by Sable Hunter
“Attracting a skunk wasn’t part of the plan, dammit.” Clint was tired of evading the little creature. “To hell with it, I’m going after the flag. She can come with me or wait until I get back.”
“Hey, don’t leave me here with…” Jensen stepped out far enough to see what was going on. Clint had taken off for the red flag tied to a distant tree branch. “She’s coming after you!” she called, amused to see the skunk was running at a fast clip trying to catch up with the football player.
Standing on tiptoe, Jensen watched as he trotted down the steep hill to retrieve the flag. When he had the red bandana in hand, he held it up in victory. “Sorry, girl. I gotta run.” With a move straight off the football field, he evaded the amorous skunk, outrunning it up the hill. “Alright, let’s get out of here, retrace our steps, and claim our prize.”
“I’ve seen it all now.” Jensen fell in next to Clint, a smile still shining on her face.
“Yea, who knew skunks had such good taste.”
“Now, we know the type of woman you attract. Skunks and cheerleaders with great racks.”
“I’d rather attract a pretty doctor.” He cut his gaze toward her. “Besides, that cheerleader has nothing on you. You’re the one with the great…”
“Clint! Don’t!” She couldn’t stand to hear what he was about to say. “Don’t compare me with anyone else.” Her voice wavered.
He was startled to hear tears in her voice. “There is no comparison, Jensen.”
“Just…don’t.” She couldn’t bear to hear his compliments and could never tell him why.
“I’m not trying to be disagreeable; I’m just telling the truth.”
When Jensen looked over to give him a warning glance, her eyes widened with surprise. “Why just be disagreeable? With a little more effort you could be a real stinker…like your friend.”
When Clint glanced over his shoulder to see what Jensen saw – he sped up. “What the heck?” His striped admirer was gaining on him.
Chapter Seven
“Are we running to win the contest or because the skunk is still following us?” Jensen asked as she did her best to keep up with Clint. She felt a bit winded but refused to show any sign of weakness.
“Both.” Clint answered with a hint of amusement in his voice.
As they emerged from the woods, Clint held up the red flag. “Did we win?” he called out loudly.
Ten waved them on in. “You are the first to return. Congratulations.”
“What in the world?” Joseph exclaimed when he saw what was trailing along behind Clint and Jensen. “You’ve got a damn skunk on your tail.”
“Yea, it seems infatuated with Clint.” Jensen spoke up with a grin. “I don’t think there’s any danger, it hasn’t attempted to spray or bite.”
“Weird.” Ten eyed the animal with suspicion. “Should I get my gun?”
“No. No.” This protest came from Clint. “No need for that.”
“He’s right,” Beau announced as he stepped off the lodge porch. “No need for that. Hey, Bowie! Come here.”
Hearing his name called, Bowie Malone came hurrying from the parking area. “What’s up?” When he drew closer, his eyes sought out what everyone else was looking at. “Oh, what have we here? Hey, little one!”
To Jensen’s amazement, the big man approached the small animal and knelt down next to it. “Is that wise?” she couldn’t help but ask.
“I think so.” Digging into one of his pockets, he pulled out a few nuggets of some kind. “I have a menagerie at home – dogs, cats, goats, a pot-bellied pig and a camel or two. I always carry treats with me. Somebody, get me some water.”
Joseph stepped forward with a coffee cup. “Got any left in your canteen?” he asked Clint.
“Sure.” Clint filled up the cup, then handed it to Bowie. “Here you go.”
“If I’m not mistaken, this little girl used to be somebody’s pet.” While everyone held their breath, he picked the skunk up to let it sit on his knee.
“Holy moly,” Adam whispered as he and Zion approached the group cautiously. “Have you lost your mind, Malone?”
“My faculties are intact,” Bowie assured him. “She’s harmless. Her scent glands have been removed. Although, I don’t think she would’ve sprayed any of us either way.” When the small skunk jumped down, everyone watched with amusement as she made her way straight to Clint.
