Page 12 of Crossing Lines

“Thank you, Daddy.” I moved to him and gave him a super tight hug. “I love you. I’ll be back by tomorrow to chat. Okay? Right now, I want to go home with Trace, curl up in bed, and pass back out.”

“All right, princess. You go get some rest and take it easy until all of these stitches are out. Make sure she gets the pain meds as recommended. If you leave it to her, she won’t take them.” He talked over my head to Trace. My finger came up, ready to lecture him, but, once again, he cut me off. “Not a request, kid. For once, just listen to your old man and take the meds and relax.”

“I’ll try. Okay?”

“Guess that’s all I can ask.” He chuckled and placed a kiss on my temple.

“I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too, my sweet girl.” Another hug was shared before I walked into the bathroom to handle business.

I washed my face and grumbled. I looked like freaking roadkill. I came back out, slid into my shoes, walked back to Trace, and we left the house. I was stiff and sore, but it wasn’t anything worse than a beatdown I might have gotten on a case. The pain meds were still heavily in my system, though. We’d see how I was feeling a bit later. I had more important things on my mind right now. My stomach growled to emphasize what I was already feeling.

“Can we go get something to eat?” I asked as he helped me into my truck.

“Absolutely. Barbecue or burgers?” I thought about those choices for a minute.

“Barbecue. I need some of Mrs. Nettie’s slaw and sweet tea. She really knows what she’s doing.” I nodded as I rubbed my hand along my belly.

I let out a long sigh when I had to have help getting my belt latched. Of course, helovedthe fact that I was kind of helpless right now.

Trace’s chuckle as he climbed in made me scowl.

“Don’t give me that look. Let me relish in the fact that I get to take care of you. Let me take care of you.”

I grinned as the truck started, and we drove to the end of the road. I guess he had a point. For now, at least. I gave in and nodded.

“Fine, but I expect back rubs and hot bubble baths.”

“I am sure those can be arranged. I do believe I could even be capable of getting some of your favorite snacks and movies to have on hand. If I had the right motivation,” he teased, grinning.

“Hmm…well, I could see you enjoying those hot bubble baths with me.” I grinned wide, which turned into me thinking of what else we could do in that big tub.

Oh yeah. I liked this plan a lot.

Chapter 6

Stella

When you lookedand felt like you’d been taken down by a rabid dog and dragged for a few miles, there was only so much you could do to make yourself ‘look decent.’ Honestly, I put no effort into it. I was thankful that Trace loved me as I was…hot mess and all.

He and Chip had been called in to help on a case two days ago, so I was left on my own. I promised multiple times that if I needed help, I’d call someone. I had it under control, sort of. Most days, being home alone would be a fabulous thing. I could go do my own things, eat when and what I wanted. Never have to put a bra on! Not today, though. I was struggling, one-handed, to get my hair out of the knot thing that fool man put it in before he’d left. Two days ago! I’d showered, half-assed it, but I’d done it, and also slept many times since then. I’d been the one to say I needed it up and out of my face. I’d told him it wasn’t right when he did it; he hadn’t listened.

Now after sleeping on it…again…yeah, it was a mass of knots and just crusty. I swear, if I had to cut all of my beautiful curly hair, I was going to shave his balls with a rusty razor and purposely slip once. Okay, maybe twice.

Sighing, I picked up my cell phone and hit my speed dial. Frustrated tears stung my eyes. I was pathetic; dammit, I hated that I needed help.

“Stella, you okay, princess?”

“Daddy…” I sniffled. Yes, I’d turned intothatgirl.What in the hell was wrong with me?

“What’s wrong? Where are you?”

“It’s stupid.” I had to sniff back tears again. Good grief.

“Tell me,” he ordered, concern lacing his voice.

“Daddy...I can’t get my hair down.” I leaned over and whacked my head on the countertop. I’d hit it a lot harder than I’d meant to; it made me see double for a second.

---