Page 36 of Texas Temptation

Jordan watched as Cade left the large recovery room. He looked so fit striding across the floor, one nurse stepping out of his way and then turning to watch. He looked neither to the right nor left. Probably couldn’t wait to get out of the hospital.

But her heart warmed at the reality of his coming. He’d thought she needed him and he came at once.

Such a contrast to the man she’d thought she’d loved so many years ago. He’d vanished without a trace—after leaving a string of lies. She had been gullible, as Aunt Maggie had said. She was wiser now. And almost regretted the fact.

Cade would never lie. A woman would know exactly where she stood with him. As Jordan did. He’d helped Caleb because he could no longer help his own daughter. But there was no tie beyond that. No matter how much she might wish there were.

Amelia insisted Jordan take breaks from sitting by the bed of the sleeping child. When they moved Caleb to the Pediatrics Floor, Jordan went for a quick walk around the hospital grounds. The fresh air felt good, but it was a quick break. She wanted to be at his side when Caleb awoke.

It was after seven when Jordan agreed to leave with Amelia. Caleb had been awake, eaten a light meal, and drifted back to sleep. The nurse on duty had told Jordan she expected Caleb to sleep all night. The drip from the IV would keep him hydrated, nourished and pain free, so there was no reason for him to waken before morning.

Agreeing to call if he did, she shooed Jordan and Amelia away from his bed.

They took a cab to the hotel, Jordan feeling wrung out and cranky.

“We’ll order room service, I think,” Amelia said as they rode up in the elevator. “A quick shower will revive you long enough to eat. I know you’re tired, but you need to eat, as well as sleep. Actually, once we finish dinner, it’ll be bed for both of us. I’m not used to getting up so early and then spending the day away from home. I didn’t even have time to nap.”

“Oh, Amelia, you shouldn’t have stayed all day,” Jordan said, feeling guilty.

The elevator stopped on their floor, and the elderly lady headed for their suite.

“Nonsense. I love that boy, too, you know. I had to be near in case. Rosita and I are looking forward to taking care of him while he recovers. No strenuous exercise for six weeks, the doctor said. We’ve got cards and board games and videos lined up. She asked her grandchildren what they liked the best, so we have exactly what will appeal to a boy at that age. But it’s a surprise, something new for each day, so don’t be telling him anything.”

“He’ll love it. Thank you.”

Jordan gave her an impulsive hug. Where would she be without these people helping her? It was so unexpected she still felt she was dreaming.

Cade was on the phone in the sitting room of the suite when they entered. He quickly ended the call and rose to greet Amelia and Jordan. He studied Jordan closely, then seemed satisfied.

“Did you two eat?” he asked.

“We wanted room service,” Amelia said. “Did you eat?”

“No, I called the hospital just as you two were leaving, so I waited.”

The service was quick and before long, the three of them shared a meal in front of the large window that overlooked Dallas. The lights shining from the buildings and dwellings coupled with the streetlights gave a fairy tale glow to the land. When she had finished dinner, Amelia excused herself and headed for bed.

“Are you too tired to stay up a little longer?” Cade asked Jordan.

“No, I’m still keyed up from today’s events. I still can’t believe the operation I’ve saved for, for so long is over. Of course, this only means the beginning of more treatment and therapy, but according to the doctor, within a few months, both eyes will track together. We owe it all to you.”

“You would have managed, just taken a little longer,” he murmured.

“I wish I could repay you, beyond the money, I mean. You don’t know how grateful I am.”

“I’m not after gratitude,” he growled.

Jordan fell silent. What was he after? As far as she could tell, Cade went through the motions of living, but a part of him had died with Marissa and Vicki.

She understood it. She thought life had ended when her Cade Cullen Everett had disappeared. But she’d had a baby to care for, and gradually life had regained its glow. Until Aunt Maggie died.

One of the hardest aspects of death was the fact those surviving had to move on. Life continued. And it never came with any guarantees it wouldn’t try to crush you beneath its blows.

Jordan hadn’t been crushed, though it seemed like it at the time. She wished she could show him life still had much to offer.

Cade stared at Jordan. He saw color rise in her cheeks, and her eyes dart toward his, then away, as if afraid to meet his gaze lest she see something in it she didn’t want to see.

And that would be what, he thought heavily. Lust?

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