No Better Man

by Sara Richardson

  No, don’t leave again. Five seconds ago, the room had been filled with that dim, cold loneliness, but then she saw him and the air had changed. It felt warm and welcoming.

  “Where are you going?” She sat up and wriggled to the side of the bed, keeping her bare legs concealed under the sheets. There was nothing flattering about hospital gowns.

  “Just a sec.” He propped open the door. Wheels squeaked. “Thought you could use a few things.” Bryce pushed a cart into the room. It was piled high with…stuff. Not a few things. A whole lot of things. A stack of magazines and a huge teddy bear and a vase full of the most beautiful, colorful wildflowers. Then there was a whole selection of food from the cafeteria—a delicious-looking salad and some kind of grilled panini and a basket of French fries and a bowl of rich potato soup with bits of bacon on top.

  Her chest hurt and she realized she hadn’t breathed in a while. Slowly, she exhaled the disbelief. He got all of that? For her?

  “Didn’t know what you felt like eating,” Bryce explained when she glanced up at him. He shrugged like it was nothing, like bringing her this cart of gifts and food wasn’t one of the most thoughtful things anyone had ever done for her.

  Tears welled but she fought them with a blink. Emotion, yet another side effect of her headache. At least that’s what she’d keep telling herself.

  “Hope you like it?” His inflection formed a question, as though the obvious moisture in her eyes concerned him.

  She swallowed the mountain in her throat and smiled up at him. “Like it? Bryce, I love it. All of it. You didn’t have to do this.” Don’t cry. For the love of God, don’t cry.

  His shoulders seemed to relax. He walked to the bed and looked down at her with a softness she’d never seen on his face. “It’s the least I can do.”

  Her heart acknowledged his closeness, his pine scent, with a leap. Did he feel that same zing when he looked at her? Damn that poker face of his. She couldn’t tell.

  “I’m glad you weren’t hurt worse,” he said quietly.

  She stared at her hands and tried to think of something intelligent to say. Hmmm. Why did everything go blank when he was around?

  He reached down and brushed her bangs away from the bandage across her forehead. “Looks pretty painful.”

  An electrical charge surged all the way down to her toes. She couldn’t even swallow. “Um, actually it’s not too—”

  Her phone wailed.

  Bryce pulled back. “Still haven’t changed that awesome ringtone, huh?”

  She laughed but her heart buckled. Why another interruption? Why now? “Give me a sec.” She picked up her phone and checked the screen.

  Vanessa?

  Holding up a finger in Bryce’s direction, she brought the phone to her ear. “Hey, what’s up?”

  “Avery.” Panic screeched across the line. “I’m so sorry.”

  Bryce stood over her, watching.

  She forced her shoulders to slouch with ease, even though her pulse throbbed in her temples. “Why? What’s going on?”

  “Your father’s on his way out there. I just found out. He’s going to check on you.”

  An icy sensation prickled her throat, but she smiled for Bryce’s sake. “What do you mean?”

  “Someone named Elsie called and told me about your accident. A few hours ago, I left Edward a message. He just called me from Aspen! He’ll be there any minute.”

  Swallow. She couldn’t swallow. And her smile was so forced her lips started to go numb.

  “Avery? Did you hear me?” Vanessa asked. “He was pretty pissed off.”

  She deflected Bryce’s curious gaze with a smile. “Um. Wow. That’s not good. Really not good.”

  “What’s up?” Concern rimmed Bryce’s eyes.

  “Sorry,” Vanessa said. “I wanted to warn you.”

  “Thanks,” she croaked. “I should go.”

  “Gotcha. Good luck, girl.”

  Good luck? She’d need more than luck to explain this mess to her father. She’d need a plan…

  “Hey.” Bryce eased onto the edge of the bed and studied her. “Anything I can do?”

  She couldn’t answer. What was she supposed to say? That she wanted to run away so she didn’t have to face her father?

  Yes!

  That was exactly what she had to say. She didn’t have a choice. She flung the covers to the floor and scooted off the bed. “We have to get out of here.”

