Page 15 of Daddy in Disguise

Carter throws up his hands and rolls his eyes but says nothing.

“Yes,” I answer honestly, though I’m positive the doctor doesn’t agree.

“Well, you don’t seem to have a concussion, but you should still take it easy. No television or screen time. Get plenty of rest, and if you start having symptoms like nausea or dizziness, then you need to come back to the ER right away.”

I agree to all his terms, hoping it will get me discharged quicker. When he leaves the room, Carter exhales loudly. “This was torture,” he exclaims. “You were right. We shouldn’t have come.”

I try my best to hide my smirk but it’s nearly impossible. Carter scowls in my direction before tossing a wink my way. “I’m glad it’s not a concussion,” he says softly. “When you wouldn’t wake up right away, I was terrified.”

I hold my hand out, beckoning him. He’s slow to get out of the chair but in only a few steps, he’s beside me, clutching my hand and kissing the tips of my fingers.

“Thank you for taking care of me.”

“It’s my job.” His eyes close and his shoulders sag. “Your brother doesn’t understand the dynamic of our relationship.”

“I don’t think I quite understand it.”

His eyebrows pop up and a devilish smile slides across his lips. “You will, little bird. You’ll learn.”

A nurse interrupts our conversation but with good reason. She hands me my discharge paperwork, setting me free. Carter manages to commandeer a wheelchair and insists I sit in it. Being wheeled through the emergency room makes me feel silly but I know he won’t take “no” for an answer.

“I’m sorry this ruined your Halloween,” he tells me once we’re settled in his car. “I know how much you like passing out candy to the kids in your neighborhood.”

“You do?” A detail like that surprises me. I never thought Carter paid much attention to me, but I guess I was wrong.

His chuckle is soft as he places a hand firmly on my thigh. “I’ve had my eye on you, Sparrow Hart. I know everything about you.”

“We’ll put that theory to the test later but for now, I just want to lay down and sleep.”

“Your wish is my command but once you’re cleared for physical activity, there won’t be any sleep for the wicked.”

10

Carter

Today, I’m meeting Thatcher. Sparrow has no idea, and she won’t if her brother and I can’t find a way to make amends. It’s hard to believe he’d throw away years of friendship simply because of my membership to The Opal House. In fact, I’m positive it’s not the reason. While I wait, I sip a beer and send a text to Sparrow, checking on her.

“When are you going to let me see my sister?”

I set my phone down and look up at Thatcher. “When I’m confident you’re not going to act like an asshole,” I reply.

“I just want to protect her.”

“From whom, Thatcher? Me? What’s wrong with me dating your sister?” I use the term “dating” loosely because I don’t plan on dating Sparrow. I plan on getting her down the aisle and putting my ring on her finger as soon as possible.

“Aside from not asking my permission? I don’t want you tying her up and whipping her, or whatever fucking kinky shit you do to women. She’s not into that.”

“Are you sure about that?” I know I’m poking the bear, but Sparrow isn’t in high school anymore. She’s not an innocent virgin.

The muscles in Thatcher’s jaw tense and he crumples a napkin in his fist. “You better watch what you say about her.”

My eyes roll as I lift my glass and chug the rest of my beer. “Why don’t you tell me what your problem really is?”

“I already told you. I don’t want my sister to be abused just because it makes your dick twitch.”

I shake my head. “No, that’s not it. Try being honest with me.”

“I am being honest,” he insists.