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And then it hit me. For years, I’d been so busy trying to shield Teague that somewhere along the way I’d failed to realize I could lean on him too. Perhaps that was a mistake. He wasn’t a kid I was trying to protect any longer.
Although in some ways, it was as if I’d been relying on him and Beau subconsciously. I’d call them for no reason, and maybe that was my way of not only checking on them, but fulfilling my own need. They were my friends.
I wandered back into Lexie’s room and sat beside her bed.
She was . . . beautiful wasn’t enough of a word. Even with her cheeks paled and hair a disaster, she was the loveliest sight I’d ever seen.
I might fall for you.
She said those words and remembering them caused my heart to beat faster, my breathing to quicken. Part of me wanted to warn her not to, that I wasn’t capable of being a partner or giving her what she deserved. But the other part clung to the hope that she would find me worthy.
She hadn’t fallen for me. Shemightfall.
And wasn’t that so very her? She’d keep me on edge, wondering if she would or wouldn’t. Because she always did the unexpected.
Her lids blinked open.
“You’ll be released soon,” I blurted, unable to wait to share the news.
A soft smile formed. “That’s good news.” And then her face fell. “Will I have to go back?”
She didn’t need to speak the word. I could barely think of the term jail when it came to Lexie.
“Zegas bonded you out.”
“So there’s a potential they’ll lock me up again,” she said flatly.
“Not if I can do anything about it.” I touched her leg. “The doctor wants you to rest for a few days. Let’s not worry about the unknown.”
“At least I’ll be able to make the afternoon deliveries.”
I gently squeezed. “No driving until he sees you again. In a week.”
“A week?” she screeched. “I can’t be out of business for a week. We’ll lose everything.”
“I’ll drive you.”
She rubbed her temples. Was she in pain? I hadn’t meant to upset her.
“You have your own empire to run, not to mention all the other stuff.” She waved her hand absently, though her tone was calmer than a moment before.
My main function was the purchase and sale of property. Considering I wasn’t allowed to do that, it was best to take a more hands-off approach until that was resolved. That couldn’t stop me from researching properties, but the business could handle my absence for a few days.
“I believe you’d prefer me behind the wheel rather than my sister.”
“I rode with her one time.” She shuddered. “Never again.” Her eyes widened. “Did she wreck the van last night?”
I placed a hand on top of hers. “No. Teague drove. And Pepper rode along for the morning deliveries.”
“She-she did?” Overwhelming gratitude was in her voice.
“Teague and Beau needed a time-out after last night. Pepper’s words. Not mine. Apparently my sister wanted to do things her way and he believed his strategy was better.” I smiled to myself at the thought of them bickering. At least it was always lighthearted.
Lexie put a hand over her mouth. “Teague didn’t let her have her way?”
“I suppose not.”
“He’s a brave man.” She snickered. “Have you talked to Eric?”