  Bryce shot to his feet. “What? Why?”

  Her clothes. Where were her clothes? She pulled open the drawers on a built-in cabinet. “Please. We have to go. Right now.”

  “Go where?”

  “Back to the lodge.” There! They were crumpled in a pile on the counter next to the sink. She flew to the other side of the room, hospital gown flapping behind her. But who cared? If she didn’t get out of there, things would be a lot worse than Bryce getting a glimpse of her lacy black thong.

  Bryce didn’t mention the view, but he followed behind her. “Whoa. Slow down there, slugger. You can’t leave the hospital.”

  Shaking the wrinkles out of her hiking pants and thermal shirt, she twirled to face him. Her head pounded. “We can sneak out. It’s not like anyone’s guarding the door.”

  His arms folded over his chest like he’d taken it upon himself to be her personal bouncer. “Who was on the phone? What’s going on?”

  She snuck past him and headed for the bathroom. “I don’t have time to explain. I’ll get dressed, then we have to go.”

  His strong hands grabbed her shoulders and turned her around. The bundle of clothes fell to the floor.

  Bryce looked down at her, his eyes blazing. A slight tremble ran through his hands. “Take it easy.”

  He stood close, his hands still on her body. Her gaze ran over his lips, smooth and curved, then up to his eyes. And oh wow, he had amazing eyes. As green as spring leaves after a rainstorm. She couldn’t look away.

  He didn’t either.

  Did he feel it? That crackle of electricity in the air between them?

  “Bryce,” she whispered, but she didn’t know what else to say. What did she want from him?

  Eyes locked on hers, he wrapped a hand around the back of her neck in a gentle caress.

  Every hypersensitive nerve in her body submitted to the touch. Her mouth went slack. Eyes closed. They met somewhere in the blind middle. His lips grazed hers carefully, like he was afraid to hurt her. But he wouldn’t. Couldn’t. Locked in his embrace, raw desire flooded through her and carried out the pain.

  She molded her lips to his and savored the sweet heat of his mouth. Her palms slid up his chest, feeling every ripple and ridge.

  “You’re so stunning, Avery,” he whispered.

  The hunger in his voice lured her back to his lips. She kissed him harder. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. The room whirled in a glorious blur of colors. He tasted so good, like wintergreen with a spice she couldn’t name.

  This. This is what she’d wanted since the day she’d walked into his office, to feel those strong arms holding her, to feel the delicious pressure of his lips against hers.

  His warm hands slipped into the opening at the back of hospital gown and stroked the sensitive skin on her lower back. The light touch radiated all the way down her legs, weakening them to the point she had to hold onto him to stand.

  Bryce pulled away, holding her tightly, keeping her upright. “Sorry.” His gaze fell to the floor. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

  Exactly. Neither one of them had thought at all. That was why it had been so perfect. “Don’t be sorry.” Her voice was as weak as her legs. She wasn’t sorry. She so wasn’t sorry. One thing Bryce Walker shouldn’t apologize for was for the way he kissed because he had some serious skills in that area. His lips were firm but careful and so…tender. “I’m not sorry. That was—”

  A hollow knock echoed through the room and cut her off.

  “Avery?”


  Her body iced over. Her father. Right outside her hospital room.

  Bryce’s hands stroked her arms like he didn’t care who walked in and saw them kissing, but she did.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered, then pushed him away just as her father walked into the room.

  With Logan right behind him.

  Chapter Eleven

  Two men walked into a hospital room.

  It had all the beginnings of a bad joke. A joke on him.

  The way Avery practically leapt back to her hospital bed proved what Bryce should’ve already known. She didn’t want to be caught in his arms. Hell, she didn’t even want to be caught standing next to him.

  In case he’d forgotten who she was—which he had—the two men now standing in her room slammed him with a reminder. It was clear the man in the slick gray suit was Edward King. His white hair was sculpted back from his tan face with gel. The guy’s steel gray eyes honed in on him.

  Bryce ignored King’s angry glare and assessed the man who stood next to him. Had to be Avery’s ex. Who else would dress head to toe in Chicago Cubs apparel? The ensemble read like a walking advertisement that he played professional ball.

