Page 4 of More Than a Little Spark (Cowboys of Stargazer Springs Ranch #9)

Daphne

Daphne

W hen I open my eyes, Rose is leaning over the bed. “Please be okay, Daphne.”

I’m about to accuse her of lying when a thought grabs me.

What if Carson is married but didn’t have a ring on?

I’ve heard of some guys that don’t wear rings because of the risk of snagging it on something while working.

And other guys don’t wear wedding rings because they want the world to think they’re single.

All the other ranch hands I’ve met wear rings. So I proceed with my accusation. “You lied to me.”

She blinks. “What are you talking about?”

“You said all the ranch hands were married. But Carson doesn’t wear a ring.”

Grinning, she bites her lower lip. “You’re okay. I’m so relieved.”

“I’m not actually okay. I have tiny titanium plates in my foot, which unfortunately do not give me any superpowers.

I asked. And my ribs hurt, but I’m not having surgery for that.

Thankfully. And I’m pretty sure my car is totaled.

And the worst part of tonight was that I spent all that money on my Daphne costume but never even made it to the party. ”

“I’m so sorry. I asked Carson about the car, but he didn’t tell me it was totaled. And we can have another costume party.”

“Because I told him I didn’t want you to worry. As for the costume, they had to cut it off because it hurt too bad to take it off the right way. So I won’t be wearing that again. Now, why have you kept Carson a secret? Is he engaged or something? He’s the best thing that happened to me tonight.”

Rose shakes her head. “I don’t know. He was hired to replace Dallas. I don’t really know him all that well, but I think he’s single. Maybe. I’m not sure. He has a son, but I’ve never heard him mention a wife or girlfriend.”

I try to sit up, but my muscles aren’t ready for that. “Did he come to the hospital?”

“He’s in the waiting room with Dallas.”

I smile and close my eyes. “Tell him he was right. I did need to get checked out. Did he grab my phone?”

“Yes. And your purse.” Rose drags a chair close and sits. “When they let you out of the hospital, you can stay with me while you heal. And I can call your boss and let him know what’s going on.”

“I’ll just text him when I get my phone. He prefers texts. If Austin Graves had his way, he’d speak with no one but his wife on the phone.” I chuckle, then wince. When am I going to learn that cracking myself up is a bad idea?

I tell Rose what happened and how Carson rescued me. Then I clasp her hand. “I really need to know if he’s single.”

“I’ll find out.” She gives me a funny look.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

She lifts her shoulders and stares at me. Her wheels are turning, and the strain of figuring out how to word her thoughts is nearly audible.

“Just say it.”

“I’m surprised. That’s all. He doesn’t seem like your type. Especially since he’s a single dad.” She flashes an apologetic smile. “The guys you’ve gone out with before were… not like Carson.”

“I felt the spark, Rose. And I know I’d just been in an accident, and I might be swayed because he was the one who rescued me. But I felt it. And I really, really hope he felt it too.”

She squeezes my hand. “I’ll find out.”

“You can’t tell him what I just said though. About the spark. I don’t want to scare him off.”

“Mum’s the word.” She stands. “I’m going to go and let him come in for a bit. Is that okay? He’s been waiting hours to see you.”

“Yeah. How horrible do I look? My hair must be awful.” I try to smooth out the tangled mess, but holding up my arms hurts.

“Daphne, you are always stunning. You could cross the street in a garbage bag and stop traffic. You look fine.”

“Anyone crossing the street in a garbage bag would stop traffic. It’s weird.”

She laughs. “You know what I mean.”

After she leaves, I stare at the door, waiting for Carson. It’s so nice that he came up to the hospital and stayed so long. My mind is muddled with thoughts, and when he steps into the room, the dumbest thing pops out of my mouth.

“You buttoned up your shirt.”

He glances down and touches the buttons. “Yeah. No one here knows I’m in costume, and walking around with my shirt unbuttoned just looks creepy. It doesn’t make people think of Magnum PI.”

“I recognized the costume. My mom used to watch reruns of that show. You know, before we could stream whatever we wanted.”

“Back in the days when it was cool for men to have chest hair.”

I laugh, then pinch my lips together. “Stop. You can’t be funny.”

“Oh. Sorry.” He shoves his hands in his pockets. “There goes my personality.”

“Stop!” I hold my sides.

“Dang it. I’m so sorry. I wasn’t trying. Honest. I just…” He steps closer and lays my purse and phone on the bed. “I brought these. But if you want me to give them to Rose, I can do that. And I have a charge cord for that kind of phone in my truck, and I might even have a brick. I’ll have to look.”

“That would be great. Thank you. I’ll keep my phone. But you can give my purse to Rose. I doubt she’s going anywhere until they let me out of here.”

“Probably not. She was really worried about you.” He moves toward the door. “Let me check my truck.”

“Okay.”

He seems like he’s in a hurry to leave. Which seems weird since he waited so long to see me.

A few minutes later, he’s back. “I have a cord but no brick. However, I’ll be back here in the morning with a charger brick. Will that work?”

“Yes.” I push my phone toward him. “Give me your number so that if I need anything else, I can text you.”

“Sure.” He holds out the phone for me to type the unlock code, then he adds himself to my contacts. “How’s the foot? Or was it the ankle?”

“The foot. Ankle is likely a bad sprain. Nothing broken in there though. And whatever they gave me for pain hasn’t worn off, so I’m not feeling bad. Yet.”

“They’ll probably keep giving you stuff for the pain, I’m guessing.” He hovers near the edge of the bed.

“When you come back tomorrow, maybe I’ll know where they put your coat. I didn’t mean to take it with me.”

“It’s fine.”

It takes active willpower not to ask about his son. I want to let him bring it up. “I hope I didn’t mess up a date or anything. You looked like you were dressed for a costume party.”

“Nah. I always run around dressed like Magnum PI. It makes me feel cool.” His eyes widen. “Crap. Sorry. I have a hard time turning off the sarcasm.”

“We both played our roles well. Daphne ended up in danger, and you solved the case with your dash cam.”

He flashes a half smile. “I sent it. But who knows if they’ll be able to find him.”

My eyelids droop, much to my frustration. I’m enjoying the conversation, but if he thinks I’m sleepy, he’ll leave.

So I ask a question. “Have you ever been to Hawaii?”

“Is that a question for me or are you dreaming?” He’s leaning over the bed.

I force my eyes open. “For you. Magnum. Hawaii. Are you hiding a red Ferrari somewhere?”

“Sadly, no. My life is not that exciting.” He touches my hand, and I can feel the sizzle.

I fight the urge to grab his hand.

He flashes a kind smile. “You rest. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Promise?”

He nods. “And cross my heart.”

“Bye, Carson. See you in the morning.” I pat his hand, then give up fighting sleep and succumb to exhaustion and meds.