from them. I now buy them from Amanda.”
His mother was a great cook, but she despised baking. Gene remembered those delicious pies from Homestead Bakery. He vaguely remembered seeing Amanda or Becca behind the counter when he was younger.
“Where’s her family?” he asked.
“Well, it’s sad actually…”
The warm, fragrant water felt heavenly. Amanda sank further down into its comfort. She was glad Gene had suggested a bath. He was right. Her limbs felt better. But she bet she looked like a horror. She didn’t even want to look at her face after seeing the faint red stripe on her torso from the seatbelt.
After a few minutes of bliss, she carefully rinsed the blood from her hair while trying not to wet her cut. The water turned pink with every bit she washed off.
It could’ve been worse. She could’ve hit and killed that girl.
A sharp pang of guilt hit her in the chest.
That girl may still be out there in the woods.
Suddenly overwhelmed, she let out unexpected tears, followed by sobs she couldn’t control.
“Amanda? Are you okay?” Gene called from the door, followed by Loki’s soft yelp.
She couldn’t answer, as the tears didn’t seem to want to stop.
Don’t let him see you break down like this.
“Amanda?” His voice rose with concern. “I’m coming in.”
“No…” She could only manage one word before he busted into the bathroom.
He took one look at her face and rushed to her. He kneeled by the tub.
“What’s wrong? Does something hurt?”
Amanda shook her head as she tried to stop crying. She crossed her arms across her chest, though the remaining bubbles covered her, and his eyes never left her face.
“Tell me what’s wrong,” he said, his tone gentled. “What happened?”
“Nothing. I just keep thinking about that girl.”
She wiped the tears from her face, but they were just replaced by a fresh set.
Gene nodded as if he understood what she was feeling. He didn’t say something comforting. Instead, he took a washcloth from the pile of towels on the shelves next to the tub. He wet it with clean water and wrung it out, then returned to her and dabbed around her cut.
Amanda hissed a bit at the slight sting.
“What are you doing?”
“Go ahead and cry it out if you need to. You just had a traumatic event, Amanda. You were scared, worried, and probably angry at the same time. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed.” Gene focused on her forehead. “I’ll help you get clean. You almost got all the blood out of your hair.”
“I’m naked here.” Amanda pointed it out, but he didn’t seem to notice.
“I’m not looking,” he said. “Sit up and turn around. I’ll help you rinse.”
Resigned, Amanda did as he instructed. With her legs folded up against her chest, she let Gene use the handheld shower head to wash soap from her skin as the dirty water drained. He did it fast and efficiently and never once touched her. He then grabbed a towel to spread over her back and another to dry her hair.
Amanda wrapped herself with the towel as she rose. Her legs wobbled, but Gene was right there to catch her.
“My legs feel like rubber,” she said, holding on to him. “Why am I suddenly so tired?”
“The adrenaline wore off. Let’s get you to bed, okay?” Gene gently said.
Not bothering to ask her, this time he scooped her up into his arms, complete with the towels, taking the breath out of her literally and figuratively. The feel of his arms cradling her made her mind race to a moment in the past.
Déjà vu…
Amanda had been in Gene’s arms before, just like this. She remembered when he’d set her down. He’d smiled and asked…
“You’re okay?” the present Gene asked the same question. He sat her down at the end of her bed, studying her face.
Obviously, he didn’t remember that moment like she did.
“Yes, thank you,” Amanda replied with a small smile, trying to cover her embarrassment over her one-sided memory and state of undress.
“Clothes?” he asked.
Why be embarrassed now? I was naked in the tub and he only had eyes for my wound. He merely sees a patient, not a woman.
Amanda gestured to the dresser. “Underwear in the top drawer. Old T-shirt in the middle.”
Gene picked one of each without looking and brought them to her.
“Do you need help putting these on?” Gene asked, eyeing her stiff wrist.
Amanda nodded. She didn’t have anymore energy to be stubborn.
“T-shirt first.” Gene unfolded the oversized garment and saw a 90s rock band emblem on it. He nodded in approval, then put it over her head, careful not to graze the cut. He pulled it over the towel all the way down as far as it went.
Gene then looked at the scrap of triangle he’d pulled out.
“These will be a little tricky.”
“I can do it.”
She grabbed the panties and tried to put them on with one hand and failed. Plus, her abs hurt when she bent over.
Gene blew out a breath, as if seeing her struggle was tough. He took the underwear from her hand and reddened. It was adorable to see an adult man blush over a piece of clothing. He stretched the simple cotton panties and went down on one knee by her feet.
Amanda swallowed as she watched the top of Gene’s head as he worked her panties up her legs.
