Tall, Dark & Reckless

So she wasn’t necessarily the church picnic type.

“Where are you parked?” she asked as he wondered about her normal style.

“Faculty lot near the Burns building.”

“Where’s your class?”

“Burns building.”

“And where are your pain meds?”

He stopped and looked down at her, but instead was visualizing the orange plastic container in his gym bag.

Piper met his gaze. “I’m guessing you either didn’t fill the prescription because you don’t like the idea, or you left them at home or some other inconvenient place.”

She had him pegged. “They’re in my locker at the physical therapy center.” Which was several miles away. He could have used the campus facilities for his rehab, but didn’t want an audience when he worked out.

“Okay, then we will get you to the Burns building for your class and you will give me the key to your locker and I will get the meds.” She wasn’t asking; she was telling, step by no-nonsense step.

Mark didn’t like being told what to do and how to do it even if he agreed. “You should go back to the meeting.”

She glanced behind her. “It’s all over but the shouting. Literally. Now give me your key and I’ll drive to the PT center and get your pain medication.”

Need and pride warred within him.

Her expression never changed and she spoke in the same nursery-school teacher tone. “You wouldn’t need them if it wasn’t for me. If you don’t give me the chance to make it right, I’ll feel awful.”

“You are so lying.” He shook his head, grinning down at her. “You didn’t even try to sell that.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She batted her eyes.

“Your blatant attempt to let me save face. Thanks, anyway.” He looked at her a moment longer, and then grimaced. “I hurt. Help me to the Burns building, and then I’m taking you up on your offer to get my pills. When you get back, I don’t care if class has started or not. Walk right on up and hand them to me. I’ll make sure I have a bottle of water.”