Page 49 of A Whole New Play

Before he can reply, I hear the football player’s distinct voice travel down the hall, flowing through the curtain that separates my bed from the others in the treatment area in the ER. “Excuse me. I’m looking for Valerie Palmer.”

My face heats. I tell myself it’s because I’m embarrassed that my dad called my boss to tell him about my accident. And not because I’m remembering the feel of his erection pressed against my stomach.

“Dad,” I half-whine, half-groan. “Why in the world would you call Carter?”

“Because I didn’t know when you were supposed to take care of the twins again, and I figured he’d need time to make other arrangements.”

That… makes sense, I guess.

But there’s something about my dad’s expression that makes me think that isn’t the entire truth.

“But couldn’t you have waited until later to call him?” Like when I was back home and not a quick drive down the road from his house…

“Not if you’re supposed to work tomorrow,” Dad counters, not at all apologetic.

I blow out an exasperated breath just as a nurse pops her head between the curtain. She’s young and pretty, and based on the flush on her cheeks, she’s the one Carter just spoke to. “Excuse me, Ms. Palmer. There’s a Mr. Jones here to see you.”

I’m sure she knows Carter’s first name. Not only does she work in the small town where he grew up, but he’s a popular football star from the area. Kudos to her for keeping it professional, though.

If only you could do the same then this situation wouldn’t be so awkward. Would it?

“Let him in,” Dad answers when all I do is stare at the young woman.

I tell myself to pull it together just before the curtain shifts and Carter steps inside.

Between the linebacker’s broad shoulders and impressive height, the space suddenly feels too tight. I shift on the bed, acutely aware of my lackluster appearance. The mint-green hospital gown isn’t flattering, and the fluorescent lights surely cast harsh shadows under my tired eyes. Not to mention, the cuts and scrapes covering my body are hardly pleasant to look at.

I refrain from touching my mouth when Carter’s eyes zero in on the swollen lip.

The nurse murmurs something about giving us privacy before she hurries back to the other side of the curtain. Her sneakers squeak as she walks away, accompanied by the sound of beeps and chirps from different medical equipment throughout the ER department. I imagine her running to her coworkers and gushing about the handsome football player.

Self-consciousness rears its ugly head when Carter’s eyes continue to roam my face and arms.

“It’s not that bad,” I clip, unable to sit in silence as he takes in my injuries with that pained expression.

His eyes snap up to mine. “I’m so sorry, Valerie.” His weak voice takes the sting out of my anger.

The tension leaves my shoulders and they slump. “It’s not your fault.”

“Yes, it is. I knew the roads out of Rose Hill would be dangerous to drive at night. I should’ve insisted you stay over after keeping you so late.”

You mean after kissing me senseless so that I was more than willing to spend the night naked in your bed?

Aware my father still sits by my bedside, I keep the remark to myself.

As if having the same thought, Carter turns to my dad. “Thank you for calling me, Coach.”

“Of course, but you didn’t need to come down here.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to sleep without checking on Valerie myself.” His attention returns to me.

Carter doesn’t notice the contemplative look Dad levels on him, but I do. We need to tread carefully or else Dad is going to realize something is going on between us. Dad and I are close, but I’m not interested in divulging anything about my sex life to the man who raised me.

“I’m going to get something else to drink.” The chair creaks as Dad stands. He holds the paper cup of tea up in demonstration. “This doesn’t taste good. I’ll be right back.” He strides past the curtain without another word, but he casts one last glance at Carter as he brushes past.

Shit.

Any hope that Dad would let whatever he noticed slide flies out the window. It’s only a matter of time before he decides to bring it up to me. I need to figure out what I’m going to say when he does.

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