  Sure enough, Schwartz rushed to Avery’s bedside. “Avery… God, are you okay?” He touched her face and Bryce had to turn away. Two minutes ago, the world had tipped on its axis and he’d been the one kissing her, enjoying the warmth of her body against his, feeling that burn of hunger for more. But now everything was as it should be. Daddy and the rich, famous boyfriend coming to the rescue.

  “I’m fine,” Avery said quietly, eyes carefully avoiding her ex.

  Yeah. She was fine. But he wasn’t. The residual effects of that kiss still pounded through him in a mocking reminder.

  “What the hell is going on here?” Avery’s father addressed Bryce as if he was a kid who’d just gotten caught in his daughter’s bedroom.

  “Nothing,” Avery squeaked from her bed. “Nothing’s going on.”

  King pivoted and posted his hands on his hips, assuming that imposing-father stance. “You could’ve been killed,” he growled, then pointed at him. “And I hold you responsible, Walker.”

  Bryce had a hard time not rolling his eyes. How had he let himself get wrapped up in this? In her? This was exactly the kind of complication he didn’t need right now. Not when he was trying to get his life back together. A long inhale curbed the rising irritation. “I get why you’re upset—”

  “It wasn’t Bryce’s fault,” Avery interrupted. “It was mine. I asked him to take me riding.”

  Bryce shot her a look. He could talk for himself, thank you very much. He didn’t need her sticking up for him. Especially when her ex sat on her hospital bed gazing at her like a lovesick puppy.

  “Why would you go riding?” Edward demanded.

  “I wanted to see the scenery,” she mumbled. “It was all my idea. Mr. Walker had nothing to do with it.”

  He flinched at the way she said his name, all formal and indifferent. What, was she afraid her father would see something between the two of them? So what if he did? She might be tempted to play like nothing had happened between them, like that kiss didn’t affect her, but he knew better. He’d felt her legs give. He’d felt her clutch at his shirt. He’d felt her draw closer to him when she could’ve pulled away.

  “For God’s sakes. I am going to take care of this right now.” King rifled through an outside pocket of a leather briefcase that was slung over his shoulder. He pulled out a paper and waved it in front of Bryce. “This contract, Mr. Walker, will change your life.” The paper fluttered in his hand. “Twenty-three million dollars. And I know that’s generous based on what I’ve heard about your property.”

  What he’d heard? From whom?

  Avery’s steady glance out the window gave her away. Great. That was great. That’s why he’d caught her snooping around upstairs. She was reporting back to her father on what a hellhole his ranch was. Well, screw her.

  Bryce bounced his gaze back and forth between them. It was almost amusing how they thought he was just gonna roll over when they said 23 million dollars. He could give a damn about 23 million dollars, and he didn’t have a problem saying so. Fighting a smile, he shrugged. “No thanks.”

  King’s face turned a dangerous shade of red. These people obviously weren’t used to hearing the word “no,” but it happened to be one of his favorites.

  The man shuffled a step closer. “What’ll it take, Walker? What do you want for it?”

  “Nothing. It’s not for sale.”

  “There must be something that would help you part with it.” His voice was insanely controlled and quiet. Bryce recognized the tone. The calm before a storm.

  Blood pumped into his arms just like it had before those bar brawls. He could feel it, hot and fierce and prepping him to fight. But he didn’t drink anymore. He knew when to walk away. “I should go. Now that someone’s here to help her. I’ve got work to do.”

  “Wait.” Avery swung her legs over the side of the bed.

  Her ex gaped at her.

  King narrowed his gaze into a silent question.

  “I just…” Her hands clasped together. “I mean, if you leave, how will I get back to the lodge?”

  The look on her father’s face tempted him to double over with laughter. He suspected something was up, all right.

  He focused on Avery. “I assumed you’d be leaving.” She should leave. There was no reason for her to stay. When he wanted something, he went for it. He didn’t intend to play games, sneak around. Even if he took her back to the lodge, they weren’t free to explore what was behind the kiss. Not when she obviously thought hanging out with him was slumming it. Why else would she be so afraid of what her father thought?