How was she reliving that momentous point in her teenage life when she’d fallen for him and he didn’t remember a thing? Sure the details were a little different. They’d been on a soccer field and he’d been examining her ankle. Gene had been there to assist the team’s physician for extra credits. Even as a senior in high school, he’d focused on becoming a doctor.
As in the past, Gene was just being helpful now. But it wasn’t helpful that he was now more drool-worthy as an adult than he’d been at seventeen with thick dark hair, smoky gray eyes, a sexy beard covering his sharp jaw, stronger arms that easily carried her, and warm hands that cleaned her cut so gently.
Plus, a pair of panties was involved now.
Imagine if he was pulling them off instead.
Amanda involuntarily shuddered and bit her lips at the unexpected surge of thrill coursing through her veins as his fingers brushed her outer thighs and over her hips.
Gene looked up from his position, and they locked gazes. His lips parted in a silent gasp, and for a second, Amanda thought she saw a flare of hunger in his eyes, making the humming in her blood intensify. But the moment passed as fast as it came when Gene abruptly stood.
He pulled the cover off the bed.
“Come on, get in. I’m gonna check your vitals,” he said, his voice suddenly sounded too proper.
Amanda hadn’t noticed his medical stuff by the bed. He went into full doctor mode, and her lower region clenched tighter in anticipation.
Where the hell are all these feelings coming from?
Sure, she had a crush on him once, but seriously, it’d been more than a decade now. She hadn’t thought of Gene Rowland much since he’d graduated. She felt ridiculous having this teenage infatuation rushing back.
Gene put on his stethoscope, then asked her to breathe in and out a few times. Next, he checked her blood pressure with a manual pump. Her heart swelled seeing he’d become exactly what he’d set out to be.
“You have all these with you?” she asked, making conversation.
“I have my kit in my car,” Gene said.
“Your mother mentioned you a few times. So proud of her son saving lives in the ER every day.”
Gene just smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“I’m sorry about what I said earlier,” Amanda said. “About the hospital.”
“I understand.”
“I’m sorry for making you do this.”
“You’re not making me do anything,” Gene said. “Did the seatbelt leave some bruising on your torso? I saw a bit on your shoulder earlier.”
“Yes, not too bad, though.” She pulled the T-shirt up just under her breasts to show him. He assessed her body professionally, though she curiously noted his Adam’s apple bobbed and his jaw tightened.
“You’re right. It’s not bad.” Gene showed her his hands and told her, “I’m gonna touch your ribs to see if anything’s broken.”
He was gentle, but it was slightly sore.
Amanda said, “It hurts a bit when you touch it and when I bent down earlier.”
“Your airway is clear, so I’m not too worried. You’re bound to be sore, but I think you’ll be okay with some rest.”
He put away his stuff before looking back at her.
“Thank you for staying with me, Gene,” Amanda said.
“I’m just doing my job, but you’re welcome.” This time, his smile was genuine.
Amanda felt grateful for his presence, but couldn’t help a sigh when the guilt nudged her.
“You should sleep now. Look, Loki is all ready for bed, too,” Gene glanced at her dog all settled in his bed not too far from Amanda’s. “Stop whatever it is running through your head.”
Is he a mind reader?
“How can I? Here I am with a scratch on my head and I have you taking care of me. There’s a girl out there who probably needs your help more.”
When he didn’t respond right away, Amanda narrowed her eyes at him, disappointed.
“You don’t believe me, either.”
“We’ll ask the police what they found in the morning, okay?” he said neutrally, caressing his thumb over her uninjured temple. “Close your eyes, Amanda.”
She knew it was pointless to argue about it now, so she let her eyelids droop. Gene clicked off the nightstand lamp and got up from the bed to leave the room. The darkness brought images too clear in her mind.
“I don’t think I can sleep.” Her eyes flew open again, knowing she was gonna agonize about the accident all night. “I can’t stop thinking about what happened, or who she might be. She didn’t look hurt, but for a second, I thought I saw fear in her eyes.”
“Amanda,” Gene whispered.
“Maybe she’s lost.”
“Scoot over,” he ordered.
Without hesitation, Amanda moved automatically to give him room to sit next to her. Careful not to jar her, Gene slid an arm around her shoulder and pulled her to him.
“We’ll figure it out in the morning, okay?” His voice was low and soothed her. “I promise, but you need to rest. I’ll stay here until you fall asleep.”
Why does having his arm around me feel so good? I shouldn’t be this comfortable with him.
Somehow, Amanda felt safe with Gene. She rested her head on his shoulder and snuggled into him further. The sound of his heartbeat under her ear lulled her spinning brain. His arm firm around her felt secure. Her hand on his chest rose and fell with his breath, and Amanda didn’t notice her own breath echoed his as she drifted into sleep.