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“Seems like the natural thing to do.” His lips turned up the slightest bit in the corners. Dark scruff peppered his jaw, and his thick, wavy hair curled at the ends above his ears. “But I’ll know the truth.”
The doors opened, and he held out a hand for me to step off. I looked over my shoulder. “I can’t wait to hear what you think the truth is.”
He walked beside me and leaned in. His lips grazed the lobe of my ear, and goose bumps covered my arms. “I think you like me, Ruby Rose.”
I forced myself to act unaffected. “Keep dreaming.”
“Funny you should mention that. You did appear in my dream last night,” he said, as we approached my father’s room.
I wrapped my fingers around his wrist to stop him from walking in. “What was I wearing? An evil queen dress?”
“No. You weren’t wearing anything. And you looked fucking beautiful. No wonder the professor wanted to keep you.” He winked and stepped into the room, and I stood there, gaping at his back.
This man was definitely a wild card.
I shook it off and made my way over to my father, who was sitting up in his bed. He was dressed and had his sneakers on, looking like he was ready to go. He shook River’s hand and looked up at me.
“What did you say to nurse Betty? She was a lot nicer to me this time.” He chuckled.
“I didn’t say anything,” I said, bending down to fix one of his shoes that wasn’t tied.
“My daughter always makes sure I’m okay,” Dad said.
“Yeah. I’m getting that. Seems like she likes to make sure everyone is okay,” River said, and I refused to look up at him.
I pushed to stand. “Okay. Time for physical therapy, right?”
“Yes. Jesse is coming to get me. You don’t need to stay for that.”
Jesse walked into the room and introduced himself to us. He went over the plan to get my father up and moving on his own soon. I listened and asked a few questions, and every time I looked over, I found River’s eyes on me.
I hated how much I liked it.
I’d never wanted that kind of attention from a man.
But there was something different about him.
I knew it wasn’t a good idea, so I forced myself to look away.
I was here to focus on my father, not flirt with a wrecking ball.
That was exactly what he was. He would destroy me if I let him in. I knew better.
“Is it fine if I come with?” I asked. “I’d like to learn the exercises that you’re doing so that when we bring him home, I can continue them.”
“Absolutely,” Jesse said with a smile. He was about my age, a few inches shorter than River, and muscular.
River’s phone vibrated, and he looked down at his screen before turning his attention to my father. “All right. I’ve got some issues at the office. I’ll stop by after work.”
“Thanks, River. I’ll see you later,” Dad said, moving to stand and placing his hands on the walker.
River nodded, giving me a forced smile before glaring at Jesse, which had me covering my mouth with my hand to keep from laughing.
He was so broody and gruff on the outside.
But I’d seen a softer side.
A kinder side.
