27

“Cooper. Wake up. Did the snake bite you?” KC knelt beside him and shook his shoulder.

He moaned, blinked. “What…no. It’s my knee.” He tried to turn onto his back, but the pack hindered his movement

“No snake bite?”

“Uh-uh. I twisted my knee.”

She chewed her lip. A bum joint would be easier to cope with than a rattler bite. “Should I go back to the cabin and ask for help?”

No answer. Had he lost consciousness again? She set down the rifle then lowered her head to peer into his face.

“I’m awake.” His smile morphed into a grimace. “We’re closer to the truck. Help me up.”

Warm relief wafted over her. “I’ll fetch your cane.” And keep watch for any more snakes. She shuddered. The slimy-looking things gave her nightmares.

Cooper sat, slipped off his pack, and then took the stout stick from her. “I can’t put any weight on my right leg. You’re gonna have to hoist me up.”

“OK. I’ll grab you under the arms—”

“No. Better idea. I’ll drag myself to that tree and use it as well as the cane.”

Inch by inch, he maneuvered toward the trunk.

He rested beside the gnarled wood and took a couple of deep breaths. “These side branches will help.”

“What can I do?”

“Stay close in case I need you.”

Another time, another place, his words would have delighted her. Nothing she’d like more than to be close to him, long-term. But not now, knowing ovarian cancer ran in her family. The odds of her having a relapse increased day by day. Scientific research and personal experience proved her point. Her high school pal died just last year, months after her mother passed away. Both from that insidious disease. No way could she expect any man to take on such an unknown future. KC shut her eyes tight. Don’t think about the cancer returning. She gritted her teeth ready to help Cooper. No more selfish thoughts. He was hurt and vulnerable.

He grunted as he used the cane and trunk branches to help himself stand. Sweat popped out on his brow. His lips disappeared as he tried to hide the pain-filled expression.

KC bent and propped his left arm over her shoulder then straightened.

He stood upright and balanced on one leg with the aid of the cane. “Thanks. I need to rest a sec.” He huffed in and out. “With all the adrenaline pumping through my blood, you’d think I’d be ready to run a marathon.”

“Run?”

“You know what I mean. But I’m pooped.”

She picked up the rifle. “I’ll carry your backpack. No arguing.”

Without a word, he flicked a hand in her direction. The action said a lot about his physical state.

“Are you sure you want to head to the truck?”

“Yeah. You can drive us to Lake Elsinore. Find an emergency clinic.” He draped his left arm across her shoulders again. “Let’s go.”

The trek was harder than KC anticipated. Although the cane bore some of Cooper’s weight, he leaned on her every time he took a step with his left leg. Her shoulders ached, but no way would she let him know. No telling the pain he endured. It had to be severe for him to completely rely on her physically. Since his lecture to her in the café regarding their professional relationship, she’d avoided close proximity as much as possible. But now…well, she couldn’t be any closer to him if she tried. She had never been able to identify the aftershave he used, but a hint of the spicy aroma lingered about his person. It couldn’t be cologne—he didn’t seem the type of guy who’d use the stuff.

“Got…to…rest.”

His disjointed words froze her thoughts. She halted near an isolated tree stump. “Sit here. Do you want a drink? We still have water.”

He dropped to the improvised seat and nodded. “I don’t feel right.”

After opening two bottles, KC handed him one, then swallowed half of hers. “You’re injured, and tired, and—”

“Uh-uh.” He drained his bottle. “It’s more than that.” Swiping sweat from his face, he said, “I’m woozy, in pain, but sleepy.”

“I can understand exhausted. That’s how I feel. After all, I’ve been dragging my partner around the woods for half a mile or more.” She grinned, but he was not amused.

“Ha. I’d do the same for you.”

No sign of snakes, good. KC sat at the base of the tree and hugged her knees. “I know, Cooper. Just teasing.”

His labored breathing attested to his weakened condition. They needed to rest for a while longer.

She scanned their surroundings. A beautiful setting, notwithstanding their predicament. Cool even at—she checked her watch—five o’clock. She rubbed her arms, thankful she’d donned a long-sleeved shirt. Hints of moist, rotting undergrowth hit her nose. “We need to move on, Mr. Callahan. Get you to a clinic.” She stood and handed him the cane.

He pursed his lips, held out his right leg, and heaved himself up. “The truck should be close. I recognize that clump of shrubs.” He jutted his chin to the side. “May I have the pleasure of your shoulder, ma’am?”

She resumed her position beside him with her arm around his midsection. “Onward we go.” At least his sense of humor had returned for a moment. KC ignored his occasional grunt, hoping he was right about the truck. Not a moment too soon she spotted the dark hood protruding from the bushes. “There it is.” Tight, achy shoulders. Back muscle spasms. A crick in her neck. And a tiredness like she’d never experienced before. Was there a word stronger than exhausted?

“At last.” Cooper produced his keys and popped the remote.

While he leaned on the hood, KC opened the passenger door, then stepped out of the way. He hopped around the door and with numerous groans, heaved himself inside.

KC set the rifle and pack on the backseat and then climbed behind the wheel and blew out a breath. “I’ve never been so happy to see a vehicle before. Thank You, Lord God.” She bowed her head for a moment. Or so she thought. Next thing she knew, her head hit the steering wheel and she jerked awake. Whew. “Sorry, Cooper.” She glanced at him.

His head lolled to the side, eyes closed, his breath puffed in and out.

Was he asleep or…?

She reached out to poke him, but he licked his lips and turned to face the window.

Sleeping. Sounded like a good plan.

KC adjusted the seat, pulled her cap over her eyes, and…