Chapter 145

Before Claire could tumble into the pond behind her, Nelson moved fast. His arm shot out just in time, pulling her firmly into his chest. "You okay?" he asked right away, not even waiting for her to get her footing. His brows were furrowed tight with worry. "Seriously? You can't even stand still without falling over? Claire, do you even use your brain?" Claire was still catching her breath from the scare, the sting in her ankle just creeping in when she heard that tone. The irritation in his voice snapped her out of it — and pissed her off. "You've got some nerve," she shot back. "Who sneaks up behind someone like that? You looking to give me a heart attack or what? If you're feeling unwell, how about dragging your fiancée to the hospital instead of driving me nuts?" She shoved Nelson aside and tried to walk away, but the moment her foot lifted, pain flared up her leg. Misjudging the injury, her step faltered and she almost toppled again. Nelson instinctively grabbed her, holding her s