A Place to Belong

by RaeAnne Thayne

  She leaned into his touch and let out a sigh. “How I deal with him now is on me. I’m an adult. I have a life. My daddy didn’t want me when I was a girl. Big deal, right?”

  Cole thought of his relationship with his own father. Until his arrest, Richard Bennett had been a picture-perfect parent. He’d taught Cole and Shep to fish and hunt, run alongside them when they’d learned to ride bikes. He’d been to every football game and parent-teacher conference he was in town for, and most of all he’d always made both boys feel safe and loved. At least that’s how Cole had seen it. Shep had a different opinion—bristling against the strict rules his father set in the house.

  Cole’s dad had been his idol, which was why his arrest and then shocking death had hit so hard. He still couldn’t imagine how he would have felt growing up without his dad or believing he didn’t want anything to do with him.

  “Come back with me to the waiting area. Emily and Noah are there while Jase is in the room with Declan.”

  “Saint Jase,” Sienna muttered.

  “No one blames you.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Liar.”

  “It won’t help to keep yourself separate from them.”

  “It’ll help me,” she said, her voice breaking, “not deal with the fact that I may have just killed my estranged father.”

  “Don’t say that.”

  She lowered her head, tears dripping onto the hospital paperwork.

  His heart ached, but clearly sympathy wasn’t helping. “I never took you for a coward.” He cringed inwardly when her shoulders stiffened.

  A moment later, she looked up, her eyes blazing. If she could have killed him with a look, he’d be long gone. She swiped at her eyes. “Is this reverse psychology?” she asked, her tone menacing.

  “You have to face this thing,” he said instead of answering. “Or run back to Mommy and Stepdaddy and your little insulated world of privilege and first-world problems.”

  She barked out a laugh. “First-world problems. That’s a good one.”

  “Where are you going to find the next candidate for a country club husband since the last one couldn’t keep it in his pants?”

  “I don’t need another candidate.”

  She was angry now, every inch of her radiating temper. It was better than seeing her broken. He could take anything but that. “Maybe you should go for more of a father figure. Someone older, probably divorced and looking for wifey number two. You can try to work out some of the daddy issues you’re too scared to face with your real father.”

  “Low blow, Sheriff,” she said on a hiss of breath. “And rich coming from the man who hasn’t talked to his twin brother in years. I’m not the only one who’s messed up around here.”

  “You have no idea, sweetheart,” he agreed. Somehow Sienna had worked her way past his defenses, and it scared the hell out of him how much her happiness mattered. If only he had something real to offer her. “Unlike you, I’m content with my mess. You came here to fix yours. Do you have the guts to do it?”

  “You’re a terrible man.” She grabbed the clipboard and rose from the table. “You might be excellent in bed, but dealing with your head games is not worth the effort.”

  He followed as she stalked from the cafeteria. “You’re moving,” he told her, “toward the waiting room.”

  “Because you’re a manipulative, jerky...jerk.”

  He kept his features schooled when she glanced over at him. “I’ll take that.”

  “They don’t want me here,” she whispered as they drew closer to the hospital’s main entrance.

  “You’re stronger than you realize, Sienna, even when you have to be bullied into admitting it.”

  “I’m not going to thank you for being mean,” she said under her breath.

  “Will you go out with me on a real date to make it up to you?”

  She stopped in her tracks, took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes. “First you’re rude and now you’re trying to distract me before I go in front of the firing squad?”

  “Or I’m just asking you out,” he suggested with a wink.

  “Definitely distraction,” she agreed, then walked toward Emily and Noah.

  * * *

  “Any news on Declan?” Sienna kept her shoulders straight as she looked from Emily to Noah, proud her voice didn’t falter.

  “Where have you been?” Emily demanded, crossing her arms over her chest. “We’ve been here almost an hour and haven’t seen you once.”

  “I needed some time to collect myself.” There was no point in trying to act like she hadn’t been deeply affected by watching her father almost die.

  She’d started CPR immediately and the EMTs had arrived within minutes. They’d used a defibrillator to shock his heart into beating normally again, but he hadn’t regained consciousness during the ambulance ride. No one would answer any of her questions about his condition and he’d been whisked behind the large metal doors that separated the exam and operating rooms from the public part of the hospital.

  She’d been left standing in front of the reception desk, alone and scared half out of her mind. A woman had shoved the clipboard of paperwork into her hands and Sienna had rushed off to the women’s restroom, shutting herself in a stall while she sucked in gasping breaths, fear and guilt and adrenaline pumping through her veins.

  Don’t die. Don’t die. Don’t die.

  That was the refrain in her head, even though she hadn’t spoken the words out loud. She hadn’t trusted her voice, hadn’t wanted to admit—even to herself—how much she couldn’t stand the thought of losing him.

  Yes, she’d been angry and about to walk out, but she still cared. Far too much. She always had.

  “The last we heard,” Noah said gently, as if he understood how difficult this was for her, “your father is stable.”

  “Thanks for calling Jase right away,” Emily added, pulling her purse off the chair next to her. “Have a seat. It makes the baby nervous to have you looming over her like that.”

