The Choice (The Choice Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

I’d burst.
    Amber ran into the bathroom and turned on the water.  She ran her fingers under the faucet as water poured over them and into the claw tub.  “Hey Amber could you make it a little hot?” I shouted.
    “Uh , no I was going to make it cold.” She giggled while sarcasm dripped from her voice.
    Ruth got back setting a glass of ice cold water in my hands.  I drank it all enjoying the way it coated my throat and made my tongue tingle. Ruth took the empty glass from my hands and set it on the night stand next to the bed.  I looked over to see Amber add a few salts to the tub. 
    Ruth interrupted my thoughts and asked me, “Is it okay if I look at your bandages?” 
    I watch ed her move to the side of my leg. 
    “Y es.  Have you been taking care of me?”
    She nod ded her head up and down, “Yes I have.”
    I looked up at her, “Thank you Ruth for doing that for me.”
    I could tell she was pleased by my complimen t, “It was no problem, I am glad I could help.  I am going to start with your leg first, okay?” 
    I just nod as she carefully unwinds the white bandage from my leg.  Pieces of herbs rested on my leg underneath the bandages.  “Ruth what kinds of herbs are those?”  
    She point ed to each individual herb, “That one is orangeroot it will help fight off infection.  That is alovera to help with the pain; it will also help your leg heal faster.” 
    “What about that smell?”
    “Oh , I used some onion to wipe the wound down because it helps with swelling but most of that smell is you my dear.” She chuckled to herself while I laughed not pegging her for the bold type. 
    “How did you learn how to do all this?” 
    I watched her as she pulled the bandages all the way off and took the herbs off one by one then dropped the dirty rags and used plants in the trash.  Then she answered, “I learned from my mother who learned from hers.  I guess you could say it’s a gift that runs in the family.”
    Ruth finished with the rest of the herbs and I thanked her again. Amber finally came back in the room and grabbed the chair from next to the dresser and set it by the bed.  Ruth finished and started touching around my swollen leg. Amber also quietly inspected my injuries.  Once the herbs were all removed I noticed stitches in my leg.  It actually looked really good, I thought, considering it had only been a day since I had fallen down the hill. 
    “Did you sew me up Ruth?” I ran my fingers along the stitches counting from one to eight. 
    She nod ded, “Yes you needed eight stitches.” 
    Ruth ask ed Amber, “Can you help me unwind the bandages from around her chest and ribs.” 
    Amber stood and said, “No problem.”
    T hey slowly started to unwind the wrap. They got my ribs unwrapped first and started working on removing the bandages around my chest.  With only a few more strips to go, the front door burst open and some man I didn’t know came walking in. 
    Just as he start ed to say “Ru-,” he stopped.
    His bright blue eyes with flecks of gold met mine and I couldn’t breathe. His eyes seemed familiar to me but I couldn’t remember why. It was as if the room just filled with an electric current and the hair on my arms stood at attention.  He was the most striking man I had ever seen. His hair was as black as midnight.  I wanted to reach out and grab one of his curls and twirl it around my finger, just to see if it looked as soft as I thought.  I started to raise my hand towards him.  I stopped when he raised one eyebrow as if asking a question.  I made myself drop it to my side
    I hear d Amber quietly whisper, “Olivia, breathe.”
    I involuntarily took a breath.  I knew I was staring but I couldn’t seem to look away. He seemed to realize the effect he was having on me.  He gave me a half a smile enhancing his two dimples.
    “Yumm y.” I said.  Then I thought crap did I say that out loud? 
    I turn ed my head to look at Amber my eyes wide.  Asking a