“I’ve always heard you’re known by the company you keep,” Jensen murmured with a smile. “I’m kidding, she’s cute. She reminds me of the skunk named Flower in the movie Bambi.”
“I can take her home with me.” Beau offered. “She can join my zoo.”
“No.” Clint announced abruptly. “She can stay with me. I don’t have a pet and I’ve been meaning to get one.”
Beau grinned. “Good man.” He pointed toward his truck. “I have a crate. We’ll fix her up a cozy spot until you’re ready to take the little lady to her new home.”
Jensen was surprised. Moving to stand by Clint, she looked up into his face. “Classy move, Wilder. I’m impressed.”
“What? You’re surprised I’m a nice guy?” Clint held out his hands to take the skunk from Bowie.
“No. I knew you were a nice guy.” She just hadn’t realized how nice.
“What am I going to call you?” Clint was surprised to find how small she was beneath all her thick fur. “How about Rose? Is that a good name?”
“It’s a fine name.” Jensen agreed as they moved toward the lodge.
“So, what’s our prize?” Clint asked as he tucked Rose against his side like he was carrying a football.
“Restaurant gift cards.” Joseph handed them both an envelope. “Don’t worry. You each have your own. You don’t have to share.” This comment was aimed at Jensen with a wink and a grin. “When you two are ready, lunch is set up in the lodge, buffet style.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I get my little buddy settled with a soft spot to rest and plenty of water,” Clint assured his cousin. “Save me a spot.” This directive was aimed at Jensen.
“Yea, sure.” For a few moments, she observed him as he met Beau at his truck. The Cajun took down a wire cage and together they made the little skunk comfortable. When she saw them take the carrier to rest beneath a shady oak, she decided to head on in for a bit of lunch.
Once she was in line with her plate, Jensen’s stomach rumbled. The food looked great. Large platters of brisket and ribs were lined up next to huge bowls of baked beans and potato salad.
“Jensen! Over here!”
Waving at Desiree, she grabbed a glass of tea, hurrying over to join the pretty lady. “Hey, this spread looks great.”
“Thanks.” She waved off the compliment. “Tanner loves to grill. The sides were easy…but the dessert is spectacular.” Pointing at a huge cobbler. “Dewberry. I picked them myself.”
“Oh, yum.” Jensen licked her lips. “I love to pick berries. I visited a farm in Salado a few days ago.”
“You need to come visit me.” Clint spoke up as he joined them. “There’s a huge berry patch behind my house. Some of them are this big.” He made an ‘o’ shape with his thumb and first finger to show the size.
Jensen didn’t know what to say. “You should pick them. I bet your mother would make you a pie.”
The thought made Clint laugh. “I love my mother. She has been my rock.” He looked between Jensen and Desiree, his eyes twinkling. “But she can’t bake worth beans. Her real talent is gardening. She can make anything grow.”
“From what Joseph tells us, she raised six wonderful children.”
Jensen couldn’t hide her smile. Tanner’s wife might be a star, but she was also a very kind person and being around Clint was a little different than she thought it would be. “How’s Rose?” she asked him.
“She’s got it made the shade,” was his answer.
“Is Rose one of your sisters?” Desiree asked as she wiped some BBQ sauce from the corner of her mouth with
a napkin.
“Ha!” Jensen giggled at the thought.
“No.” Clint pulled out his phone. “I just took this picture a few minutes ago. Rose is my new pet…” He handed his cell to Desiree. “Skunk.”
“Ah, it’s so cute!”
Jensen enjoyed watching Clint beam with pride at the woman’s praise.
“She was determined for me to notice her, wasn’t she, Jensen?”
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Jensen agreed. “She took one look at him and fell instantly in love.”
“Alas.” Clint winked at her. “I wish I had that effect on all the women in my life.”
“I bet you do.” Desiree stood to her feet to address everyone in the room. “Can I bring everybody some cobbler? How about ice cream?”
No one turned down her offer.
