trapped in a car with him for five hours than she had in the past five months. She hoped they wouldn’t be spending much time together.
“I’ll help you over the bridge.”
Katie felt her temper snap. “Because I’m a woman? Because you think my DNA makes me less capable of walking than you? I’ll have you know I graduated top of my class from the best medical school in London. I average twenty thousand steps a day, on a quiet day, and I’ve managed to stay upright for all of them.”
“I believe you, but that doesn’t mean you have the right—”
“The right what? I can assure you I have everything I need.” She hauled her suitcase over the snow and realized right away that this wasn’t as easy as she’d thought it would be. For a start, the surface wasn’t smooth. The path had obviously been cleared earlier but another layer of snow had fallen since then and it was slick and icy. Still, at least the creek was frozen so if she fell in she wasn’t going to drown.
As she hauled her case, she started to sweat. And she still had to carry it up those charming, but frighteningly twisty stairs to the front door. To make it worse Jordan was watching, which meant that if she fell her pride would be broken along with her bones.
Why didn’t the man leave?
When she reached the bridge she felt her feet start to slither and grabbed for the handrail, but it was buried under a pile of snow. Her legs went from under her and she was wondering if Jordan was the type to say I told you so, when strong arms grabbed her and held her firmly.
“I was trying to tell you that you didn’t have the right footwear. You’re mad at me, I get it, but take my help now and be mad at me later.” Jordan’s voice was in her ear, deep and steady. It should have made her feel safe, but somehow it didn’t. She’d never needed anyone before and she didn’t want to need anyone now, not even to help negotiate an icy slope. She needed some evidence that she was still the same person she’d always been. Competent. Independent.
“I slipped on purpose, to give you a chance to rescue me and then feel good about yourself.” It was because she was locked against hard muscle that she felt him laugh.
“I knew there was a sense of humor buried in there somewhere. And you’re right, of course. I can’t sleep at night unless I’ve rescued at least ten trees and five maidens in distress during the course of my working day.”
There was something about his solid strength that was annoyingly comforting. “Do I seem in distress to you?”
“Yes, although I doubt that had much to do with the ice and I know you won’t thank me for noticing.” His voice softened. “Let go of the suitcase and put your arms around my neck, Katie.” The way he said her name sent tingles up and down her spine.
“I will not be putting my arms round your neck now, or at any other time, unless it’s to strangle you.”
“In that case—” He let her go. Immediately her feet slithered. She grabbed at the front of his coat.
“Damn.”
His eyes gleamed. “You know, it’s all right to accept a little help from someone once in a while.”
The occupational health doctor had said the same thing. “I do not need help.”
“You have romantic intentions?”
“Excuse me?”
“There has to be a reason you’re locked on to the front of my coat. If it’s not because you need help, then it must be because you’re about to kiss me. Or maybe you’re waiting for me to kiss you.”
“I’m not the waiting type, Mr. Tree-Doctor. If I wanted to kiss you, I’d have already kissed you.” What would he do if she did? And why was she having thoughts like that? Desperation, maybe. It had been almost six months since she’d kissed a man, and the attraction had been nowhere near as powerful as it was between herself and Jordan. “I need a solid object to grab on to, that’s all.” She gasped as he swept her up and slung her over his shoulder in a fireman’s lift. “What are you doing?”
“Giving you the help you won’t ask for. My duty as best man is to look after the groom. If the bride’s sister breaks both her legs, that’s going to hold up the wedding. Also,