Page 78 of Guarded Deputy
“I am not okay. I want to cut my leg off.”
“You don’t mean that.”
I glare at him and squeeze my leg. “Does it look more red to you? I think the swelling is worse. Does their venom affect the nervous system or something?” I swear I’ve become a hypochondriac with age.
“Take a deep breath, Liz.” Nate’s hand lands on my thigh, squeezing comfortably.
“I’m trying, Nate, but someone didn’t want to pee on me to ease the pain,” I grit out.
“Again with the peeing. That probably doesn’t even work.”
“It does,” I argue.
We pull into the parking lot in front of the practice, and I struggle to step out of his truck. Nate bends and carries me.
“What are you doing?”
“Making this easier for you.”
“Now you react to help me.”
“Lizzy,” he warns. “I’m not peeing on you.”
“Whatever.” I sigh, shaking my head.
He walks straight to the counter, and I groan when I see there are quite a few people here. Everyone looks at me, and embarrassment consumes me. I’m tempted to hide my face in Nate’s chest, but that might raise even more questions, starting with why our new deputy is carrying me while we’re both wet.
“Lizzy, are you okay?” Mrs. Williams, one of my mom’s friends asks with wide eyes.
“Uh, huh.”
“She got stung by a jellyfish,” Nate offers.
“Oh no, dear.” Her hand lands on her chest.
The woman sitting next to her frowns and looks at Mrs. Williams, both of them talking about how unfortunate it is to get stung but how lucky I am to have a strong man help me. Nate snickers upon hearing them, and I roll my eyes.
“This is going to feed your ego,” I whisper.
“I’m glad you’re back to joking. Honestly, how are you?” His eyes reflect concern.
“I’ve been better.” I try for a smile. “But I appreciate having a strong man help me,” I tease.
“You’ll be okay.”
“What’s going on, Lizzy?” the receptionist asks.
“I got stung by a jellyfish.” I frown. “Any chance Dr. Grant can see me?”
“Of course. Take a seat, and he’ll be with you as soon as he can.”
I thank her, and Nate walks us to a set of empty chairs. He carefully drops me on a seat before sitting down himself.
I take deep breaths, trying to keep my mind off the pain while Mrs. Williams sparks conversation.
“Deputy Moore is kind to take care of you,” she tells me.
“Mm-hmm.” I nod.