As Clint and Jensen ate their dessert, he couldn’t resist reaching over to wipe the corner of her kissable mouth. “Saving some for later?” He touched her soft skin to catch the tiny spot of ice cream, his breath catching in his throat when her soft pink tongue met his thumb.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Clint brought his thumb to his lips to lick the melted cream and the remnant of her touch. “Your taste is sweeter than any dessert could ever be.”
“Clint…”
When Jensen whispered his name in a soft moan, he almost forgot his own name.
“When everyone’s ready, it’s time to get started.”
Tanner’s announcement broke the dangerous spell for Jensen. She tore her gaze away from Clint’s and stood abruptly to her feet. “Finished?” Holding out her hand, she waited for him to hand her his empty bowl.
“Thanks.” He relinquished it, then rose to follow the rest of the participants from the room. “What’s next?”
“Basic SAR first-aid,” Beau informed them as he held the door open. “Dr. Mistretta, you should ace this portion of the program.”
“I should,” she agreed. “Although, I haven’t practiced general medicine since before my residency.”
As they filed into the area of the lodge reserved for their classes, Clint made it to the table before Jensen. As she drew near, he pulled out the chair for her. “Have a seat.”
“Thanks.” She eased into the chair, her hand going up to push her hair over her shoulder. He made her feel so vulnerable, yet so alive.
“My mother taught me good manners.” Settling in his own place, he pushed some hand-outs her way. “This should be exciting.”
“Yea, I’m sure it will be.” She was already excited, but her level of anticipation didn’t have anything to do with the upcoming topic.
Over the next hour, the men in charge introduced and demonstrated a number of first-aid procedures necessary for SAR certification. They learned how to conduct a patient assessment and check for vital signs. Bowie also introduced them to spine injury management, how to stop bleeding, and how to deal with fractures and dislocations. They were also instructed in the proper items to pack for a rescue, how to deal with frostbite or heat stroke, drug overdose, heart attacks, and diabetic shock. At the end of the session, they each put together a personal backpack full of the first-aid equipment and supplies. The bags included everything from Narcan, to insulin, to morphine. Jensen was surprised to see Clint taking copious notes. She took some too, more to occupy her mind than anything else.
When the time came for them to put some of what they learned into practice, she let Clint take the lead. They worked with specially designed simulator mannequins that could be used to illustrate any number of medical procedures.
“You’re doing very well,” she couldn’t help but compliment Clint when he managed to set the mannequin’s leg and correctly apply a splint.
“Thanks. That’s a compliment coming from you.” He stepped back to check out his handiwork.
“You’re welcome.”
“Okay. Attention everyone, it’s time for each team to deal with a medical emergency.” Beau walked around the room, pointing each duo to a simulated situation. When it came Jensen and Clint’s turn, they were escorted to a staged area behind the pavilion to find one of the high-tech mannequin’s dressed up to look like Joseph McCoy lying immobile on the ground, complete with faux snow. At his side was a pair of skis. “As you can see, there’s been an accident. The skier has sustained an injury, plus he’s been exposed to the elements for about twelve hours. You’ll find the gear you packed for your use at the scene. Clint, you are the leader for this round. Jensen, you are the support rescuer.” He grinned at them. “Be gentle. This is a fragile, elderly gentleman.”
“Elderly, my ass,” Joseph fussed from behind them. “That handsome mannequin is in his prime. Make sure he’s back on his rubber feet in no time.”
“Will do!” Clint felt a surge of excitement. “I’ll grab our packs, then we’ll do a scene survey and a patient assessment.”
Jensen didn’t mind his being in charge. If he skipped a step, however, she’d be ready to jump in and help out. Moving nearer to the scene, she could see one of the mannequin’s legs was lying at an odd angle. Kneeling down next to ‘him’, she checked his pulse. “Low. Fifty-four beats a minute. Wow, these patient simulators are crazy,” she muttered as Clint joined her. “They are a helluva lot more advanced than I remember them being in my day. These have a read-out for everything.”
“He’s unconscious. His leg is broken.” With a rush of exhilaration, Clint joined her in the evaluation. “In your day, old timer?”
