“Don’t you fucking take her before I get the chance to tell her how I feel,” Ian mumbled, as he wiped his mouth with his sleeve. He wasn’t speaking to anyone or at least not anyone visible. He’d never survive if she didn’t make it.
Chapter 4
“I’ve got every right to be in this room.” A familiar male voice bellowed, but she couldn’t quite figure out who it was.
“Look, old man, she may be your daughter but when have you ever given a shit about anyone but yourself?” Another male voice but she knew that voice.
“Dad, please just leave.” She knew that voice too because she’d heard that voice for a lot longer than the other two.
“I’m not moving from this room until I know exactly how my daughter is.” Now she knew who it was. Stewart Michaels, her father or as her brother referred to him, the sperm donor.
The arguing continued, but she didn’t pay attention to it since she was concentrating on getting her eyes to open. It was hard, but as the first flicker of light entered, she slammed them shut again. The brightness was painful, and she groaned.
“She’s waking up,” Kim said. “Brad, go get the nurse.”
Her brother was the one yelling at her father, but that wasn’t anything new. She opened her eyes again, and at first, everything was fuzzy. It wasn’t as bright either. It looked like Kim had turned down the lights.
“Sandy, it’s ok. You’re gonna be fine.” Several blinks and her sister started to come into focus. Her eyes were red making it obvious she’d been crying.
“Of course, she’s going to be fine.” Sandy turned her head slowly toward her father’s voice. What the hell was he doing here anyway? “She’s from good stock or at least on my side.” Really? He was going to downgrade her mother. Now.
“Dad, please stop.” Kim sighed. He always did this.
Ian’s grandmother once told her that her father did it because deep down he knew he wasn’t half the parent Evelyn was, and it was his way of trying to build up his ego. Even if it was true, Sandy didn’t like it.
“Kimberly, don’t tell me what to do. I’m just saying my genes gave you kids the strength to get through tough times.”
“Old man, if I hear you say one more word against Sandy’s mother or ours for that matter the only thing you’re gonna find out is how hard my fist feels against your face.” Brad hated their father and made no bones about how much. Brad stood next to the bed and took Sandy’s hand.
“See there’s your mother’s side.” Stewart spat.
“You fucking asshole. My mother worked two fucking jobs to support me and put me through school with no fucking help from you.” Brad’s face was blood red, and Sandy squeezed his hand. When it came to their father, he could never control his temper.
“I offered your mother money and a house, but she didn’t want it unless I married her.” Stewart’s face was as red as Brad’s was. It seemed her brother had inherited their father’s temper.
“Imagine that. Wanting the father of her child to marry her.” Brad growled through his teeth. “I know it’s not a fucking concept you’d understand, but some men do step up to the plate with the mothers of their children instead of going right out and knocking up another woman.”
“Stop!” Sandy tried to yell, but it came out more of a raspy whisper. They didn’t hear her because they were yelling. Kim had moved in front of Brad to stop him from lunging at Stewart. She cleared her throat and before she had a chance to open her mouth the door to her room slammed open.
“What the hell is going on in here?” The deep soothing voice made her heart thud against her chest. “You do realize you’re in a hospital? This may be a private room but it isn’t sound proof, and people can hear you through the entire floor.”
Ian.
“I’m sorry, Ian.” Kim kept her position between Stewart and Brad.
“You don’t have to apologize, Kim. It wasn’t your voice I heard coming down the hall.” Ian’s voice was firm and sexy as hell. “You do realize Sandy was hurt last night and the last thing she needs is this racket?”
“Young man, I don’t know who you think you are, but this is none of your business. Do you have any idea who I am?” It was the tone Stewart used when he was trying to intimidate people, and Sandy couldn’t help but smile because her father was about to get an earful.
