Page 8 of Wicked Cowboy
Chelsea took Ridley’s hands. “Dad told me that Carter was like his brother and he’s all I have left now...”
Ridley wiped a tear from the girl’s eyes. “It’s okay. We don’t need to rush to any decisions.”
My heart swelled. In the will, we’d been directed to share. I’d follow Bernie’s wishes. It was like my best friend knew who I needed. I blinked, and Ridley’s white face caught my attention. Very few women in the world would drop everything for a friend’s child. She had a good heart and that was rare in my world. I pressed my hand on my dad’s shoulder when I said, “Ridley, I think you should also meet Hudson Rockson.”
She took a deep breath and then nodded as she said, “Nice to meet you, sir.”
I gently pushed him forward. “He’s had two heart attacks and he’s under doctor's orders to change his life.”
She put her arm on her hip and shook her head as she sized up my father. “So you’re one of the stubborn patients who eventually show up in my ER and make my life miserable from the second you check in.”
My pop asked, “What do you do, Miss?”
“ER nurse,” She said and gazed at him, “And, you seem like you don’t follow orders well.”
“True,” Pop answered fast.
My spine lightened at the idea someone might see exactly who my father was. She’d be a perfect choice for a wife.
"Changing the topic," Ridley turned her pretty brown eyes up to me and asked, “When did you leave the SEALs and move back here?”
“Less than a year ago. Chelsea and her parents have come over many times.” My lips tingled. If she said yes, I’d find out how sweet Ridley’s kiss might be. “We’d had a barbeque a few weeks ago.”
She lowered her lashes, masking her pretty hues from sight. “I see.”
Chelsea was my responsibility now, but Ridley had come out of a good heart. I waved for her to get up when I said, “It was fun to see my friend and his family. Let’s go talk.”
She hugged Chelsea and then shook hands with my father. Then she fell in step with me as we marched down the hall. This time, I directed her to my office.
If I was behind my desk, maybe I’d keep myself in better check. She took her seat and waited until I sat down and then said, “Carter, you are qualified to watch Chelsea. I shouldn’t have made assumptions about you.”
The space between us seemed like a mile, so I stood and walked around my desk to lean against it. “We’re all going through the motions right now, but you and I were both named as co-parents in that will. I didn’t want to consider that before we met.”
She cupped her cheek and refused to glance up at me. “Me, too. I assumed we’d fight.”
My eyes went to her large breasts and heat rose in my face. I pivoted to get away and moved a side chair and sat beside her when I said, “Not at all.”
She took my hand. “I came here to help Chloe’s daughter, but I should have visited more often. Chelsea knows you.”
I gently squeezed her palm, but the same pulse raced through me, when I said, “I need help.”
Her pretty lips widened as she asked, “What?”
I let go of her and sat straight in my chair. My instincts said she belonged here, and I'd learned long ago to listen to that voice. So I said, “Look, my dad is sick and I’m confident I can protect Chelsea, I’m not so sure how to raise a girl. I’m not overly emotional and I grew up being taught I was the center of the universe.”
She side-eyed the gold-encrusted paneling of the window. “I can see that.”
My mother had been over the top. I’d not changed too much around the house to keep my father calm. I’d come home because he needed me. If not for him, I’d never be here at all. My chest swelled a little. “I did all I could to help and be the best version of myself in the SEALs, but that doesn’t apply to children or helping an old man.”
She let out a little whimper. “You let me cry on your couch. You’re not so bad.”
The initial plan to buy her off had been wrong. She needed to be here, too. I swallowed. “Look, I have money.”
She hugged her waist like she was nervous but then bowed her head. “Clearly, and I’m not going to fight this.”
No more tears. I scooted closer and whispered, “Chloe trusted you to help with her daughter. We’re both named in the will, and I need help.”
She sucked in her bottom lip and then I saw her eyes were glistening. She let her lip free. “I’m listening.”
