Destined (The Rangers of Ridge County #1)

Chapter Forty-Six

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

MILLIE

“ E verything’s healing nicely,” the doctor said as he held up my x-rays. I let go of the breath I was holding and grinned at the older man, relief sweeping through me. He was dressed in tan checkered slacks and a burgundy bowtie peeked out from his buttoned up lab coat.

“I’ve felt closer to normal for the past week or so and might have tested some of my boundaries,” I admitted sheepishly.

It finally felt as if I’d turned a curve in my road to recovery, and I was ecstatic because it no longer hurt to do everyday tasks like taking a shower or brushing my hair.

Much to Emmett’s dismay, I’d ditched the sling all together. It was cumbersome and unnecessary at this point.

I really pushed my luck earlier, though—demanding to drive here today. He tried to say no, but I kissed him into silent submission.

Definitely keeping that tactic tucked away for later.

He insisted on tagging along for the appointment, but Dorothy called with something that sent him rushing back to the department before I was called back to an exam room.

“I don’t see any reason why you should continue to restrict your activities, Ms. Rushing,” he instructed while using a handheld device to review my chart. “Though, you should avoid anything that could lead to another head injury. Please keep in mind there are some long-term side effects of severe concussions like the one you experienced—memory loss, headaches, and dizziness just to name a few.”

“All right…no dare-deviling or extreme sporting,” I joked. “What about sex?” I added, fidgeting with the fabric of my dress.

“As long as it’s neither of the two, you’re fine to have intercourse,” he relayed. I expected stunned silence or a shocked expression, but he just continued typing. “Would you like to discuss birth control?”

Pushing through the clinic’s door, I was greeted by gray skies that looked heavy with rain. Though I wouldn’t let it damper my day. Pulling my brand new phone from my purse, I brought up my group thread with the girls.

Millie:

Anyone up for a celebratory lunch?

This was their busiest time of day, so I knew it’d have to be a late lunch. Maybe I’d grab some pizza then head over when their rush slowed.

Which left me with plenty of time to take Emmett lunch, too. He’d guzzled a cup of black coffee for breakfast this morning, so I was certain he would be hungry by now. Maybe he’d want pizza, too. I couldn’t wait to tell him the good news as well. Maybe we could continue what we started a few nights ago. It’d been hard to think of much else since then.

Two new messages came through, snatching me from my thoughts.

Rory:

You know I am!

Greer:

Celebrating what?

Sunshine and skepticism.

Millie:

Just finished up at the doctor. No more sling!

I wove through the cars, hitting the unlock button on my key fob. Engulfed in our conversation, I didn’t spot the figure moving toward me until it was too late—our shoulders colliding, knocking me off balance.

“I’m so sorry,” I yelped, looking up into empty eyes.

I shivered as Dustin Bennett took a few steps back, his gaze hollow as it bounced around—never actually focusing on anything and landing on me only for a brief moment. “Are you all right?” I asked, concerned. He cocked his head and stared at something to the side of where we stood.

After a lengthy, awkward silence, he asked, “Is that your car?”

My eyes followed the path of his gaze—landing on my vehicle.

And there, in the middle of the parking lot, it sat, tires slashed and vandalized with spray paint. My vision tunneled, zeroing in on the fresh cut rose laying on my hood.

A scream ripped through me as I read the threatening words sprayed beside it—the paint’s blood red shade matching the flower perfectly.

You’re mine .