“First of all, Mr. Michaels, it is my business when people are disturbing my patients. Also, it is my business when you’re also disturbing my dearest and closest friend.” Sandy could finally see him as he walked between her brother and father. He was beautiful stood over her father like an avenging angel, and all she could do was stare. “Oh, and I’m aware of who you are Mr. Michaels, and with all due respect I don’t give a flying fuck.” She stifled a laugh when her father’s jaw dropped open. “Now visiting hours are over, and if you would like I can have you escorted, I suggest you leave and don’t return until you’ve learned how to control your behavior.” Her father didn’t move, but she wasn’t sure if it was defiance of or if he was just in a state of shock that someone would dare speak to him the way Ian had.
“What about them?” Stewart finally spoke, and it was the first time she’d heard a quiver in his voice.
“We’re leaving too, Ian, but I’m just going to say bye to Sandy.” Kim smiled and walked next to her bed. She leaned down and whispered in Sandy’s ear. “That man is so damn hot.” She giggled, as she kissed Sandy’s cheek.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Sandy smiled.
“Ian, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb anyone. It’s just when I’m around him….” Brad stopped.
“I know, Brad, but in the future, if both of you can’t be in the same room together then you should probably wait until he isn’t here.” Ian squeezed Brad’s shoulder. Ian was aware of the tension between Brad and her father. Sandy had told Ian all about the strained relationship.
“I’ll see you later, honey. Get better.” Brad walked next to the bed and kissed her cheek and then followed Kim out of the room without a glance back at Stewart.
“Good night, Mr. Michaels.” Ian held open the door, and her father actually took the hint. He nodded toward Sandy and sauntered out of the room.
“Are you okay?” Ian pulled a chair next to her bed.
“Well my head hurts, I can’t see out of one eye, and I feel like a truck hit me.” She smiled when Ian laughed at her comment. “Okay, so it was a car, but it still hurt and other than being utterly humiliated that you had to come in to tell my father and brother to be quiet, I’d say I’m on top of the world.”
“I hope you didn’t mind me kicking them out?” Ian took her hand, and the warmth radiated up her arm and through her entire aching body.
“Hell no. I was trying to get someone’s attention, but my throat feels like I swallowed a knife. Which reminds me, I’d be your best friend if you’d get me a glass of water.” She smiled but winced, when pain jolted through her cheek.
“That’s gonna be a little tender for a while.” Ian gave Sandy a small paper cup filled with cold water.
“I guess I shouldn’t be trying to stop cars with my face, huh?” She joked and after she gulped down the water.
“If you’d stayed behind the computers like you’re supposed to, that wouldn’t have happened.” He crossed his arms over his massive chest and glared at her.
“You know computers are dangerous too. Just the other day I tripped over a cord and almost went face first into the wall.” Sandy waved the cup in front of him, and he filled it again.
“It’s not funny, Sandy. You scared the shit out of my family and me.” He sat on the edge of her bed and took her hand in both of his. Why couldn’t she tell him how she felt? How the best part of her day was spending time with him? She’d forgiven him a long time ago for standing her up because since he moved next door to her, they’d spent almost every evening together.
“I’m sorry.” She slid her hand out of his because it felt too good.
“Stephanie and Marina said they want Uncle Kurt to suspend all the officers that allowed the guy to escape and hit you.” Ian shoved his hands into his front pockets. “They also gave A.J. an earful because apparently, he shouldn’t have let you get hurt.” Ian chuckled.
“Poor A.J. It really wasn’t his fault.” She felt sorry Aaron was getting shit because of her error in judgment. She’d jumped out of the car before the other cruiser had been in place in front of the guy’s car and he took off clipping her with the corner of the front bumper. Most of the injuries were from her hitting the ground.
“I’m sure A.J. is taking it all in stride. Nothing bothers him.” Ian smiled, and it was an amazing smile. He was different than any other guy she dated because of his mild and even temperament. Ian was a wall of solid muscle, but that was because he worked out at least a couple of hours a day. From the bits and pieces, she got from his family, he’d thrown himself into working out when his ex-girlfriend left him. It was his way of dealing with the pain, and he’d said once it was better than drowning himself in a bottle.
