down two blocks, and turn left on Cherry Street, and I’m sorry I was so defensive.”
Duke sighed. “I’m sorry, too. I seem to have a propensity for saying the wrong thing to women.”
Then he drove out onto Main and followed her directions all the way to the left turn onto Cherry Street.
“Which house?” he asked.
“The small blue one with the white front porch. I’m renting from Dan Amos.”
“Nice,” Duke said, and then added, “Dan was actually in the ER when you were. I saw him come in with a bloody hand, and then his wife came in a few minutes later. On-the-job injury, I suppose.”
Cathy frowned. “Oh no. I hope it’s not serious. He seems like a really nice man. Very helpful in finding me a place to stay for the winter.”
Duke felt a moment of regret, and then disappointment. “So you’re only passing through?”
She was silent for a few seconds before she answered. “I honestly don’t know where I’m going. I just know where I don’t want to be.”
The lack of emotion in her voice was more telling than what she’d said. Duke wanted to know more, but he was already pulling up the drive. He parked beneath the empty carport, then got out and circled the truck to open her door.
Cathy had already unbuckled herself and dug the house key from her pocket when the door swung open.
“One more time?” he asked.
Cathy’s lips twitched. “Now you’re asking permission? Just do your thing, big man. I am so over this morning jog.”
Duke grinned, then picked her up from where she was sitting, settled her more firmly into his grasp, and pushed the door shut with his elbow as they passed.
“I have the door key,” she said as they started up the steps. “Now that we’re on the porch, I can make it from here.”
Duke put her down easy and held out his hand. “No, ma’am. I don’t do anything halfway. My job isn’t over here until I know you’re safe inside and settled.”
She sighed, then dropped the key in his outstretched hand.
Moments later, she was back in his arms and he was carrying her across the threshold.
“Where to? The recliner, or your bedroom?”
Cathy though about the shower she always took after a run, but right now, even if she unwrapped her ankle, standing up on it was too painful to think about.
“I think the recliner for now.”
Duke settled her into the chair, looked around, trying to figure out how she was going to manage on her own.
“Do you have anything to make an ice pack?” he asked.
Cathy smiled at him. “Duke Talbot, you have been a godsend, and if I have offended you today, my sincere apologies. I have this chip on my shoulder I’ve been trying to dislodge for some time now, but you are officially relieved of further duty. I’ll figure it out,” Cathy said.
Duke didn’t like the situation. There were too many chances for more problems here.
“I’m sorry, but this is the older brother in me not wanting to leave someone in need. Do me one favor and don’t lock the door. I’m going to the pharmacy to pick up a couple of cold packs. The swelling on your ankle will go down a lot faster if you use them. It won’t take me long, and then I promise I’ll leave you alone.”
He was gone before she could argue, and Cathy was hurting too much to care. She raised the footrest, then leaned back in the recliner and closed her eyes.
* * *
Duke was on a mission. It bothered him that Cathy was alone in this place. No friends, no vehicle, no job, just here with no plan or purpose. He drove straight to the pharmacy.
LilyAnn looked up when she saw him walking in and smiled.
“Forget something?”
“Not exactly,” he said. “I need a couple of those gel packs that you freeze for ice packs, and a tube of that icy-hot stuff for sore muscles, and a bottle of painkillers. I also need to rent one of those rolling walkers…you know, the kind with a seat and a basket beneath it.”
“That’s all back in the pharmacy area. Let’s go see what we have available.”
Duke followed her. Mr. Phillips, the pharmacist, was behind the counter, and when he saw them looking at crutches and walkers, he came out to help.
“Exactly what are you needing, Duke? And do you want to buy or rent?”
“Rent,” Duke said. “It’s an injury that will heal. I want one of the walkers that