“Yes. It’s been more than a few years since I worked with one of these things. Remember, I’m five years older than you.” When he didn’t react, she returned to the examination, encouraging him to look more closely. “What else do you see?”
“He has frostbite on two fingers.” He reached into his backpack and pulled out a warming blanket and proceeded to wrap it over the smart mannequin. “You don’t look five years older.”
“Oh, but I am. Older and wiser. Did you call for a helicopter?”
“I did, O Wise One. Will you help me apply the splint?”
“Of course.” With two working, the job was a fast one. Once it was done, Clint dug in his pack for battery operated gloves. “We can warm his hands with these to reduce the effect of the frostbite on the fingertips.”
“I’ll put them on,” Jensen offered, then proceeded to do so.
Clint kept checking the readouts on the mannequin to see what result their ministrations were having. “Something’s not right. Why is the victim still unconscious?”
“Hypothermia can cause loss of consciousness.” She checked the temperature readout. “I don’t think his body temp is low enough to explain his condition. Look, it’s 94 and he has on several layers of clothing. He didn’t get wet or anything.” She ran her gaze over the mannequin, trying to determine what they’d missed.
“Look.” Clint pointed as a silver glint on one wrist caught his eye. “Here’s our answer. A medical bracelet. The man’s diabetic. Type 1.”
“Good catch.” She praised him as he pressed the buttons on the panel to check for blood sugar.
“Let’s give him a dose of insulin.” No injection was given, of course, but touching the appropriate choice on the control panel quickly brought the victim’s vitals to an appropriate level and the mannequin’s eyes opened wide.
“Excellent. You saved poor old Jo.” Beau announced from a few feet behind them. “Good job.”
Clint was jubilant. Standing, he pulled Jensen to her feet and into his arms. “We did it, partner. We make a great team!”
For a few moments, Jensen allowed herself to cling to him. An overwhelming sense of rightness confused her. “Not too bad, I guess.” Feeling her own heart hammering in her chest, she slipped from his embrace before she needed medical attention herself.
* * *
Jensen was beside herself. “I expected to sleep in a cabin. Not in the woods with…” A man she was attracted to with every fiber of her being. “This is so
not fair.”
“What did you say?” Clint asked from a distance as he searched for the best place to set up their campsite.
“Nothing. I didn’t say a damn thing.”
“Sure. I believe you.” He surveyed the area, finding a flat area covered in pine straw. “How’s this spot?”
“Fine. Just fine.”
“Okay. I’ll put up the tents and gather wood for a fire. Could you pour Rose some fresh water?”
“Of course.” She mellowed at the thought of his concern for the skunk. “I’ll get the wood as soon as I’m finished.”
“Thanks.” He flashed her a bright smile. “As soon as we’re done, we’ll head to the cookout.”
Kneeling next to the cage, she filled the small bowl of water in the pet carrier. “Do you think she’ll be safe here until we get back?”
Clint thought for a moment. “I think I’ll let down the seat and put the cage in the truck while we’re gone.”
“Good idea. You’ll need to roll down a window, but the temperature is cool.”
“We won’t be gone that long.”
“No, we won’t,” she agreed.
In a few minutes, the camp site was set up and the skunk was safe in the pick-up with one of the window cracked open. “All ready?” he asked.
“I think so.” She pointed to the stack of wood she’d gathered. “Does the campfire look about right?”
“Yea, I don’t see anything wrong with it.” He indicated the tent with a nod of his head. “Everything’s in place for the night.”
For the first time, Jensen focused on the singular tent. “Why is there just one?”
Clint rubbed his chin. “I think it’s called a modular tent. Technically, there are two sleeping areas. They’re just connected under one roof, you know – just in case.”
“Just in case…what?” she asked, trying to keep her voice even.
Clint shrugged with a chuckle. “In case we have to monitor a patient…or who knows…you might get scared in the middle of the night. Tanner said there’s all kinds of things in these woods.”
“Like what?”
He looked around at the dense forest. “I don’t know. Bigfoot. Dogman. Mothman. Ghosts.”