“Or you can call Ted,” Beth suggested. “I don’t want them getting the wrong idea.”
The last time the police had come to Wes’s front door had been in response to his frantic 911 call about his parents. Beth didn’t want him worrying unnecessarily about her or freaking out if Nate suddenly appeared on the doorstep.
“I’ll see if Ted’s around.”
“Thank you,” Beth said gratefully. “If Conner is feeling well enough to travel tomorrow, should I bring him to see you, Dr. Tio?”
The doctor chuckled. “Good luck getting that man to come anywhere near me, but if you can persuade him to come in, I’d definitely like to check him over.”
“What if he won’t come with me?” Beth asked.
“Then you just leave him there and go home. Dr. Tio and I will keep an eye on him,” Nate said firmly. “You’ve already gone over and above.”
“Okay.” Beth eyed the cabin and considered its obstinate occupant. “I’ll do my best.”
She ended the conversation and walked slowly back down the slope, enjoying the hint of a breeze rustling through the dried-up grass. If she wanted something to do to keep her away from Conner’s grumpiness, she could always wash the sheets. It was so hot they’d probably be dry by morning.
She reentered the cabin and stopped dead. He’d somehow managed to get himself into the chair, dressed himself, and was looking right at her. She fixed a bright smile on her face.
“Good, you’re up!”
“I couldn’t manage to get the sheets off,” he said gruffly.
“That’s fine.” She dealt with them and eyed the mattress. “If you’re okay sitting up for a bit, I’ll let the bed air out before I put the new sheets on.”
“Is it that bad?” He grimaced. “I lost my sense of smell a long time ago, which is probably why I didn’t notice my leg wasn’t doing too well.”
Beth went into the kitchen and set the radio down on the wooden countertop. Was that the first time he’d actually admitted he might have been at fault for not asking for help earlier? Maybe he was thawing toward her a little.
“When did you lose your sense of smell?” she asked.
His expression closed in again. “Some kind of explosion.”
Yikes, so much for him easing up. Beth turned her back and opened the newly stocked cupboard. “What would you like to eat?”
“I’m not hungry.”
Her shoulders dropped. He was sounding more and more like Mikey every second. If he wanted to be salty, she’d treat him like a sulky teenager and tell it to him straight.
“It’s too hot for soup, so you can either have eggs, or some kind of sandwich. Which would you prefer?”
While she waited for him to get over himself, she checked out the small refrigerator and made some more coffee, her indignation rising. If he couldn’t be bothered to reply, she’d make her own damn sandwich and leave him to get something for himself.
She grabbed a can of tuna and a jar of mayo and found the loaf of bread she’d brought with her from Maureen’s. There was also fresh lettuce and tomatoes from Victor’s organic farm. She hummed as if she didn’t have a care in the world as she constructed her sandwich. If he didn’t want to talk to her, so be it. She was done rushing around trying to make the men in her life comfortable.
Eventually, he cleared his throat.
“I’m not trying to be rude, here, Beth, but shouldn’t you be getting back? It’ll be dark before you know it.”
She sat at the small table with her plate and mug. “I’m fine, thanks.”
“I mean, I appreciate you coming out here, but—”
“No, you don’t.” She raised her head and looked him right in the eye. “You couldn’t have made that any clearer if you’d tried.”
He shoved a hand through his hair. “Look, I’m not at my best right now, and I probably could’ve been nicer, okay?”
Beth snorted and returned her attention to her sandwich and her cell phone. “Let me know when you’re ready to eat and I’ll make you something.”
“I’m not—” He inhaled slowly and shook his head. “I’ll make my own sandwich when you’re gone.”
“Oh, I’m not going anywhere.” Beth offered him her sunniest smile.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Conner growled.
“I’ve already spoken to Dr. Tio. He said to keep an eye on you overnight and to check in with him tomorrow morning.”
He stared at her like she’d grown another head and slowly rose to his feet. She set her mug down and