Simon Forrester bent over to support Sienna Thornton, gently asking, "Where did you hit? Does it hurt? Did you hurt your leg?"
He asked three questions in a row, leaving Sienna Thornton unsure which to answer first, so she briefly replied, "I'm fine, just hit my back a little."
Simon Forrester's wide, warm hand then moved to her back, gently rubbing it to soothe her. Even though separated by two layers of clothing, Sienna Thornton felt that his gesture was more effective than any painkiller.
She braced herself on Simon Forrester's hand to stand up, pulling him aside and whispered, "I'm okay. But my mom is still in the ICU and won't come out any time soon. I need to stay here. You should go back to the car and rest, and leave for Brimfield at dawn."
"I'll stay with you," Simon Forrester reached out to hold her cold, stiff hand, "I brought you here, so I must make sure to get you back safely."
