“I hope this won't discourage you from recommending us,” he said, releasing my head.
“Well, I certainly wasn't intending to test out your medical services, but it is n
ice knowing there is a full-time doctor on staff here.” I glanced up toward the injury even though I knew I wouldn't be able to see it. It didn't hurt quite so much, but I was ready to kill for a couple of Tylenol.
Dr. James took off his gloves and rummaged around in a cabinet, his voice slightly muffled as he reached for something deep in its recesses. “It's the best pseudo-retirement I could think of. The hours are great, I get to surf, but I still get to practice.”
“This place does seem pretty amazing,” I replied. “Am I going to need stitches?”
“Nope. It looks like you were actually pretty lucky. You definitely have a concussion, but at least the cut on your head is fairly superficial. I'm just going to clean it up and you'll be good to go.” He smiled and set out some supplies on the counter before putting on a clean pair of gloves.
“Really?” I looked down at the blood-soaked gauze in the trash. I thought that looked like a lot of blood.
“Head wounds tend to bleed a lot, but it's already stopped. The cut isn't deep enough to warrant stitches.” He gently began cleaning the wound. “It's just under your hairline, but you probably won't even get a scar out of it.”
“That's good,” I said, wincing as he pressed down on the wound.
“I'll tell your admirers outside this as well, but no napping today. I also want someone to come and check on you a couple of times tonight and make sure you're able to wake up and answer questions.” He pulled back and inspected his handiwork. “If you'd like, I can arrange it with the hotel staff.”
“No naps? But I'm exhausted,” I whined.
“You just smashed your brain hard enough to make you black out. We want to make sure that there isn't more damaged than we suspect. Another loss of consciousness would be very bad, and if you're napping, we'd miss it,” he said sternly. “Also, I want you to take it easy for the next few days. No more jet-skiing this trip. And, unfortunately, no alcohol for a few days either. If your headache doesn't go away, gets worse, or you start feeling strange, come see me immediately.”
“Okay,” I answered. “I'll be good.”
Dr. James smiled and patted my shoulder. “I'll give you a packet with all the instructions. It'll have all the things you need to do, like see your regular doctor when you get home, and warning signs and such.”
I nodded and he gave me his hand to help me off the exam table. Together, we headed out to the waiting room. Logan and Tyler both stood as we came out. The nurse handed Dr. James a printed sheet of instructions which he then gave me.
“She's good to go, guys. Keep an eye on her, though. Don't let her nap today and she'll need someone to check on her tonight,” Dr. James told my visitors.
“Yes, sir,” Tyler said quickly. He had some color back in his face and a soda in his hand. By the way he was making sure I stayed close to him, though, he was going to be a little protective of me for a while. I loved that he was concerned and that I now had a pint-sized protector.
“Not a problem, doctor. I'll make sure she's woken up myself,” Logan said, shaking the doctor's hand.
“No, you won't,” I said vehemently. There was no way Logan Hayes would be coming in my bedroom to wake me up during the night. There was no way he was getting in my bedroom again, period. The doctor's eyebrows went up into his hair as he looked back and forth between us.
“What I mean is,” I explained, trying to keep calm. The doctor didn't need to know about my hatred for the man who apparently saved me. “I'll have the hotel staff do it. No reason for you to lose sleep.”
“As you wish,” Logan conceded. He flashed me his most charming smile, one that said he thought he was going to change my mind. I nearly smacked him. If the doctor and nurse hadn't been looking at us like I might be crazy, I would have.
“Thank you, Dr. James,” I said, turning to shake his hand a final time. “I appreciate your help. I should go get ready for dinner.”
His grip was strong on mine as his eyebrows returned to their rightful places on his face. “Keep that cut clean and come see me if you have any questions.”
“I will. Thank you.” I put my hand on Tyler's shoulder and nudged him toward the door. He smiled back at the doctor, and the two of us headed out the door with Logan trailing right behind.
Chapter 7
The three of us walked quietly along the manicured path back to the main building. The wind had picked up, but it was still warm as the sun prepared to dip her toes into the ocean below. I couldn't believe the day was almost over. With all the excitement, I had completely lost track of time.
“Are you going to the welcome banquet tonight?” Logan asked as we rounded one of the resort pools. No one was swimming, but the water rippled gently in the breeze as we passed.
“Yes,” I replied hesitantly. I had already planned on going with Tyler and Maddy, but the idea of him being there made me a little queasy. Despite all Logan’s help today, I still didn't trust him. Once burned, twice shy. I wasn't about to let him ruin me again, even if he did save me from drowning.
“I'll see you there, then,” he said with a grin. “Take care of her, Tyler.”
Tyler nodded, tightening his grip around my arm, which was still draped over his shoulder, even though I was perfectly capable of walking on my own. “You got it. See you tonight, Logan.”