Page 168 of My Fake Dating with the Grumpiest Highlander
“We need to stabilize the arm before moving him,” I say.
She nods.
“How can I help?”
“Hold his shoulder. Gently.”
She obeys immediately.
Our hands brush as I position the splint.
I focus on my patient.
Not on the warmth of her closeness.
Not on how naturally we work together.
I need to stay professional.
Detached.
“You’re gonna be okay, Dylan,” I assure him while securing the splint. “We’ll get you to the hospital for X-rays.”
“The Games…”
“Forget the Games this year. Your arm needs rest.”
Jamison appears with a phone pressed to his ear, already calling an ambulance.
I stay with Dylan until it arrives.
Mary stays too.
Neither of us speaks.
The ambulance finally leaves with Dylan and his wife.
The crowd disperses.
The sun begins sinking lower across the Highlands. The official Games begin tomorrow, but the excitement already hums through the air.
Mary stands a few feet away from me.
She opens her mouth to speak when Jamie suddenly appears.
“Mary, I need your help. One of the horses is injured.”
“I’m coming.”
She throws me one last glance before following the veterinarian away.
Maggie appears moments later, radiant smile firmly in place, followed by half a dozen McGregors if their tartans are anything to judge by.
“You did excellent work, Doctor!” she exclaims. “Dylan will recover thanks to you.”
I struggle to drag my eyes away from Mary disappearing into the crowd.
“It was just a fracture,” I mutter. “I didn’t do much.”