“I guess you’re right.” She met his bright blue eyes, and it became hard to breathe. It happened every time she stared into blue pools. There’d been a few times where she thought he’d kiss her, but he always backed away. Sandy knew she was in love with him, but couldn’t tell him, and it scared her to death that maybe someday he’d find someone else, and she’d lose him forever.
She closed her eyes to keep the hot tears from falling. Just the thought of Ian with someone else was heartbreaking to her.
“Whoa.” He cupped her face in his hands. “What’s with the tears?” She opened her eyes and covered his hands with hers. His eyes searched hers, and for a second she thought about telling him exactly what was wrong.
“It’s just been a long couple of days and the fight with Brad and my father, it’s just getting to me.” She lied because she couldn’t make herself tell him the truth.
“Are you sure, because if you’re in pain, I can get the nurse to give you something?” He stood up and pulled his hands away from her.
“No. I hate that stuff. It makes me feel all loopy.” She moaned, and Ian chuckled as he sat back down next to her.
“It’s pretty potent.” He pushed one of her stray curls behind her ear. “Last night was one of the most frightening nights I spent in the ER.” He ran his thumb down her cheek, and she held her breath. “When A.J. called and said you were hurt….” He cupped her cheek and leaned toward her. “Don’t ever do that to me again.” He whispered as he moved closer and her eyes closed. The slight brush of his lips against hers had her heart beating a mile a minute.
“Ian.” She breathed.
“I can’t take this anymore, Sandy,” Ian whispered. His hand slid behind her head, and his mouth covered hers. Dear God, he was kissing her or was she dreaming?
Chapter 5
What the hell was he doing? The woman was recovering from being hit by a car, and here he was devouring her mouth, but damn, she tasted good. He needed to stop before he lost his mind completely, but when he pulled away, she grabbed the front of his shirt and held him close, so their faces were only inches apart. Her eyes were still closed, and he ran his thumb across her bottom lip.
“Sandy, look at me.” He whispered. Her eyes opened, and he smiled. “Say something.” She stared into his eyes.
“You waited until I look like I went a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson, to kiss me.” She sighed.
“You’re still the most beautiful woman in the world to me.” He brushed his knuckle against her cheek.
“You really need to get those eyes checked, doc.” She smiled.
“No, I don’t, but I do want to ask you something.”
“What’s that?” She ran her hand across his cheek.
“How do you feel about me, Sandy?” He needed to know that it wasn’t just him and kissing her only made him fall even deeper in love with her.
“I’m scared to say it out loud. I don’t want to lose you as a friend. Next to Stephanie, you’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”
“Don’t be scared, Churchie.” He called her by the nickname he gave her when she started calling him Doc. “No matter what you say to me, I’ll never let anything ruin our friendship. I’ll tell you a little secret. My brothers think they’re my best friends, but the truth is you took that spot a long time ago.” She smiled. “But the feelings I have for you are much deeper than friendship.” Her sweet little mouth dropped open, and he chuckled as he put his finger under her chin and closed it. “I’ve been in love with you for so long that it feels like forever.”
“You love me?” She squeaked.
“I should’ve told you long ago, but when things got fucked up with that date, I thought I’d lost my chance.”
“You love me?” She said again, and this time a tear ran down her cheek.
“Yes, I love you, Sandy Churchill and I swear if you give us a chance I won’t fuck it up this time.” Ian cupped her face in his hands and brushed his lips against hers.
“I love you, too.” She sobbed as he stared into her glistening eyes.
“When you get out of here we’re going to take a second stab at that first date.” Ian smiled.
“It shouldn’t be too awkward since we already got the first kiss out of the way.” She giggled.
“You’re right, but right now you need to get some rest.” He kissed her cheek, and she lay back on the bed. Ian pulled the blanket up over her and stood up next to the bed. “Close your eyes, beautiful, and sleep. If all your tests are okay, you should be able to go home tomorrow.”
