For the Love of Anna (The Town of Pearl 1)

She stared at him and pulled the covers to her chest as the cool morning air replaced his warm body.

“I swear I didn’t touch you, Anna. I wouldn’t do that.”

“I know,” she whispered, but something told her that he didn’t feel the same attraction that she did. She was inexperienced and insecure. He looked at her like he wanted to get as far away from her as possible. He was a doctor, and staying there with her was just him having a good bedside manner.

“I’m gonna head out. I need a shower and to check on the animals. My brother Wyatt is going to call Doc Jones. I want those ribs of yours x-rayed to make sure they’re not broken and him to check you over.”

“Who’s Wyatt?” she asked.

“The sheriff, and my brother.”

She nearly missed the “my brother” part because of the sheriff title.

She pulled the sheets tighter against her chest, shaking her head.

“No sheriff. No police.”

Charlie walked back over to the bed and stared down at her.

“We need to get you checked out so I can help you. My brother will protect you just like the rest of us.”

“I won’t talk about what happened. You can’t make me.”

He sighed, then placed his hands in his pockets as if the conversation was too uncomfortable for him.

She closed her eyes.

“He’ll be here by ten. I’ll have Stacy help you, and she can go with you, too.”

Anna wouldn’t look at him, and as she closed her eyes tighter, she heard him exit the room.

Chapter 5

Taking a shower had been hell. Stacy had filled her in on the night she’d had, and Anna was utterly embarrassed. Thank god no one was in the kitchen by the time she and Stacy came down for breakfast. She made Stacy call Wyatt and tell him that she would bring Anna to the doctor. It took some convincing but worked.

They made their way out to the truck, and Anna quickly put the large sunglasses on to cover her bruises. Stepping up and into the truck took a great deal of effort due to the pain in her ribs. She prayed they weren’t broken. She just wanted to heal and forget.

The ride was quiet and peaceful. Stacy didn’t push more just drove into town.

When they arrived at the doctor’s office, it wasn’t crowded, so Dr. Jones saw her right away.

“Do you want me to come in with you?” Stacy asked.

Anna shook her head. She was a grown woman. She handled every obstacle and sucky thing that had occurred in her life because she was strong not weak. She wasn’t going to be weak now.

She put on the yellow examination gown, surprised at the bright, nontraditional color. When she finally met Dr. Jones, he was cheerful and friendly just like the color of the gown and the decorations in the room. She w

as in a room with tropical colors and images of a beach scene. It was relaxing.

“Hello, Anna, I’m Dr. Jones.”

Anna shook his hand as he took in the sight of her bruises. He smiled kindly, and Anna got the sense that he was a nice man. He talked to her about the town and the upcoming events in the months to come. It calmed her for the moment.

“I’m going to ask you some questions, Anna, and I want you to be completely honest with me so I can treat you. If you don’t tell me everything, then I can’t help you.”

She locked gazes with him. She got a funny feeling in her stomach. Did he expect her to tell him what had happened?

She nodded in agreement.