Paige Cameron Read Free Page A

Payton. “Maybe she’s feeling guilty about pushing you down and wounding you. She must have left in a rush and forgot to call me.”
    Payton groaned. “I suppose that story is all over the ranch?”
    “Oh yes, it was too good not to be told. The mighty Payton taken down by a petite redhead.”
    “If I didn’t feel so…” A pain hit Payton, and he went down on his knees, grabbing his head. His vision blurred.
     
    * * * *
     
    Cody and Nick picked Payton up and put him in Nick’s car. “I’ll get him to the ER quickly.” Nick spun his car around and raced through the gate and toward the hospital.
    “I’m left behind again. But don’t worry.” Cody rubbed Payton’s horse’s neck. “I’ll get you back to the barn.” He talked to the two mares on the way back, trying to keep his fear regarding his best friend at bay. There were a lot of ways he could help protect Payton, but when it was medical, this was one battle Payton had to fight himself.
    He’d noticed Payton wince while they were riding to Averil’s place. He should have stopped and insisted they go see Dr. Jack right then. But he, like Payton, wanted to go to the ranch first, so he shrugged off his uneasy feelings. Guilt took hold of him and he couldn’t shake it.
    Cody rode faster toward the barn. Justin, one of the veterinarians, saw him rushing in with the horses.
    “You in a big hurry?” Justin walked over to him. His Labrador, Rusty, was at his side.
    “Nick took Payton back to the ER. I’m in a rush to get there.”
    “Go on. I’ll unsaddle and rub the mares down.”
    “Thanks.” Cody ran to where he’d parked his truck and jumped in. It was only a few miles to the ER, but he couldn’t get there fast enough.
    As soon as he walked into the lobby, the receptionist waved him on into the ER. Jack saw him and came to his side. “Stop a minute and get your breath. Payton’s in the second exam room. He’s unconscious. I don’t know why in the hell he went riding this morning. But I have to admit it would have happened eventually. The bouncing on his horse just sped up the process.”
    “What process? What’s the matter with Payton?” The smell of antiseptic and other unrecognizable odors filled Cody’s nostrils. He hated hospitals, always had, since his dad died here when Cody was ten. The smells brought back the fear, confusion, and the memory of his mother crying. He’d been so scared, not understanding what was happening, and then the man he loved and admired more than any other person was gone, for good.
    He’d met Payton when school started that next year, and they’d become fast friends. Now, the old fear clawed at his insides again.
    “Cody, are you all right?”
    “Fine. Tell me about Payton.”
    “Payton has a blood clot in his brain. He’ll need surgery right away. If he was a normal human he’d probably be dead, but our bodies have amazing healing abilities. He has a chance, although not the best.”
    Cody staggered back as though he’d been punched in the solar plexus. Jack grabbed his arm.
    “Steady. Sit.” He pushed Cody into a chair. “I know he’s your best friend and this is rough. I called his mother and father. They’re going to need your support.”
    “Right.” Cody straightened. “Can I see him?”
    “Sure, go on in. He might be able to hear your voice. Be positive.”
    Cody nodded, stood, and took long, brisk steps to exam room two. Payton lay on a stretcher. A nurse was keeping an eye on his vitals. He walked to Payton’s side and touched his shoulder.
    “Damn, man, you frightened me. But Dr. Jack said they’re going to fix that hard head of yours. It’ll be even harder when the surgery is done.” He swallowed around the tightness in his throat. “I’ll be here waiting with your folks. Help the doctors in surgery. You know they aren’t perfect. They can’t do it on their own.” Cody heard the clearing of a throat behind him and knew before he turned he’d put his foot in his