“You think so?” She covered her mouth to hide a yawn.
“I know so. I got an inside scoop with your doctor.” Ian winked, and she smiled.
“You know I’ve got a really sexy doctor.” She turned on her side and tucked her hands under her cheek.
“Is that so? Well, your doctor has a very sexy patient.” Ian crouched down, crossed his hands on the bed and rested his chin on his hands, so his eyes were level with hers.
“You do love me?” Her eyes fluttered closed.
“Yes, sweetheart. I do love you. Now sleep.” Ian watched her for a few minutes until her breathing became deep and even. Even with the swollen eye and the scratches on her face, she was still the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen and finally telling her how he felt was like he’d lifted the weight of the world off his shoulders. Of course, knowing she felt the same way made things a whole lot better.
The next morning, Ian won the argument with Stephanie over who was bringing Sandy home from the hospital. His sister-in-law gave him hell about waiting so long to open up to Sandy, but she was excited that he’d finally told her.
“You better not screw this up this time.” Stephanie followed him to his car with her eight-month-old baby girl on her hip. Olivia was the spitting image of her mother, but of course, she had the O’Connor blue eyes and dimples. She giggled at Ian when he tickled her.
“I’m not going to make that mistake again.” Ian kissed Stephanie’s cheek. “What the hell are you feeding this kid. She’s growing like a weed.”
“I know, but she’s isn’t as big as her cousin.” Stephanie chuckled referring to James and Marina’s baby boy. He was two weeks older than Olivia, but baby Colin was the size of a two-year-old.
“I don’t know how Marina carries that kid around.” Ian chuckled.
“Wait a minute! Don’t change the subject, Ian O’Connor. I mean it, if you hurt Sandy again, I don’t care what type of belt you have in Karate I’ll beat you to death with it. Got me?” Stephanie poked him in the chest once for every word. If she weren't such a tiny little thing, he’d be a little scared.
“I won’t hurt her, Steph. I love her.” Ian met her eyes, and she stared at him for a moment, but she must have seen something because she smiled.
“Well, don’t make her wait any longer go get her and bring her home.” Stephanie motioned to the jeep.
The whole drive back from the hospital Sandy was quiet, and it made him a little uneasy. She’d seemed happy to see him when he picked her up, but once they were on the road back to Hopedale, her expression changed. Maybe she was having doubts, but he hoped not because it would gut him.
“Are you okay?” He broke the silence as they reached the halfway point back home.
“I'm fine.” She sighed, and she turned to look at him.
“You’ve been quiet.” Ian glanced at her.
“Sorry. My father called just before you got there and wanted me to…. No demanded that I stay with him until I was well. I told him I was going back home, and he proceeded to do what he always does and make fun of people who live in small communities, and how a daughter of his shouldn’t be living around such common people.” She took a deep breath. “I’ve been dealing with that type of attitude from him since I finally gave in and agreed to a relationship with him.”
“Don’t let him get to you, sweetheart.” He’d heard stories of Stewart Michaels. He was one of the best lawyers in the province, and for the most part, he gave the appearance of being a nice person, but he did have a reputation of looking down on blue collar people.
“I know it just pisses me off because he downgrades people like me, Brad and Kim.” She sighed. “It’s like he’s looking down on us and it pisses me off.”
“Well, how about we get you home and I’ll cook supper, and we can forget all about him for tonight.” Ian turned off the highway onto the road leading to Hopedale.
“Sounds like heaven.” She smiled as he took her hand and brought it to his lips.
It took a little convincing, but he did convince her to stay with him for a couple of days because of the concussion. Once he’d brought her into her house to get a few things she needed they had a heated discussion over her sleeping in his bed. She didn’t want to kick him out of his own bed and have him sleep on the couch. He didn’t want to sleep there either, but he couldn’t sleep in the same bed with her and not want to make up for lost time.
Dangerous Secrets (O'Connor Brothers Book 3) Page 3
