Page 19 of Searching for Bristol
“Shhhh, you’re okay,” Rocky soothed. One of his large hands rubbed her back as she silently sobbed.
Bristol had no idea how long she’d been crying when she finally swallowed hard and tried to compose herself. She realized that Rocky hadn’t stopped murmuring to her the entire time. He was telling her how brave and strong she was. That the surgery was going to be a piece of cake and he wasn’t going to leave until she was discharged.
At that, she turned to look at him. “What?”
He seemed surprised she was speaking again. “What,what?” he asked.
“You can’t stay in Roanoke while I’m in the hospital,” she said.
“Why not?” he asked with a small tilt of his head. His hand moved to her lower thigh. He didn’t squeeze, didn’t move his fingers to inappropriate territory. It was just a heavy reminder that she wasn’t alone. Which Bristol needed after everything that she’d been through.
“Because,” she said. “You have a life. A job. Two jobs, actually. And we don’t know how long I’m going to be there. And you don’t have an overnight bag.”
“Actually I do,” he said calmly. “Packed one when I went home. And I work for myself. My clients will understand when I call to tell them why I need to reschedule. Ethan and the rest of the guys should be home from their camping trip tomorrow. And it doesn’t matter how long you’re going to be in the hospital—I’m staying.”
“I…thank you. I’m still amazed that you’re even driving me yourself.”
“You don’t have to thank me. You fascinate me, Bristol. And impress me. As I said before, you’ve remained positive about your entire situation. You could’ve been bitter, grumbling about your discomfort and badmouthing your friends who left you out there. But, other than a few comments while explaining what happened, you haven’t. You made an impression on Sandra, and that’s hard to do. But listen…if you don’twantme to stay, if you’re uncomfortable around me, then all you have to do is say so.”
“No!” she exclaimed a little too forcefully. “It’s not that. I’m just…scared.”
“Of what? Me?” Rocky asked.
“I’d never be afraid of you,” Bristol said honestly. “I’m just out of my comfort zone. I’ve never had surgery before. I’ve never been to Roanoke. I don’t know anyone there, and I don’t know what’s going to happen after the surgery. I’m guessing I won’t be able to walk for a while, so I also have no idea how that’s going to work when I’m home. Hell, I don’t even know how I’m going togethome. I keep to myself, I don’t have a lot of friends to help me when I get back to Kingsport. I can call my mom, but she lives out in California, and as much as I love her, she’d smother me and we’d want to kill each other within a few days. I’m just…I’m overwhelmed. You’ve already helped me so much. I have no idea why you’re going out of your way for a stranger. And…Raid warned me not to lead you on.”
“Shit. He did? I’ll have a talk with him,” Rocky said, his voice hard.
“No, please don’t. I think it’s wonderful that you have such good friends who will look out for you like that.”
Rocky sighed, then his hand tightened on her thigh for a moment before he spoke. “How about we take things one day at a time? Doc Snow said he didn’t think your surgery was going to be bad. He guessed you might be in the hospital a day or so, but then you’d be discharged. You’re right, you probably aren’t going to be able to be on that leg for a while. You could always stay in Fallport while you recuperate.”
Bristol blinked at him, frowning. “Fallport?”
“Yeah. Once you feel better, I could take you to Kingsport and we could get some things for you. You said you’re an artist, right? We could grab some of your materials. You can work on them in Virginia just as easily as you could in Tennessee. You said you don’t have a lot of friends in Kingsport. Well, you already know lots of people in Fallport. Sandra will hover, because that’s what she does. You know Khloe now, who seems especially concerned about you. I’m sure Lilly and Elsie will love to meet you and you’ll hit it off just fine. Tony, Elsie’s son, will also probably be happy to entertain you as well. He’s always looking for someone to read to him.
“Not to mention, the rest of the guys will want to meet you, because we’re always impressed by people who can hold their own in the woods. And you, Bristol, are at the top of the ‘hold your own’ heap. Hell, you would’ve rescued yourself if I hadn’t come along. Whatever happens after the surgery, I’ll help you figure it out and you’ll be just fine.”
Bristol’s head swam, and not just because of the painkillers. “Where would I stay?” she wondered quietly, more to herself than anything.
Rocky’s hand left her thigh and he put it back on the steering wheel. It was crazy, but she missed the comforting weight of his palm.
And if she wasn’t mistaken, the man next to her looked uncomfortable for the first time.
“Well, Elsie and Zeke just moved into a house, they’ve got a couple extra rooms. I know they wouldn’t mind you bunking with them until you can get around on your own. Whitney Crawford owns a kickass bed and breakfast. We’d have to see if she has any space between reservations, but that’s an option. The apartment Elsie was staying in near mine is empty at the moment, it hasn’t been re-rented, but I’m not sure you should be by yourself right off the bat. It’ll be hard for you to get around on your own. Sandra would probably love to have you, as well.”
He looked over at her for a long moment before turning his attention back to the road. Then he said nonchalantly, “And I’ve got an extra room in my apartment. It’s not the best, but it’s clean, and you can absolutely trust me. I’m not a half-bad cook, and if something happens, I’ve got plenty of first-aid experience. I’m basically a medic, but never got the official certifications after I left the Navy. You’d have your own space and the lighting is fairly good in my place when the curtains are open, so you could do your art stuff. I wouldn’t be around all the time because I’d be out doing my job, but if you needed something, any of the other women—hell, anyone in Fallport—would be more than willing to check in on you and help with anything you might need when I’m not there.”
Bristol had a feeling her mouth was hanging open, but she couldn’t help it. Had this man just invited her to stay with him? And maybe she was hearing things, but it sounded as if he was trying to make his apartment seem like the best option, as well.
She was even more surprised to realize she wasn’t opposed to the idea. The more he talked, the more ideal it seemed. Except for the fact that she’d literally just met this man. It was completely insane to think about moving in with someone she didn’t know. Yes, she was hurt, and would need some help at least for a little while, but still.
“Right. Too soon,” he said as if he could read her mind and her concerns. “All I’m saying is that there are plenty of people who’d be willing to help you after your surgery. You shouldn’t be alone. That’s just not safe. And the last thing you need to do right this second is worry. You’re going to be fine. The surgery is going to go well. Don’t be scared about anything, Punky. One thing at a time. All right?”
Shit. She was going to cry again. Bristol nodded and rested her head on the seat back behind her. “Thank you,” she whispered again. “For everything. I seriously have no idea what I would’ve done if you hadn’t found me.”
She wasn’t surprised when he shrugged off her thanks. “You would’ve made it, Punky. I have no doubt.”
This man. She’d never met anyone like him. Generous, selfless, gorgeous, and he seemed to have absolutely no idea how appealing he was. “I’ve got money,” she blurted.
