Page 104 of Never and Always
I nodded.
“And I don’t need a bodyguard to go to the hospital.”
“No, you don’t.” Although a part of me didn’t want her going alone, I reigned my inner caveman back in.
“I’ll borrow one of the hotel SUVs.” She reached out, but her hand hesitated awkwardly between us. Then she touched my face for the briefest second. “I’ll see you later.”
I stepped back. “Yeah. I’d better get back to work.”
Chapter 36
Piper
“I’m so sorry, Piper.”
I touched Chance’s hand on the sheets. His voice was low and weak, but I heard the remorse. “All you need to focus on right now is resting and getting better.”
“I fucked up. And I dragged you into it.” He closed his eyes.
“You did. I was pretty terrified. For you, for me, for Mom and Gram.”’
He opened his eyes and nodded. The bruising on his face looked even worse than before but the swelling had started to go down. “I’m sorry. I know it isn’t enough, but I’m sorry.”
I looked away, wondering how to deal with the fact that I was glad he was okay, and still worried about what he’d do next. Conflicting emotions seemed to be the name of game when it came to how I felt about my brother.
“I called Mom, and told her and Gram what happened,” I said. “And that you’re okay. They’re worried, obviously. They’re waiting for you to call them when you feel up to it.” My phone pinged with a message. I ignored it. I’d deal with work later.
Chance grabbed my hand. “I promise, Piper, I’m going to make some changes. I…I need help.”
Hope flickered inside me. But it was hesitant hope colored by so much prior disappointment. I wanted to believe. I remembered what Everett had told me. All I could do was love and support Chance, the rest was up to him.
“Whatever you need, I’m here to help.”
He swallowed. “You’re not going to come up with some bullet point plan for me to follow? Shove a stack of rehab brochures at me?”
I sniffed. “No. Not unless you ask me to. It needs to be your plan, and whatever you decide.”
“Okay. Thanks, Pipe.” He settled against the pillows with a small wince. I knew he was feeling pain from his stab wounds. “Where’s your mountain-man protector? I’m surprised he let you out alone.”
“He’s at work. Like I told you before, your debt’s been cleared. You’re safe. I’m safe.”
Chance nodded. “I’m truly grateful. It’s more than I deserve.” Then he cocked his head. “So you and that guy are seeing each other?”
“Everett? No, we’re…” I shrugged. “We’re just friends.”
“Seemed like more than friends to me.”
My phone pinged again. “Sorry?—”
“Take it. I know your work keeps you busy.”
I pulled it out and saw a message from Rich, the main contractor working on the pool and spa. I frowned. It wasn’t from his usual number. There was some emergency in the spa area and he needed my advice.
“I have an urgent message from my contractor…”
“Go,” Chance said with a small smile. “Maybe drop in later and bring me some real food? The stuff here is…” He pulled a face.
I stood and smiled. “That, I can do.” I touched his arm, then smoothed my hand over his hair. “I love you, Chance.”