  “I wasn’t exactly looming.”

  Cole gave her a small nod as she sat down. “I’m going to see if I can get more information.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Noah said and jumped out of his chair like he thought his sister and Sienna might get into a catfight right there in the middle of the hospital waiting room.

  “He has to be okay,” Sienna whispered when she and Emily were alone.

  “Yes,” Emily agreed. She reached for the clipboard. “Want me to work on the information you didn’t know?”

  “That’s pretty much all of it,” Sienna said with a sigh. “I’m useless.”

  “You got him here.” Emily shrugged as she began filling in the little boxes. “That counts.”

  “But Jase is with him now. He doesn’t need me.”

  “I don’t know why either of your parents let things happen the way they did.” Emily placed a hand on her round belly. “I’d never cut my daughter off from her father, and if I tried, Jase would fight me every step of the way. It’s not fair that Declan didn’t fight for you.”

  Sienna swallowed. “Yeah.”

  “I was married before I came back to Crimson and reconnected with Jase.” Emily hugged the clipboard to her chest. “My first husband couldn’t handle being a dad to a child with special needs. When I left the East Coast, he went on with life like Davey and I never existed. He doesn’t call or check in. He’s gotten remarried and had another baby. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t admit to having an older son.”

  “I’m sorry,” Sienna whispered automatically.

  “Me, too, but mostly for my ex-husband. I never want my son to feel like it was his fault that his daddy didn’t want to be a part of his life.”

  “Sometimes you can’t help that. What would you do if Davey wanted to pursue a relationship with his dad o
r if your ex tried to come back into his life?”

  Emily inclined her head, as if weighing the question in her mind. “I’d allow it to happen, but I’d be there to support Davey and what he needed along the way.”

  “My mom can’t stand the fact that I’m here.” Sienna reached out a hand, placed it on Emily’s arm and squeezed. “Your son is going to turn out great.” She gave a small laugh. “Unlike me. It’s obvious you want what’s best for him, and he has Jase, too.”

  “You’re doing okay,” Emily answered.

  “Other than the fact that I’ve upended your and Jase’s lives and quite possibly put my father in the hospital.”

  “Other than that,” Emily agreed and pain speared through Sienna’s chest. “I’m joking,” Emily added quickly. “But things definitely took a turn toward more complicated today. Don’t let that scare you off.”

  “Complicated has never been my favorite thing,” Sienna admitted.

  “Stick around long enough and you’ll learn to appreciate it.”

  Jase appeared in the waiting room at that moment. Emily set aside the clipboard and rose from her seat to move forward, throwing her arms around his neck. They stood together for several long moments, holding on to each other tight.

  Sienna glanced over and met Cole’s dark gaze as he and Noah came to stand to one side of the couple. She could imagine holding on to him in that same way, and she felt a pang of envy that she might not get that chance.

  “How is he?” she asked, rising from the chair.

  “He’s stable,” Jase answered. He let go of Emily and moved toward Sienna. To her surprise, he leaned in for an awkward hug as relief filled her. “Thanks for getting help to him so quickly. The doctor says it might have saved his life.”

  Sienna felt her mouth drop open, unsure of what to say in response. “I thought you’d blame me.” Immediately she knew that was the wrong response but couldn’t retract it now.

  Her brother only shook his head. “He’s been on heart medicine for the past few years but isn’t good about taking his pill every day.”

  He was giving her an out, but Sienna couldn’t allow herself to take it. “I fought with him. He was angry and upset.”

  “You really must not remember much from our childhood,” he said, one side of his mouth curving. “Arguing is Dad’s love language. It would probably be easier if there was a bad guy in this situation, but we’re just going to have to deal with things the hard way.”

  Emily peered around Jase’s arm. “You could use a little work on accepting kindness,” she told Sienna. “And not rushing off before dessert is served.”

  “I’ll remember that for next time.” Sienna returned Emily’s smile, her heart swelling. The situation still wasn’t perfect, but somehow it seemed like she might be able to forge a relationship with her estranged family after all.

  “Can we see him?” Emily asked, taking Jase’s hand in hers.

  Jase shook his head. “He’s resting now. The doctor expects him out of ICU by this afternoon. They think he’ll only have to spend one night in the hospital, and we should be able to visit later today.” He met Sienna’s gaze again. “I’ll call you when we know more”

  She nodded, blinking back tears she didn’t want anyone to see.

  Cole stepped forward. “I’ll give you a ride back to Declan’s to pick up your car.”

  “I can take her,” Jase said, shifting to block Cole from reaching for her.

  “I’ve got it,” Cole told him, confusion marring his movie-star features.

  “I don’t think so,” Jase countered.

  Sienna glanced at Emily and raised a brow.

  “Okay, boys,” the other woman said, moving between them. “Enough for now. Jase, we need to finish filling out paperwork and insurance forms. Cole, if you need to get back to work, I’m sure Noah can take Sienna.”

  “I’ll take her,” Cole repeated, his jaw clenched tight like he’d read something in Jase’s expression that sat with him wrong.

