Page 19 of Steal My Heart (Prosperity Ranch 2)

Carson wanted to turn away, turn back time and not be here, in this moment. But what if someone’s quick actions had been able to save Rhett’s life?

Carson pushed forward, despite the fact that he wanted to puke. He knelt by the inert form and only focused on one thing—not the blood or the possible broken bones—but the man’s neck above his collar. Carson placed two fingers on the man’s neck to feel his pulse.

He closed his eyes, blocking out all sounds. Voices of other motorists who must have stopped. Someone saying they were calling an ambulance. Carson pressed on the man’s skin, trying to concentrate.

Thrum. Thrum. Thrum.

The man’s heart was still beating.

Carson opened his eyes as voices drew closer. Someone set a hand on his shoulder. Another person knelt on the other side of the victim and unbuttoned his shirt. “He’s alive,” a voice proclaimed.

“The ambulance is on its way.”

“Young man, can you move back?” another said. “We need to make way for the paramedics.”

Was the ambulance already here?

Carson had lost all sense of time and perspective. He moved back, but stayed on his knees.

He couldn’t leave until he knew the man was going to be all right. As the EMTs moved in and loaded the man on the stretcher, still Carson didn’t move.

Not until someone placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Carson, let’s get back in the truck,” Evie said, her tone quiet. “The ambulance is leaving.”

He should move. But somehow, he was frozen to the spot.

“Carson.”

Evie grasped his hand, tugging him upward. Only then did he move to his feet.