Ridge by Em Petrova Page A

added. A sudden tension rose up, and Kashley pivoted in time to see a strange look pass between West and the doctor.
    A slight smile appeared on Dr. Bullers’ lips as she trained her gaze on Ridge. Kashley sensed a kindred spirit. She’d definitely dealt with more than one ornery cowboy. But what had just transpired between her and West? Oh well, it wasn’t her business.
    Ridge hopped onto the table and winced as he tried to straighten his leg. But it was clear that letting it dangle hurt too.
    Kashley drew her brows together as she looked on. “He’s been having some problems with this knee for a while, but he landed on it.”
    “I can see it’s swelling through your jeans. Do you think you can manage to get them off? Maybe with some help?” Dr. Bullers looked to Kashley, and she nodded.
    Ridge slanted a look at Kashley, and a shiver of want ran through her. That definitely wasn’t a platonic help-me-get-my-pants-off-for-the-doctor look. It was a there’s-no-stopping-me-if-I’m-not-wearing-pants look.
    “I’ll give you some privacy.” Dr. Bullers nodded to West, who flushed, and they left with the silent nurse.
    The instant they were gone, Ridge let Kashley see the pain on his face, and all sexy thoughts fled.
    “Oh Ridge. Is it bad?”
    “I think I can manage with a few painkillers and icing it tonight.”
    “You’re going to have to admit this needs more than some ice.”
    They stared at each other for a long heartbeat. Finally, his pain must have won out. “Help me with my jeans, would you?”
    He unbuckled them and pushed them down his hips. When he got to his thighs, she took over, easing the denim over his knees to puddle on his boots. Using his arms, he levered himself onto the table again.
    “Fuck, it looks bad,” he ground out.
    “I bet it feels bad.”
    “Worse. Dammit.”
    “Are you ready?” Dr. Bullers asked from behind the curtain, and Kashley replied they were.
    The doctor began her examination. Asking him how long the knee had been bothering him and if he’d felt anything snap or crack during his fall. He hadn’t, which was a good sign, but Dr. Bullers didn’t look convinced that he’d be finishing out the event.
    She stood back and folded her arms over her chest. “I definitely think you have some strain in this knee, but my years working with rodeo guys tells me you might have a tear. I can give you some names of top sports surgeons—”
    Ridge grunted before she finished and dropped off the table onto his good leg. Then he bent and yanked his jeans back up. “No surgeons. No knives. I have broncs to ride, and I’m not slowing down, Doc. Now bind my knee and give me some ibuprofen.”
    The doctor looked to Kashley for help, but she didn’t think she’d be able to budge the stubborn man either. Finally, she nodded, and the nurse started locating drawers on a cart, coming out with a fat roll of stretchy bandage.
    Ridge sat again for her to wrap his knee, and Kashley watched closely to remember how it was done.
    “Ice, elevate and these anti-inflammatory pills taken three times a day with food. Rest the knee. And consult a surgeon,” Dr. Bullers said. “Good luck, cowboy.”
    He set his lips into a fine line, avoiding Kashley’s stare. But the minute they were alone, his gaze landed on hers, allowing her to see the torment he was feeling.
    She moved close and put her arms around him. “It’s going to be okay. I’m not going to say that I agree with the doctor, because you’re going to do what you want.”
    He snorted. “At least someone understands me.”
    Her heart lifted at his words, but she resisted throwing herself at him more. He had enough going on in his life, and she didn’t know if she was a distraction or a complication right now. She leaned toward the latter.
    When he wrapped an arm around her back and fitted her under his chin, she couldn’t help but hope again. “Thanks for being here for me, Kash. Let’s get back to the room and find that ice,