Page 79 of Hollywood

“Yeah,” he said, sounding unconvinced.

I killed the engine. “Come on. Let’s go in.”

Joyride followed me and Ruby into the building. After checking in at the front counter, we were directed to a familylounge. Carrie was already inside, sitting in a recliner with a wedge pillow between her legs and a belt around her thighs to keep it in place. A walker stood next to her chair.

She looked a hell of a lot better than she had in the hospital. Her eyes were clear, her hair recently washed, and she wore loose-fitting pants and a T-shirt, rather than a hospital gown.

“Hey, there’s my girl!” she said with a tired smile.

“Mama!” Ruby wiggled to get loose, but I was concerned about letting her dive-bomb Carrie.

“Can I let her go, or will she hurt you?”

Just then, a gorgeous man with deep auburn hair and coppery stubble on a perfect jawline leaned into the room. “Don’t overdo it, Care. We’ve got ankle pumps coming up.”

“Thanks, Kit. I’ll be careful.”

Kit wore an athletic shirt that fit himvery well, loose track pants, and a gorgeous smile. His gaze tracked over us, jerking to a stop on Joyride.

“Hi, again,” he said warmly.

Joyride did a double take, then gave Kit a thorough once-over. He wasn’t so much appreciating the fit of Kit’s clothes as imagining them coming off, I was pretty sure. “Hey. I didn’t know you lived in Riverton.”

“Guilty,” Kit said with a chuckle. His blue-green eyes—I couldn’t quite decide which color they were—flicked over to me and Ruby. “Carrie can hold her daughter. Just settle her carefully and don’t let her jump on her.”

“Got it.” I gently lowered Ruby into Carrie’s lap. “Use soft hands with Mommy. She still hurts.”

Ruby seemed to understand, leaning in for a cuddle and gently patting her mom’s face. “Okay, Mommy?”

“I’m okay.” Carrie kissed the tips of her fingers, tears springing to hereyes.

“That’s my cue to go,” Kit said, backing out of the room.

Joyride hopped up. “I’ll wait outside. You guys should have some time alone.”

He hurried out after the gorgeous Kit, but I wasn’t sure if it was Carrie’s tears chasing him away or whatever sparks were flying between them.

“I can let you see Ruby alone if you’d rather,” I said hesitantly.

Carrie shook her head and swiped at the tears tracking down her face. “You’ve seen me cry before.”

“Not my favorite memories.”

She gave a watery laugh. “That’s good to know.” She sniffed. “I just get so weepy these days. Ignore it.”

I perched on a nearby sofa. The cushions were very firm, almost hard. “I’m sure you miss Ruby.”

“I do, but I’m too exhausted to think about it most of the time. Does that make me awful?”

“Of course not.”

“Mama cry,” Ruby said, tone troubled. “Is Mama sad?”

“No, no. Mama is just so happy to see you!” Carrie forced her voice bright and gave a little laugh. “You are growing so fast, aren’t you?”

“Ruby’s a big girl!”

“Yes, you’re getting there.”