Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Josefina was surrounded by a bunch of folks, feeling a bit sheepish. "I'm fine, the cut is just a scratch. I can get out of bed and walk around right now." She tried to stand up and take a few steps to show everyone she was alright on her feet.

Hattie grabbed her, insisting she lie down and rest up. "Josie, you've got to chill on the bed for a while," Hattie advised.

Garrett chimed in, "Your mom's right, just listen to her, will ya?"

Hattie, all worried, went on, "Josie, once you're home, you just lie down and rest. I'll find you a nurse who'll stick to you like glue, 24/7."

Garrett nodded, "I've ordered a bunch of health supplements for you. You can really build yourself back up once you're home."

The doctors were gobsmacked. Was all that really necessary?

However, they didn't dare say a word, just kept their thoughts to themselves.

Josefina rolled up her trouser leg, "Look, I'm really not hurt."

Oliver looked down, his eyes filled with lust at the sight of her leg. He gently pulled her trousers back down, "Better to lie down and rest some more."

Josefina fell silent. Were these people treating her like she was made of glass or what?

Just then, Lena walked in, "Mom, Dad, I'm the docter here. Let me check on my sister."

Josefina swiftly declined, "The wound's already been dressed, no need for a check-up."

Hattie, looking at the bandaged wound, told Lena, "Your sister's all patched up, no check-up needed for now."

Lena nodded, "Okay."

Hattie added, "Josie, I had the kitchen cook up some soup. Make sure you drink a couple of bowls when you get home."

Garrett said, "I'll go grab a wheelchair to wheel Josie home so she can rest up. We've got the family doc on speed dial just in case."

Josefina, not wanting to be a bother, protested, "I can walk on my own..."

Before she could finish, she was scooped up once again. Oliver, holding Josefina, insisted, "This is faster."

As Oliver carried Josefina out, Garrett and Hattie followed close behind. Garrett was fuming inside. That was his little girl - how was he supposed to smile through that? Garrett, striding fast, caught up with Oliver, "Oliver, that's my daughter. Let me carry Josie home. I'm her dad."

Oliver, continuing to hold Josefina, simply nodded and said, "I've got this."

Garrett was ticked off again. Oliver was like a wall - nothing got through.

"Oliver, she's my little girl. What if people see and get the wrong idea about you two?"

Josefina agreed, "Maybe I should just walk myself."

Oliver shrugged, "Let them think what they want."

Josefina protested, "I don't want people getting the wrong idea."

His gaze heated as he looked at her, her panic only making him smile slightly, "What's that wrong idea supposed to be then?"

Josefina was stumped by his question, her cheeks turning pink. Oliver continued to stride ahead, not giving her a chance to refuse.

As Oliver moved on, Garrett was steaming. Hattie, holding his arm, chuckled, "Look at you, haven't you noticed? Oliver's got his eyes on our girl."

Garrett replied, "That's exactly why I'm worried. What kind of guy is Oliver? If he's as cold and ruthless as they say, what if he hurts our girl? Weren't you the one talking about finding a live- in son-in-law? Could Oliver ever be that? Would the Baldwins ever agree?"

No way the Baldwins would agree to that.

The couple hurried out, trying to catch up with Oliver.

Lena, watching them leave without even a goodbye, was miffed. She clenched her fists, unable to sit still any longer, and immediately requested leave to go back home.

Lena was dying to see if Oliver was really after Josefina. As if Josefina even stood a chance!