Page 55 of Guarding Glenda

Rolling my eyes, I finally looked over at him. “My fire dance?” I asked with a grin.

“Your dimples are adorable, you know that?”

“Oh my God, stop.” I covered my face with my free hand.

“No can do. So, the fire?”

Sighing, I said, “It was Reggie’s stuff. He was practically a fever dream. Or a nightmare.” Looking back out the window, I blew out a heavy breath. “It’s like I finally woke up. It’s embarrassing, really.”

He squeezed my hand. “Hey, it’s not your fault. Honestly, I feel like some of it’s mine.”

His jaw ticked as he stared ahead at the road. I unbuckled and scooted to the middle seat, pulling the lap belt over clicking it into place. “I don’t want you to do that. I was fucked up already. You thought you were protecting me. And it’s out now. It’s done. Okay?”

“Tell you what. I’ll stop blaming myself when you stop blaming yourself.”

This man was as stubborn as I was. “Moving on.”

“Did you call that doctor to schedule an appointment?” he asked.

“Not yet. Been a weird day and a half.”

“If we get back before five, you’ll call.”

“Okay, bossy ass.”

“You’ll have to get used to that, too,” he said.

“Ha. Look. I know I’ve been out of it, but I’m not a pushover.” That was dumb. I sort of had been when it came to Reggie. Not actually a pushover such much as blissfully ignorant, even though a lot was in my face. My mind chose not to see it. But I wouldn’t make that mistake again. Definitely had to call Dr. Stanley so I could make sure I was able to stay in control.

“I’m not gonna put you in harm's way, and I won’t hurt you. But I will make you take care of yourself.” He let my hand go and put his arm over my shoulders, very gingerly. “I’m glad you’re feeling better, but you know you still have a long road ahead.”

“I know. And a lot of shit is coming back to me, so I definitely need to unpack it. But don’t think you can just tell me what to do all the time.”

“Wouldn’t dare.”

We finally arrived at the clinic and the parking lot was pretty full. “They seem busy. Maybe we should schedule an appointment.”

He parked and said, “They usually fit us in.”

He climbed out, still slowly, and came around to open my door. “Are you alright?”

He nodded. “I’m great. Let’s go get your name down. Hopefully they can squeeze you in.”

I was anxious to get cleared. At least to ride. Maybe do some light work. I was starting to go stir crazy and he had been away from the club long enough. I may be staying with him but I could still go work at the clubhouse. A routine and being around other people was always good to keep my mind from spiraling. Plus, I wanted to ask Sam something in private.

We signed in but before we could sit, the side door opened and a nurse called us back. “Hey sweetie. You’re looking much better than last time I saw you,” the woman said. Her chestnut hair was pulled into a high ponytail and her scrubs had little cartoon ducks on them.

She took me to an open room to take my vitals and weight. Her brown eyes were warm as she smiled while she put the blood pressure cuff on my arm. “You sure gave us a scare. Put this under your tongue,” she said as she put the thermometer in my mouth.

The cuff on my arm filled with air and the machine beeped. She pricked my finger for a sample then bandaged it. “Anything to report?”

“Nope. Feeling pretty good actually. Hoping to be cleared.”

Leigh cleared his throat. “I need to see Sam alone, too.”

The nurse raised her brow. “Well, sit tight. I’ll have to get your file. I’ll come back for you once I get her settled. Glenda, honey, we’re all done here. If you’ll follow me.”

I stood up and he moved so we could pass.