Second Chance Hero by Winnie Griggs Read Free Book Online

very kind of you. But—”
    How did he expect to go anywhere without help? “The only place you’re going is to our infirmary.” She could see another protest forming on his lips so she tried again. “You need to listen to my uncle. With that knot on your head, someone should keep an eye on you, at least for the next twenty-four hours, and since you live alone, this is the best place for you. Besides, I believe you live in an apartment above your shop, is that correct?”
    â€œYes, but—”
    Uncle Grover joined the debate. “Even if you
could
make that climb to the second floor—” his tone made it clear that was doubtful “—it’s not something you should be doing right now, not in your condition.”
    Verity saw Mr. Cooper’s jaw tighten at the phrase “in your condition.”
    â€œIf need be I can bunk downstairs in the shop for a few days.”
    â€œYoung man, now you’re just being stubborn.”
    â€œBesides,” Verity added, “we have a nice comfortable bed right through there.” She waved to a door in the far wall.
    â€œIt’s just a sprained ankle. I’m not some sickly bed patient.”
    So his irritation stemmed from a bit of male pride. “Of course you’re not. We just want to make certain we take good care of you. Besides, meals are provided, and I promise you Aunt Betty’s cooking is something to look forward to. She has a pot of chicken and dumplings on the stove for lunch today.”
    Without giving their patient a chance to argue further, Uncle Grover turned to Verity and nodded to one of the cabinets. “Please fetch Mr. Cooper something more comfortable to wear while I prepare a draught for him. Then you’ll need to step out so he can change.”
    â€œThere’s nothing wrong with the clothes I have on.”
    Was the man going to fight them every step of the way?
    â€œI was being polite,” Uncle Grover said. “Your shirt is now rags and the rest of your clothing is the worse for wear and, not to put too fine a point on it, filthy. For the sake of your health, and my niece’s and wife’s sensibilities, you need to change. There’s a clean nightshirt we keep here just for such circumstances.”
    Verity hid a grin. Uncle Grover wasn’t averse to using a bit of blackmail to get his way, especially when he felt it was for his patient’s own good.
    She placed a clean nightshirt on the table beside Mr. Cooper, then collected the soiled bandages and his discarded shirt and moved to the door. “I’ll take care of these and let Aunt Betty know we’ll have an occupant in the infirmary.”
    Uncle Grover nodded absently. “Thank you, my dear.”
    With a breezy smile for the still-glaring Mr. Cooper, she sailed out the door and closed it behind her.
    She had to admit, she was pleased by the idea that Mr. Cooper would be under their roof a bit longer. It would give her an opportunity to get to know him better. Because she felt that the two of them were linked now in some intangible but very real way.
    Partly because he’d saved her daughter’s life.
    And partly because she felt that little tug of attraction whenever she was around him.
    * * *
    Nate swallowed down the unpleasant-tasting draught Dr. Pratt handed him without a word, but refused the man’s offer to help him change clothes. After the doctor made his exit, Nate frowned at the oversize nightshirt. This day had certainly taken an unexpected turn. It wasn’t a very auspicious milestone on the road to his fresh start.
    Then again, it hadn’t been all bad. Getting to know Mrs. Leggett better certainly hadn’t been an unpleasant experience. Of course, she seemed to think of him as either a patient or hero, neither of which sat well with him.
    Best not to think on how he wanted her to think of him, though. With a huff of frustration, he snatched up the