  “Text me later, Em,” Noah said. He turned to Sienna and winked. “Welcome to having a big brother,” he told her and walked away.

  Emily put a hand on Jase’s arm and pushed him toward the chairs where she’d left the clipboard. “We’ll call you as soon as we know anything about your dad.” Her tone was more chipper than Sienna had ever heard it.

  “Let’s go,” Cole said and turned on his heel.

  She stood where she was a moment longer, not sure what she was missing in the exchange between the two long-time friends.

  “Did Jase do something to make you mad?” she asked as she caught up to Cole’s long strides.

  “No.”

  “Did you have an argument?”

  “Nope.” Cole didn’t glance her way but held open the door as she passed through.

  She turned and reached out, placing both her hands on his arms. “What happened? You two are best friends.”

  “He’s stepping into the role of protective older brother.” He looked past her, his eyes unreadable.

  Sienna felt color flood her cheeks. “I find that hard to believe. He doesn’t even want me here.”

  “Don’t let him fool you. Jase cares.” He opened the Jeep’s door and she got in, fatigue coursing through her now that the adrenaline had worn off. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded. “I’ll be fine, although waiting for an update is going to drive me crazy.”

  He dropped a quick kiss on her lips, then walked around the front of the SUV and climbed in the driver’s side. “Have dinner with me later,” he said, pulling away from the curb.

  “I’m not sure—”

  “We can change plans if you hear from Jase.” An unspoken promise flickered in his gorgeous brown eyes, and she tried not to moan out loud. “Give it a chance, Sienna. Just one date.”

  “One date,” she agreed, tamping down the delight and uncertainty that warred inside her, not to mention the hallelujah chorus her lower half was singing.

  She could totally handle dinner with Cole, sure and steady and able to make butterflies dance across her chest with one smoldering glance. She could handle anything, she told herself, then sent up a silent prayer of thanks when no bolt of lightning appeared to strike her down for the lie.

  Chapter 13

  “This is ridiculous,” Sienna said. “The worst idea ever.” She reached for the zipper on the back of the dress Paige had convinced her to wear to dinner with Cole.

  “Don’t you dare,” Paige said, grabbing her arms and turning her until she faced the mirror. “That dress is amazing on you. Cole is going to lose his mind.”

  “That’s not a good thing,” Sienna said with a huff.

  “It’s great,” Paige countered.

  “How can I go out on a date with my father in the hospital? People will think I’m living up to my mom’s awful reputation and only caring about myself.”

  “You have to eat dinner.” Paige grabbed a bottle of perfume from the dresser in her room and spritzed Sienna. “You’ve talked to Jase twice since you got back here. He’ll call you if anything changes with Declan’s condition.”

  A loud hammering sounded from outside the bedroom window, and Paige made a face. “I hate construction,” she said.

  “How’s it coming?”

  “The contractor thinks he’s got things under control, and I definitely appreciate that he’s got the guys working late most nights to get the job done more quickly. But the water damage caused several floor joists to rot. Since the joists apparently hold up the actual floor, it’s not good.”

  “Sounds expensive.”

  “Exactly,” Paige agreed, then sighed. “And it’s money I don’t have. I’m going to have to call my mom and ask for a loan or tell her I’ll be late on the mortgage payment for another month. I can’t open for business without a floor and there�
�s no money coming in without paying guests.”

  “I thought you were only going to share good news with your mom so she won’t worry about you.”

  “That was the plan, but plans change. I’m not giving up on The Bumblebee. I just need to convince Mom not to give up on me.”

  “I hope she agrees.”

  “Yeah.” Paige closed her eyes for a moment, then gave her head a little shake and opened them again. “But tonight is about you and our sexy sheriff. Do you think he carries handcuffs?”

  “Only when I’m on duty.”

  Both women whirled around to find Cole standing at the bedroom door.

  “I knocked,” he said, holding up his hands, palms out, “but no one heard me over the hammering.”

  “You look quite handsome, Sheriff Bennett,” Paige said with a wink. “Although the lack of handcuffs is a bit of a disappointment.”

  “We’ll make do,” Cole told her in his deep, rumbling voice.

  Sienna was pretty sure she let out a whimper because Paige and Cole both turned to stare at her.

  “It was my stomach growling,” she lied, pressing a hand to her belly. “I’m hungry.”

  Paige grinned as she pushed Sienna toward Cole. “I just bet you are. Have a good night, you two. Be safe. Do lots of things I won’t have a chance to.”

  “Thanks for letting me borrow the dress,” Sienna said over her shoulder.

  “Thank you very much,” Cole echoed.

  His whiskey-colored gaze burned into hers as he took her hand and lifted it, turning it over and placing a soft kiss on the inside of her wrist. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered and her knees felt like they were made of jelly.

  “You, too,” she blurted, then flashed a smile. “I mean, you look handsome tonight. Every night really. And during the day. But tonight especially, I guess.”

  “Maybe stop talking now,” Paige called from behind her. Cole laughed and Sienna felt her cheeks go hot. What was it about this man that turned her into a babbling schoolgirl with her first crush?