He tried to put the pieces together. “It doesn’t sound like another runner ran into you or a bicyclist. A car perhaps?”
She inhaled and stilled as if the pain was making it hard to think and talk. “Yes. A car. Or it could have been van. I didn’t really see it.”
“Okay.” His house came into view, and he pulled in the driveway. “Stay where you are.”
He jumped out and came over to her side. Even though she might complain, Benson lifted her up and carried her to the door. With some effort he was able to use the fingerprint scanner to open the door.
Benson set her down for a moment to nudged open the door and then lifted her up again.
“I can walk, you know.”
“Maybe you can, but let me carry you. I never should have let you go for a run by yourself.”
“Does that mean you’ll join me the next time?”
He just might have to if she was determined to go out again. “Right now, you need to rest.”
“I have to shower.”
She would feel better if she cleaned up. “Do you need help?”
Shit. He hadn’t meant to ask that. Images of her being naked caused his senses to shoot into high lust mode, and his teeth sharpened. While he couldn’t tell, he bet his beard had grown.
“I’m good, Benson. Besides, if I see you naked in the shower, no telling what might happen. Right now, I don’t think I’m quite up for that.”
“I understand. Get clean while I make us some breakfast.”
Since his cock was pressing hard against his jeans, Benson spun around and hurried to the kitchen. As soon as she reached the bedroom, he pulled out his phone and called Preston.
“Hard Body Gym.” It was Anna.
“It’s Benson. I need to speak with Preston. It’s very important.”
“He’s on the bench right now.”
“Interrupt him.” His roommate wouldn’t be upset once he learned that Ariel had been injured.
“I’ll let him know and then patch you through to his office.”
“Thanks.”
A minute later, Preston answered, a little out of breath. “What’s up?”
“Someone ran Ariel off the road.”
“Oh, fuck. How is she?”
“Dazed. She’s taking a shower right now.”
“I’m on my way home.” Preston disconnected.
While he waited for Preston to show up, Benson gathered the ingredients for the meal. Eating would be good for Ariel. He put on the coffee, scrambled the eggs, and placed a few slabs of bacon in the microwave.
When Ariel emerged from the back, her hair was wet, and she was limping.
“Come and sit down at the table, or do you need help?”
“I’m okay.”