Page 13 of Crossing Lines

“It’s not stupid. Are you home?” he asked, sounding as calm as calm could be now. Jerk! I was having a meltdown over my hair, and he was just like, meh. Okay, so that wasn’t fair.

“Yes, I’m home. Alone. And I’m hungry.”

“Where is Tracey?” Daddy’s tone changed, and I grimaced. I was about to be in trouble…damn.

“He and Chip are off on a case. I’ve been fine. I’m not that bad off.”

“I’ll be right over.” The line went dead.

Yep, that confirmed it. My ass was grass. I guess I should have called him when they left.

I moved back to the bed and laid down. After last night, I wasn’t taking any more of those pain meds. They made me so tired, and I had things to do. Like clean. And go to the grocery store. Dammit! Did I even have food to eat? I knew I had some tuna. But I couldn’t open the can with one hand. I’d left it on the table. There were apples, but I couldn’t cut into them with one hand. I didn’t like biting into things like that because of my precious dental work. People have broken teeth by biting into those things before. Nope, I’d pass.

My ass hit the bed, and I fell back with a groan. This was going to be a long day. I just knew it.

I must have dozed off in the time it took Daddy to get here because when he came into the bedroom and spoke, I jumped, squeaking in surprise and pain. Jerking when you have a sore body is no bueno.

“Princess,” he wrinkled his nose, “When was the last time you showered? Or had something to eat?” He moved to the windows and opened the shades and the blinds, allowing the blazing Texas sun to blind me. I groaned and buried my face in the covers.

“Daddy, I’ve eaten,” at some point I’m sure of it, “and well, showering…” I had tried, parts of me got water on them. I grunted. “Showering is something you have to do when you’re awake. Shelby and you said I had to take these pills, so I’m not awake long enough.” He chuckled at my attempt to lay the blame on someone else.

“That’s what I thought. I called for some help. I’m going to get you breakfast...well, some lunch made while?—”

“I’ll help you wash your stank ass, so up and at ‘em, woman!” Anna’s voice made me sigh.

“Look, General, I’m not moving fast for anything. Why are you here? Other than to be bossy?”

“To help you out, stupid, now get up.”

“Bite me!” I rolled my eyes and tucked the blanket closer.

“I swear I will snatch ya ass out of that bed.”

“Girls,” Daddy warned before leaving the room, “Play nice.”

“Who has my nephews? You can’t just leave them alone,” I said through my blanket.” Okay, so I was being a brat. I hurt and didn’t like being bossed around. Sue me.

“They’re with their father. He’s more than capable of taking care of them. Now, get up.” I grunted. “Let someone do something for you for once in your stubborn life. Don’t make mehave to give you a sponge bath. I’ll do it. Then I’ll have to tell everyone what happened…”

She was teasing, right?Ugh. Damn woman.

“Fine. Help me up,” I whined, holding out my good hand. “Look what Tracey did to my hair.” I teared up unexpectedly, pointing with my bandaged hand. “It’s awful…”

Anna snorted. “God. Come on. I’ll fix it.”

I willingly let her drag me to the bathroom. This was gonna suck.

An hour later, I was clean—smelling so much better and, generally, feeling better. My hair, Lord have mercy. I felt like I was bald after all of those tangles and snarls came loose, but my hair was saved. Anna had helped me wash it again after it wasn’t a bird’s nest.

I’d been wallowing in self-pity, according to Anna. I got it. Then I cried when she told me I had to remember that I was no longer just taking care of me. I had a baby growing inside of me that needed me to be in charge. I had to take care of myself. Being pregnant was putting a lot of pressure on me to not be a fuck up.

I sat at the table in the kitchen and laid my cheek down on the cool wood, yawning. Thankfully, Anna had my hair back to its natural beauty, pulled back in a French braid so I wouldn’t end up with a rat’s nest again for a few days. That meant I couldn’t shave Trace’s balls, yet.Dammit!It would have been fun too.

My arms and hands were on fire from moving them in the shower. I’d used them to get dressed and to help brace myself on the staircase coming down here, so I had no one to blame but myself.

“Stella Grace, we don’t sleep at the table. Come on, sit up so I can put your plate down.” I sat up slowly and made a face at him. Daddy thought he was funny. He just grinned.

I huffed, closing my eyes slightly. Why was it so damn bright in here?

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