Page 26 of Hollywood

Yeah, me either. I shrugged, aiming for casual. “I crashed at Holly’s place after I brought him the stuff for Ruby.”

Knight nodded. “Glad he wasn’t alone. I think…”

My guard went up. “What?”

“I think he’s missed your friendship, even if he won’tadmit it.” He raised an eyebrow. “Maybe more than friendship?”

I scoffed. “Okay, just because you’re lovesick doesn’t mean you need to spread the disease.”

He laughed. “Just calling it like I see it.”

I rolled my eyes. “Taking care of a toddler is a lot, even when it’s not sprung on you overnight. He was overwhelmed. I stayed to help. That’s all.”

I was fooling no one, judging by Knight’s expression, but admitting my attraction to myself was one thing. I wasn’t ready to share with the class.

“You heading back to Hayworth then?”

“Soon,” I said vaguely. As soon as I could convince my ass to get into the truck and drive away. “I’ve got nothing pressing there.”

Not yet, anyway. Dad had mentioned a big job this weekend, but he could take another job anytime and want me to haul ass back home. The thought made my stomach clench.

Joyride’s big yellow Hummer pulled into a parking spot beside us. He and Ghost got out.

“Why don’t you come in with us?” Knight said. “We’re going to check in and see how Carrie’s doing.”

I had to return Kelly’s old car seat, anyway. “Sounds good.”

We headed for the main entrance, then took the elevator to the fourth floor. Carrie was out of the ICU and in a regular hospital room. Hollywood was standing over by Kelly, conferring quietly with her and an older couple.

We took seats in the waiting room, not wanting to interrupt. I set Kelly’s car seat on the floor beside me.

“That looks like an intense conversation,” Joyride said. “I hope it’s not bad news.”

Knight grimaced. “Even good news isn’t going to be thatgood. Based on what Aiden said last night, she’s got weeks, if not months, of rehab ahead.”

My sister had called it. “He’s going to have Ruby for a long time, isn’t he?”

“Unless he gives in to Carrie’s parents,” Knight said, eyebrows drawn together as he watched the older couple.

I glanced over. Shit. I hadn’t even considered them swooping in to take Ruby. Maybe it would be better for everyone if they did. Holly had worried about taking proper care of her.

Then I thought of him singing “Love Me Tender” while slowly rocking her to sleep last night. No, it wouldn’t be better. He was her father. He deserved a chance to really know her.

“His apartment is tiny,” Joyride said. “Seems a bit cramped for a kid.”

I whipped my head toward him. “How would you know about his apartment?”

“Uh, I’ve been there?”

Joyride’s lips twitched into a smile. Why did he look so smug, damn it?

My chest tightened. If Hollywood had moved on with this pup while I had my head up my ass, I’d have to kick somebody’s ass. Probably mine.

Knight chuckled. “Ignore him, Joy. He’s just feeling a littlegreenafter his night with Holly.”

“Night with Holly…” Joyride said. “Like…?”

“I just helped him with Ruby,” I grumbled. “Stop implying there’s something there.”