Page 93 of Contentious

“Sounds to me like there’s lots to see here. I might stick around for a bit, so I don’t miss anything.”

“Gramps… Did you tell him?”

“Dad called him. He’ll bring him in later.”

“Hope he’s not upset.”

“It’s safe to say everyone you know is upset right now,” Jackson said.

“Sorry.”

“We’ll forgive you, but only because you didn’t die,” Roman said. “If you had, we never would’ve forgiven you.”

Carson licked his dry lips. “Good to know. Go get Cresley and Ty. Need to see them.”

“Should we tell her there’s nothing going on between you guys?” Jackson asked.

“Fuck off and go get her.”

His youngest brothers laughed as they hopefully went to see to his orders. Bratty little fuckers. He’d kick their asses as soon as he was able to, although, truthfully, they’d been able to take him for quite some time now as they spent way more time in gyms than he did these days. Maybe they’d give him a break because they were so grateful he’d survived.

Hard to believe he almost died. He could’ve hit the end of the road without telling Cresley…

What, exactly?

She needed to know he cared about her. And Ty. He’d tell her that the first chance he got.

* * *

Cresley wouldn’t have come if he hadn’t asked her to. Facing his traumatized family again in the ICU waiting room had been brutal, even if they’d warmly greeted her and Ty. Carson’s brothers had introduced themselves to Ty and shaken hands with him, making him feel like one of the guys, which was so sweet. His parents and sisters had also been kind to them, offering to watch Ty while she went in to see Carson.

“He’s driving us crazy asking for you,” Julian said. “Put us out of our misery.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Julian walked her to the room. “The doctors told us it looks worse than it is with all the machines and stuff. He’s been very much himself with us, so try not to worry too much. From what they’ve said, the worst is behind us.”

She nodded, thankful for his warning, especially when she stepped into the room and took in the full magnitude. Her knees wanted to buckle under her, but Julian was there with an arm around her, offering support she wouldn’t have thought she’d need.

“He’s okay, Cresley.”

Carson’s eyes opened, and his face lifted into a smile when he saw her there. “Come here.”

Cresley took a tentative step toward the bed, leaving Julian behind in the doorway. The door clicked shut when he left the room.

“Closer.” Carson raised a hand that was hooked to IVs, a heart monitor and other things. “I’m fine, and this was not your fault. Do you hear me?”

“You’re not fine, and it was my fault.” Tears slid down her cheeks as she took his hand. “I’m so sorry, Carson.”

“We’re not doing that. You didn’t stab me. He did, and we’re keeping the blame where it belongs.”

She dropped her head to his shoulder. “You could’ve died.”

Carson ran the fingers of his left hand through her hair. “I didn’t die, and everything is going to be fine.”

She shook her head.

“Yes, it is. Give me a kiss.”