Reading Online Novel

Secretly Hers (Sterling Canyon)(44)

 
Deb placed her hand on Mason’s thigh to silence him.
 
Trip bit his tongue even as his body flashed hot and cold. Mason had a way of twisting all of Trip’s words around so they ended up sounding different than he’d intended. Still, he couldn’t upset his father by engaging in an argument with his brother.
 
“Don’t dig my grave just yet. The doctor assured me I’d be okay,” their dad said to Mason. Then he turned to Trip. “How long will you stay in town?”
 
“Not sure. I got coverage for a client expedition tomorrow. Don’t have anything on the books for the next day, but if things come up I can probably get more coverage. Figured I’d play it by ear and see how you were doing.”
 
“Are you staying at the house?” His dad glanced at Deb, who quickly masked her displeasure, and then back at Trip.
 
Trip had planned to camp out in a hotel, but he lied to avoid being rustled into staying at the mausoleum the rest of his family called home.
 
“Actually, I thought you’d be in the hospital longer, so I made other arrangements with a friend. But I’ll hang out all day and help Deb however I can while I’m here.” His father’s disappointed expression landed like a sucker punch to the gut. “Maybe I could change my plans, if that’s what you prefer.”
 
“Do that, son.”
 
Trip caught Mason rolling his eyes behind his mother’s back. Great.
 
They sat in strained silence for a few minutes while his dad raised the bed so he’d be a bit more upright, then Trip’s phone vibrated. Welcoming a distraction, he removed it from his jacket and checked the screen. He looked at everyone apologetically. “Let me grab this in the hallway. Be right back.”
 
Once he exited the room, he answered. “Kelsey.”
 
“I’m sorry to call, but I got so worried when you didn’t return my texts. How’s your dad?”
 
Although he was loath to admit it, her concern burrowed inside his chest, opening it up and making it a little easier to breathe. “He’s out of surgery and it sounds like everything will be okay. Not too much damage.”
 
He heard her sigh of relief through the phone. “Oh, I’m so glad, Trip. I was sick thinking of how you would feel if you missed the chance to resolve things.”
 
“Me too.” He rubbed his hand over his face. He’d gotten lucky this time. Maybe he ought to stay a week or two and spend some quality time with his dad.
 
“What about your stepmom and brother?” Kelsey asked sympathetically. “Are they there with you?”
 
He liked the feminine quality of her voice through the phone, and the way her concerned tone relaxed him. “Of course.”
 
“Are you okay? Do you need company? If I drive out first thing in the morning, I could be there by noon.”
 
For the first time in hours, Trip smiled. Hell, yes, a big part of him would love to have Kelsey at his side for comfort, among other things. But the fact that his heart had swelled at the offer troubled him. He didn’t want to care too much, or rely too heavily on her.
 
The anxiety he’d experienced during his flight had served as a harsh reminder of the kind of suffering Trip sought to avoid by keeping things light. She’d already begun to drift into his mind and beneath his skin too easily and often. He needed to maintain distance for his sake, and hers. “You’re a sweetheart to offer, but I’m good, Kelsey. Stay put.”
 
“Okay.” A beat of silence passed between them before she spoke again. “I’m snuggled up here with Cowboy, anyway. He likes to cuddle up on my chest and purr.”
 
“Already taking after his namesake, it seems.” Trip smiled when she giggled, picturing her lounging on her sofa with the kitten under her chin—in that silky black nightie, of course. He squeezed his eyes closed, hoping to rein in his thoughts before he became overly excited here in the middle of the hospital.
 
“When will you be back?” she finally asked.
 
“Not sure.” The connection growing between them beckoned like a highly addictive drug. Much as he genuinely liked her, he knew he couldn’t give her what she most wanted. He had to keep things light, so he affected a glib tone. “But don’t think about me. Plan your trip to Cabo. I’ll be just fine.”
 
“If something changes, please call me. Anytime, Trip. You’re not alone, okay. Remember? We made a deal.”
 
“I know all about our deals, princess.” Trip frowned, thinking about the fact that, sooner or later, she’d meet some new guy and then call on Trip to hold up his end of their bargain. The fact that these thoughts thrust his heart into a deep freeze did not bode well.