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“You’re what?” she asked.

“Coming on too strong. Just say the word, and I’ll back off. Okay?”

All of this was a lot to take in, and having Brett beside her, reminding her of the past and her still uncertain thoughts about it was confusing.

But did she want him to stop? Not really. She wanted that safety and kindness he offered. “Thanks. I’ll let you know.”

“So, back to Wolf Creek. Think about it, okay.”

She’d known about Wolf Creek Ranch before she left, but she’d never been there. It was well known in the area, and curiosity was pushing her forward.

“I’ll think about it.”

The door opened, jolting Thea out of the moment with Brett. The nurse walked in, smiling as always. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine.” Though, Brett’s offer left her reeling.

“Good. I’m just checking vitals. The physical therapist will be in shortly.”

“Thanks.”

Was there a guide to navigating a hospital stay while your handsome ex is being incredibly charming? If she accepted the offer to stay with Hadley until her injuries healed, how was she going to resist falling for Brett Patton again?

Chapter9

Brett

Thea tossed the dice onto the tray table. She leaned over to study the roll. “Two, three, four, six, six.” She let out a heavy sigh. “I already have a straight.”

“Go for sixes?” Brett offered. They’d played every game they could think of at this point, but she definitely favored Yahtzee.

“Do you like to read?” Brett asked.

They’d been trading questions and answers after every round, and he’d learned more about her in the last two days than he’d learned about anyone else in his life. Her green eyes practically sparkled when she talked about the things she loved, so Brett’s mission was to stumble upon those passions and explore them.

“Love it,” Thea said.

“What do you like to read?”

Thea narrowed her eyes at him, but a smile tugged on her lips. “That’s two questions, but I’ll allow it since they’re related. I love romance.”

Brett grinned. Of course, she would be a romance lover. He would have been surprised if she’d enjoyed thrillers, given the state of their past. “Like, the stable boy falls in love with the princess?”

“Romance novels are a dime a dozen, but I’m pretty picky about what I read. Thankfully, there are lots of books now without the…um…sex scenes.”

Brett pinched his lips together and stared at his scorecard, once again feeling incredibly lucky that Thea had given him a shot the first time. He’d have to work on being a much better man before he could ever come close to deserving another chance.

“I like the ones about emotional connections. You know, the ones where they save the world together and come out stronger on the other side.”

“I wish I’d asked that question sooner. I could have gotten you some books.”

Thea shrugged, clearly moving easier today than she had over the last few days. “I didn’t need a book. You’ve kept me entertained.”

That he had. He’d kept her so entertained that he’d been terrified of asking the questions he really wanted the answers to for fear of disturbing the lighthearted fun.

A knock sounded at the door, and a gray-haired nurse walked in. “Hello, hello!”

“Hey, Gladys,” Brett and Thea said in unison. Gladys had been Thea’s nurse for the last six hours, and they’d made fast friends with her.