Sweet Billionaire Stepbrother(10)

Talk? I was going to freaking chew him out for this. What the hell was the man thinking?

“I did good didn’t I? I made it all the way to the ladies room by myself.” I loved how she was seeing the positive in this even though she’d fallen down. At least her spirit was still strong in spite of everything she had endured since a drunk driver had smashed into her side of the car. At least she was still alive, even though her life would never be the same.

“Yes, you did, Carmen. In a few more weeks you’ll be okay to walk there and back by yourself. You did so well, I’m so proud of you.”

Carmen grinned, her humiliation forgotten for a moment. Thank God I was there to help her.

Her gaze went over my head to someone behind me. “Help me up please. We’re in the way.”

I turned my head, thinking it might be her uncle. I needed to give the man a piece of my mind for allowing this to happen. Stunned, I looked up to see Grayson instead. How long had he been standing there?

He took a few long strides toward us and kneeled down next to me. His brow was knitted with concern. “Let me help you, Layla. I’ll lift her.”

I blew out a sigh of relief. My knight in shining armor to the rescue. “Carmen, this is my stepbrother, Grayson, and he’s a doctor. Grayson, this is one of my patients. I call her Miss Brightside because she’s such a trooper.”

“Hello, Carmen. That’s such a lovely name. I love meeting pretty girls and even more so if Layla is taking care of you.”

Carmen giggled and fluttered her lashes at him. Goodness, she was only ten years old and she was already caught by his charm. I chuckled softly.

“I said something funny?” His eyebrow shot up as he gave me a bemused look.

“You’d charm the panties off a nun,” I replied as I winked at Carmen.

The way his lips curled into a wicked grin was hot as hell. Funny whenever we were in a situation like this—and there had been several over the years—there was usually no awkwardness, just a mutual understanding of what to do to help somebody in need. But today there was something between us that I couldn’t put my finger on.

Something extra.

“Well, you’re in luck today, Miss Brightside. Dr. Handsome has really strong muscles. Feel here.” I lay my hand on Grayson’s arm and squeezed. Oh my. My stomach fluttered as he smiled down at me and Carmen, making a funny face as he flexed his muscles.

“You think I’m handsome, do you?” The mischievous twinkle in his eyes was unmistakable.

“Maybe.” Hell YES, I do.

His arm was rock hard and so f*cking sexy, I had to clench my thighs together for a few seconds. Holy hell, what was he doing to me that made my body react like this? I quickly withdrew my hand and turned away, not wanting him to see the effect his closeness was having on me.

Carmen laughed and replaced my hand with both of hers. Her mouth gaped as she squeezed his bicep. “Wow, they’re hard as rocks. Guess Layla’s right, you are strong.”

“He’s going to pick you up okay?” I kept my gaze on Carmen even though I could feel him watching me.

Trying my damn best to keep my voice even, I asked, “Will you please carry her back to her Uncle? I need a word with the man.”

Grayson lifted her as if she were a feather. From the corner of my eye I watched as he bent down and planted a light reassuring kiss on her forehead. I loved how he wasn’t afraid to show affection or kindness. His lips on anyone’s forehead would make their day, and even Carmen wasn’t immune to his sweetness.

Her body relaxed into him and she placed her head against his chest. “Mum and Daddy have been fighting a lot. I hate it when they scream at each other.” The forlorn expression on her face tugged at my heartstrings. Her sad eyes begged me as she continued, “Please don’t tell Uncle Tim I fell down, because if he tells them, I’m scared they’ll start fighting again.”

Alarm bells went off in my head. Carmen had also mentioned that her mother was at the doctor earlier. Caring for a disabled or injured person could put a huge strain on any relationship, no matter how stable. I made a mental note to speak with Carmen’s mother the next time they came to therapy. Maybe she needed extra help coping with her daughter.

Grayson’s gravelly voice interrupted my thoughts. “Layla, I understand that you want to have strong words with Uncle Tim, but leave this to me, okay? You keep Miss Brightside busy and I’ll have a talk with the man and explain how to care for his niece when she is under his supervision. Is that okay with you?”

My eyes misted up and a frog lodged itself in my throat, so I just nodded. It would be hard to hide my anger in front of Carmen. I guess Grayson understood her fears as much as my need to not have anything like this happen to the little girl again.

“Thank you,” I said simply.

“Always,” he said softly.

God, Grayson’s an angel.

“And by the way . . . you looked amazing taking care of Carmen. You’ll be a wonderful mum one day to some very lucky kids.”

I laughed. “I’d need a husband first.”

His eyes shone with something I couldn’t name. “Lucky, lucky man. I wish it could be me.”

Really? My mouth opened and closed again. I was speechless.

Stunned, I stood watching his wide back as he strode off with Carmen in his arms into the restaurant in search of her uncle. My cheeks were on fire as I followed him, not taking my eyes off his ass.