Yours for Christmas (Fool's Gold #15.5)(19)

He bent down and actually picked her up. Like she was as light as a rag doll. Then the man carried her to the bench.

It all happened so fast, she didn’t know what to think. Once second she was on ice, the next she was perched on the bench.

Chloe hurried over. “Mom, what happened?”

“I fell. I’m fine.”

“She sprained her ankle,” Kenny said. “I want you checked out. We’re going to the hospital. They’ll take an X-ray, just to be sure.” He pulled Chloe close. “Don’t worry, kid. I’ll be with both you every step of the way.”

* * *

ONE X-RAY, a car ride and second trip in Kenny’s arms as he carried her up to her apartment later, Bailey found herself relaxing on her bed. The E.R. doctor had confirmed a mild sprain. Bailey was to take it easy for a couple of days. She had crutches, a compression bandage and instructions to use ice and an anti-inflammatory. The doctor had assured her she wouldn’t need the crutches more than a day or two. He’d also been impressed by Kenny’s skill in wrapping the compression bandage. No doubt the former NFL player had a lot of practice.

Kenny and Chloe disappeared into the kitchen only to return a few minutes later with a tray of hot chocolate and several cookies on a plate.

“We need a snack,” Kenny told her.

Chloe climbed up next to her mother while Kenny sat in the chair by Bailey’s small corner desk. He dwarfed the furniture, which should have looked silly but for some reason she found comforting.

Bailey accepted the mug of hot chocolate and wondered at the improbability of the situation. She’d thought about getting Kenny into her bedroom and it had happened. But somehow this was not the scenario she’d fantasized about.

“Are you feeling okay?” Chloe asked anxiously.

“Honey, I’m fine.” Bailey stroked her daughter’s hair. “I fell and I feel foolish. My ankle will be a lot better by tomorrow.”

“You have to use crutches.”

“Not for long. People get hurt and then they get better.”

Chloe nodded, but didn’t look convinced. Bailey was sure it was harder for her than for most kids. She’d already lost her father—she wouldn’t want to see her mother as vulnerable.

“I’m staying,” Kenny announced.

Bailey blinked at him. “Excuse me?”

“I’m going to sleep on the couch.”

A thrilling thought, but no. “That’s not necessary. I’m mobile.”

“What if you need to get down the stairs in the middle of the night? Your apartment is on the second floor and there’s no elevator. I’m staying.” He shrugged. “You can’t say no. You’re not in a position to throw me out. You can barely walk.” He winked at Chloe. “I can’t see your mom putting me on her shoulder and hauling me down the stairs, can you?”

Chloe giggled.

“So it’s agreed.”

Bailey opened her mouth, then closed it. Unexpected tears burned in her eyes and she knew if she spoke, she would lose control. The last thing she wanted was her daughter to see her cry.

It was Kenny, she thought, smiling and hoping neither of them noticed the sheen of moisture. Actually it was his actions. He was taking care of her and it had been so very long since she’d had a shoulder—however temporary—to lean on.

* * *

WHILE THE SOFA looked comfortable enough, Kenny knew it was going to be a long night. Although he had a nice pillow and plenty of blankets, there was no way he came close to fitting. Even if he didn’t have his feet hanging off the end, he was still not going to get any rest. Mostly because where he wanted to be was in Bailey’s bed, not her living room.

No way, he reminded himself. There were dozens of reasons—the most important of which was in the smaller, second bedroom. Chloe. A bright, sweet kid whom he adored. But at the end of the day, he wasn’t going to start to care about her only to lose her. Only a fool would expect a different outcome.

He punched the pillow a couple of times and closed his eyes. He’d nearly fallen asleep when he heard footsteps in the hallway. They were light and hesitant.

He saw up and turned on the light. Chloe stepped into view.

She had on a long flannel nightgown with pink flowers on it. Her bright red hair was pulled back in a braid and her eyes were huge. As he watched, a single tear slipped down her cheek.

He’d gone home to pick up sweats and a T-shirt to sleep in. He pushed aside the blankets and patted the sofa next to him. She crossed to him, but instead of settling beside him she threw herself at him and began to cry.

Bailey had been emotional earlier, he thought as he instinctively wrapped his arms round Chloe’s skinny body and held her close. A reaction to the accident, but still. Females and tears were a tough combination.

Not knowing what else to do, he let her cry for a few minutes. He rubbed her back and murmured reassuringly. Finally she raised her head and looked at him.

“I had a bad dream about my dad.”

“What was the dream?”

“He was lost and I couldn’t find him.”

He brushed he tears from her cheeks. “Yeah, that’s a bad one. It woke you up, huh?”

She nodded and sniffed.

“Can you keep real quiet for a minute?” he asked.

She nodded.