  In a sudden, swift movement, King stepped aside, his rigid face almost relaxed. Bryce eyed him. Why the sudden change in demeanor? Why wasn’t he shoving the offer in his face again?

  “You can go, Mr. Walker.” King smiled. He actually smiled. “I’ll bring her to collect her luggage after we take care of things here.”

  Goody. That should be fun. After a formal nod to Avery, he stormed out of there.

  Edward King was probably formulating some sort of strategy to entice him to sell. But it wouldn’t work.

  Like he’d said, the ranch wasn’t for sale. To him, it was priceless.

  *

  This was wrong. All wrong.

  Avery looked down at Logan’s hand, which was still entwined with hers. His concerned expression heaped on the guilt. While Logan sat there holding her hand, the memory of Bryce’s kiss tingled on her lips, still very much alive.

  She couldn’t deny it. Instead of using her negotiating prowess to convince Bryce to sell his land, she’d fallen for him. Hard.

  Though her father stood over her, lecturing her about the dangers of horseback riding, thoughts of Bryce swirled in her mind. She wanted to explore why he gave her that jittery, overly-caffeinated feeling. She wanted to know what he’d been through that had made him so intense and deliberate and strong. She wanted him, period.

  “Are you listening to me?” Dad asked in his dramatic way, arms outstretched, palms tilted up.

  “Of course,” she lied.

  Logan let go of her hand. “You seem tired.” He leaned in and inspected the bandage on her forehead. “Are you sure they didn’t see anything on the CT scan? Concussions are dangerous.”

  Pressure built inside of her until she had to scoot away from him. Enough. She’d had enough. Even though she appreciated the concern, Logan shouldn’t be there. Her father, either. She could handle this. Bryce had started to trust her and she could convince him to sell, but it had to be her way. Which meant she had to remove the distractions, one by one.

  “Dad?” Avery edged off the bed and faced her father. “Can you give us a minute?”

  “Why would you need—?”

  “Out in the hall. Please.” Holding the flimsy hospital gown together, she strode to the door a
nd opened it for him, leaving no room for him to talk her out of it.

  “Fine. But this is not over, Avery.” His loafers thunked the floor in heavy, irritated steps, but after shooting one more stern glance over his shoulder he finally walked out.

  The second the door clicked, Logan approached her. “Sorry I never returned your calls,” he said before she could ask him what he was doing there.

  Hadn’t she made it clear they’d broken up? “Logan—”

  “I needed time to think.” He led her back to the hospital bed. They sat down, side by side. “It was stupid, proposing to you like that.”

  “No it wasn’t.” She nudged his shoulder. “It was sweet. Really. I just…” How could she say it without hurting him? “I don’t love you that way.” Passionately. Whole-heartedly. They’d never had that kind of chemistry…

  “I get it.” Those brown, calming eyes met hers, and she knew. He wasn’t mad at her. He didn’t hold any of it against her.

  “You’re one of my best friends, Aves.” He turned to her with a shrug. “I thought we could make it more, you know? But you’re right. It would’ve been a bad idea.”

  Her shoulders relaxed, loosening the knots of apprehension that had pulled her stomach tight when he’d walked into the room. “You’re one of my best friends, too. I hate that I humiliated you in front of the world.”

  Logan grinned. “I take full responsibility. You know how I get carried away. I never should’ve put you in that position.” He slung an arm around her. “And I could give a shit what the fans are saying. I’ll always want you in my life. That’s why I came out here. To make sure we’re still friends.”

  “Always.” A happy peace settled over her headache. “You deserve the best.” She meant it. He’d find the person he couldn’t live without. By tomorrow, he’d probably have a thousand potential wives lined up outside the stadium.

  “You do, too, Avery. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

  A picture of Bryce flashed in her mind. He wasn’t what she’d been looking for. Not at all, but…she seemed to have found him anyway. Her face got all hot and steamy. The sensation traveled lower until it engulfed her body.